Chamber Executive Job Opening - West Suburban Executive Director Job Description

Executive Director

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry represents for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in

8 communities including Hodgkins, Countryside, Western Springs, La Grange, McCook, Indian Head Park, La

Grange Park and Willow Springs. The Executive Director acts as the chief executive and administrative officer

of the Chamber and oversees all the functions of the office and the organization, serving as coordinator, advisor,

membership recruiter, and member advocate. Additionally, the Executive Director works collaboratively with

the Foundation Director to provide support for Foundation projects as well as working to maintain and

strengthen relationships with the leadership of represented municipalities.

AUTHORITY:

The Executive Director is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Board of Directors and is

accountable to the Board and Board President.

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the Chamber office operates in accordance with the

Bylaws. When the Bylaws do not address a situation or procedure, the Executive Director shall act in

accordance with the Executive Committee’s direction. Suggestions and ideas for activities or projects outside

the normal scope of Chamber work, which requires significant staff time or unbudgeted funds shall require the

approval of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director may be supported by a full or part-time paid

Assistant, contractual (freelance) employees and/or volunteers as circumstances require. The Executive

Director is responsible for maintaining employment records and training, supervising, and reviewing office

staff members regarding the procedures and expectations of the Chamber.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Executive Director holds a high-profile position requiring broad experience with both for-profit and notfor-profit organizations, the ability to multitask and at a high level in a fast-paced environment of tight

deadlines and overlapping priorities. The Executive Director will also be proactive and forward thinking with

the objective of increasing the vitality, effectiveness and influence of the WSCCI and its mission to serve as an

advocate for business and constantly promote and assist in enhancing the well-being of the communities that

served through networking, professional development, and legislative involvement. Proficiency with Microsoft

Office suite is required. Specific requirements and experience include a verifiable track record of execution

and achievements in:

 Sales and/or marketing efforts and ideas

 Project management

 Office management

 Leadership

 Community and Municipality outreach

 Bachelor Degree preferred

HOURS:

As the Executive Director serves as not only office manager but also event coordinator and administrator, the

position involves both normal office hours (9a.m. – 4 p.m.) and evening and weekend meetings and events.

Flexibility with schedule is essential.

Membership

The Executive Director is responsible for retaining, recruiting, maintaining and enhancing the Chamber’s

connection with member businesses and organizations.

1. Retain Member Businesses

a. Visit and communicate with current members to ascertain member needs

b. Update database

c. Send out renewals

d. Contact members for past due renewals

e. Present monthly membership reports to Chamber Board

2. Solicit New Members

a. Communicate with municipalities to keep informed on new and potential businesses to the area

b. Update new member packet/pocket folder

c. Maintain a sales planner to ensure/complete sales calls to potential new members

d. Present new member names to board

e. Maintain and update Member Handbook

3. Plan Member and Board events

a. New member events

b. Business-After-Hour events

c. Chamber Board and Committee meetings including meeting minutes

b. Maintain and strengthen relationships with local municipalities

Event Coordination /Sources of Income

The ED is responsible for planning, developing, executing and evaluating the financial and operational success

of events and other sources of income and activities. Additionally, the Director is charged with developing new

sources of revenue growth to ensure the fiscal strength of the WSCCI. Example sources of revenue for the

Chamber include:

 Memberships

 Sponsorships

 Marketing Activities, i.e. membership directory, Ads

 Member Events, i.e. Awards Gala, Networking Lunches, Holiday Luncheon

Interfacing and Communicating with Local Municipalities

The Executive Director will communicate and meet regularly with leaders of the municipalities served by the

WSCCI to advocate for and on behalf of both the local governments as well as local businesses. The

responsibility of maintaining communication with local governmental leaders also includes legislators

representing the WSCCI at the county, state and federal levels of government. Finally, the ED will partner with

local municipal leaders to foster greater participation of anchor businesses in the local communities.

Chamber Web and Print Content/Publications

The Executive Director maintains responsibility for coordinating the information contained in various sources

of communication including e-mail, print and web communications. This includes remaining current with and

monitoring of social media outlets such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Oversight includes but is not limited to:

1. Collecting editorial content and copy

2. Obtaining photos from Chamber events

3. Coordinating the publication/release of communication

4. Ensuring website is current and user friendly




OPERATIONS

Budget:

The Executive Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining the Chamber budget and monitoring

income and expenditures.

1. Development

a. Work with Treasurer and Executive Committee to establish working budget

b. Meet regularly with Treasurer and Executive Board to monitor progress

2. Implementation

a. Maintain accurate records of all income and expenditures

b. Ensure expenditures remain within budget

c. Receive payments and perform bank deposits

d. Assign and review Quickbooks reports to part-time office manager/bookkeeper

e. Submit Quickbooks reports to Treasurer

Office Management

The Executive Director is responsible for directing office operations, delegating tasks as needed to carryout and

fill obligations of position and managing support staff.

1. Supervise and review support staff

a. Develop and maintain an office schedule

b. Secure reliable daily phone coverage, message-taking and response during office hours (9am - 4pm)

2. Ensure proper maintenance of office equipment,

3. Maintain supply closet inventory of office supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.

4. Implement other initiatives as needed to support WSCCI

Source: WSCCI email