Executive Director Job Description
The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is seeking applicants for the position of Executive
Director (ED).
The ED is the chief executive responsible to the Board of Directors (Board) for the daily
activities of the Chamber. This includes administrative, operational, personnel and financial
requirements. He/she should be passionate about advocating on the behalf of businesses and
Chamber members, fostering relationships with elected, community, and business leaders,
managing community events and outreach, plus supporting economic growth.
Since 1946, the Chamber serves and promotes the business interests of greater Whidbey
Island and Island County area. It is a dynamic, growing community of businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and affiliates. The Chamber is the largest chamber in Island County with
approximately 500 members. It has a staff of 4 during shoulder season and relies on
ambassadors and volunteers during peak season and events.
Specific requirement and responsibilities:
Community Leadership: The ED is one of the most visible and influential Whidbey Island
community leaders.
Reporting: The ED reports to the Board in accordance with Chamber by-laws.
Board Relationship: The ED builds and maintains strong relationships and communications with
the Board. Additionally, the ED will work with the Board President to plan and organize board
meetings, plus coordinate plans and agendas. This includes ensuring timely selection of new
board members and officers, tracking terms for each board member.
Economic Guardianship: Whidbey Island has several economic engines including the navy base,
tourism, government (i.e., schools, police …) and the general business community. The ED will
both promote and protect these interests.
Program and Event Planning: The ED oversees the event schedule, design, implementation,
budget, profitability, and structure for the Chamber’s programs and all events.
Capital Improvements Forecasting: The ED will create a short-range and long-range capital
improvement plan with finance options.
People Skills: The ED needs highly developed interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence,
with exceptional communication abilities. These skills will be both in writing and orally with
members, potential members, elected leaders, outside organizations, media outlets, and the
Board.
Work Disposition: Self-motivation and poise are a must, as are the abilities to organize, plan,
lead and manage at both a macro and micro levels. The ED will demonstrate a high standard of
integrity, work ethic, trustworthiness, and personal responsibility.
Strategic Planning and Implementation: At the direction of the Board, the ED creates and
implements the strategic plan for the Chamber. Strategic vision with extensive and nuanced skills
to drive change, mission fulfillment, and operational outcomes is necessary for a successful ED.
Fundraising: The ED oversees all fundraising and is responsible for the Chamber’s philanthropic
relations, sponsorship engagement, grant writing, and program growth. ED will seek out new
opportunities and grow existing opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships. Plus, the ED
will locate and apply for diverse grants as a critical source of Chamber funding.
Members Services: The ED is responsible for the overall performance of the Chamber’s
membership activities including membership acquisition, stewardship, and retention. He/she
must possess the ability to demonstrate the value of the Chamber to current and potential
members and sponsors.
Program Services Management: The ED should have a broad knowledge of the Whidbey
community, with acumen for industry, indicators, entrepreneurship, and innovation, particularly
concerning small business and major event planning.
Leadership: The ED will demonstrate skills in human resource development, team building,
motivation, and performance management, plus will be adept at coalition building and
relationship management.
Political environment: The ED will have a strong understanding of the political landscape for
collaboration with civic leadership and partner organizations. The ED represents the Chamber on
a variety of public issues at the local and state level, which require him/her to develop accurate
knowledge, platforms, messaging, advocacy channels, and strategic relationships. The ED and
Chamber are and shall remain a nonpartisan Chamber with the capability to work with all elected
leaders.
Nonprofit Governance and Operations: The ED ensures the Board, governance bodies, staff,
volunteer leaders and ambassadors are actively engaged and aligned to support the mission and
functional activities of the Chamber.
Finance and Accounting: The ED has full responsibility for profit and loss, fiscal stability, and
compliance. The ED ensures the Chamber establishes and follows generally accepted accounting
and financial best practices that ensures organizational safety and soundness, achieves budget
targets, sustains operations, and grows capacity for new initiatives.
Negotiations and Agreements: Whether a membership trade or a carnival contract, the ED will
always represent the Chamber’s mission and vision, and its financial best interests.
Marketing: The ED will create and implement the annual marketing plan. From conception to
market. This includes both print and digital media engagement.
Visitor Information Center: The ED will manage employees training and activities which
provide information and advice to travelers and visitors about local attractions, events, dining,
travelling, and accommodation.
Public Relations/Outreach: The ED is responsible for creating and maintaining a dynamic and
forward-thinking public image for the organization. The ED will maintain, nurture, and seek out
new partnerships, including strategies for marketing, communications, digital content and
tracking, media relations, community relations, serving on community boards and public
speaking.
Board of Directors /Membership by the ED:
As much as possible, the ED attends meetings with government and community organizations
which share common priorities. These include, but are not limited to:
Economic Development Commission board
Military Childcare task force
Embrace Whidbey & Camano
Island County Health Advisory Board
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business administration, non-profit management, marketing, or a
related field preferred. Substantial relevant experience may be considered in lieu of
preferred education
Related experience should include a minimum of 5 years of successful experience in
executive management and/or leadership positions within the private, public, or nonprofit sectors demonstrating progressively greater responsibility with a focus in
fundraising, marketing, event management, and public relations
Ability to lead an effective team and develop the Chamber staff
Grant writing experience and ability
Fund raising skills with strong aptitude with sponsors and stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to facilitate group
presentations
Ownership attitude, with focus on key priorities
Effective communicator who connects with staff, organization members, event partners,
and the community
Innovative thinker who brings new ideas to the table
Ability to build relationships with community groups and individuals
Strong customer service skills with ability to problem solve
Thorough knowledge of state/federal regulations concerning nonprofits
View the posting at the link below
https://business.oakharborchamber.com/jobs/info/executive-and-management-executive-director-247