Organization Profile:

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization and catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley.  The organization houses the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the Santa Maria Valley Economic Development Commission, the Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau, the Santa Maria Valley Tourism Marketing District (BID) and the Santa Maria Community Foundation 501(c) (3), in helping the Santa Maria Valley, surrounding community and visitors to the area, with any business or tourism needs.

Job Summary:

The President/CEO has the overall responsibility for the operation of the Chamber and its related organizations in connection to its programs, planning and operations, while working under policy guidelines of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and acting in accordance with its policies, procedures and bylaws.

The President/CEO reports to the Board of Directors in connection with the full range of activities, including  development and implementation of the Chamber’s strategic plan and related annual program of work; managing the organizational structure and procedures; motivation of volunteers; managing income and expenditures; growth and retention of membership; employment, training / supervision of staff; interpretation of policy; maintenance of facilities and ensuring the Chamber is a recognized leader in the development of the community.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Chamber/Organizational Leadership:

Provide strategic/operational leadership in serving as CEO for all organizations under the Chamber’s umbrella, acting as Corporate Secretary/Treasurer and non-voting member of the Board of Directors and all related committees in furthering the organizations’ mission and its work.

Strategic and Annual Planning:

Collaborate with the Board, staff, and key stakeholders in developing multi-year strategic plans for the Chamber, in addition to providing long-term direction for the Chamber and allocation of its resources;

Prepare annual business plan in conjunction with the strategic plan.

Advocacy and Communication:

Develop meaningful relationships / dialogue with elected / appointed government leaders, partner organizations and individual community leaders, in providing information / advocacy on behalf of the Chamber’s stakeholders and mission;

Act as the chief spokesperson in communicating its position on community, public and political issues; 

Serve in a highly visible role as speaker to various community organizations in maintaining its relevance as a leading voice for business and furthering its position as a leader in the Santa Maria Valley and Central Coast region.

Business and Economic Development:

Partner, develop and implement comprehensive workforce attraction, business retention and redevelopment programs in addressing the needs of the Santa Maria Valley and regional economy;  

Maintain / enhance relationships with other regional and state-wide economic development leaders /  key organizations at the community, county and state levels;

Lead efforts to promote the Santa Maria Valley as a tourism / travel destination, as part of the overall economic vitality strategy.

Chamber Staff:

Responsible for Chamber’s employment, assignment of duties, supervision, evaluation, training and leadership of all staff;

Ensure staff are prepared to successfully implement Chamber’s programs;

Provide opportunities for staff to develop professionally;

Create working environment valuing teamwork, maximizes employee morale, and ensures the highest levels of customer service.

Fiscal Management:

Develop annual budget related to program goals and maintaining responsibility for all expenditures within the budget framework;

Develop opportunities to generate non-dues revenues;

Present financial statements to the Executive Committee and Board and ensure financial records are audited annually and seek maximum staff efficiency in all financial procedures.

Relationship Management:

Develop, foster, enhance and promote key strategic relationships with stakeholders, the Board of Directors, Chamber members, community leaders, partners, government / elected officials, educational institutions, military affairs, the media and Chamber volunteers.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline; or 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education / experience;

Professional industry memberships / certifications involving WACE, Accredited Chamber Executive, Institute for Organizational Management, etc., preferred;

Astute leadership, oral / written communication and interpersonal skills;

Effective public speaker;

Exceptional time management, problem-solving, multi-tasking, attention to detail, follow-through and customer service skills;

Mathematically proficient;

Proficiency with the MS Office suite of products, QuickBooks Online and the ability to learn new software applications easily.

Compensation:

$125K - $150K annual base salary, DOE, for this full-time, exempt position.

Benefits:

401(K) with annual company match of 3%; increase to 4% annual company match, under consideration;

Paid vacation accruing at 1.538 hours per week to an annual maximum of 80 hours in years 1 – 5 and increasing incrementally thereafter;

Paid sick time accruing at 5.8 hours per month up to a maximum of 60 hours;

9 paid public holidays;

Medical, dental, vision insurance premiums paid for employee and dependents at 100%;

Life insurance paid for employee;

Company provided cell phone, or monthly stipend of $100 in lieu thereof;

Monthly car stipend of $300;

Rotary Club fees paid by the Chamber.

Working Hours:

Monday – Friday and weekends and nights, as needed, on a flexible schedule

Location: 

Santa Maria, CA – onsite position