Executive Director

Perry Chamber; Perry, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance reimbursement

Vacation time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Perry Chamber of Commerce seeks an Executive Director to lead operations, membership, and community development across Perry, Iowa. You will work with the Board to advance the Chamber’s mission and support local businesses and organizations.

The role requires strong communication, strategic planning, event coordination, and financial oversight, with a compensation package including health benefits and vacation time. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with businesses, community leaders, volunteers, and the public.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office or similar programs, and social media.
• Ability and willingness to learn Chamber management, marketing, financial, and community development responsibilities.
• Previous experience in management, marketing, communications, event planning, nonprofit organizations, community development, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Chamber office.
• Respond to phone calls, emails, inquiries, and requests from members and the public.
• Prepare information and reports for the Chamber Board of Directors.
• Attend Board meetings and assist with meeting agendas and minutes.
• Carry out policies and decisions established by the Chamber Board.
• Maintain professional relationships with members, businesses, community leaders, and residents.
• Recruit new Chamber members and maintain relationships with local businesses and encourage involvement.
• Plan, coordinate, and promote Chamber events, meetings, activities, and community programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Decision making

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Computer skills

Learning mindset

Job description

Perry Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

The Chamber of Commerce Director is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and advancement of the Chamber of Commerce. The Director serves as the primary point of contact for Chamber members, local businesses, community organizations, and the public.

The Director works closely with the Chamber Board of Directors to carry out the Chamber’s mission, strengthen local businesses, promote the community, encourage economic development, and provide valuable programs and services to Chamber members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Chamber Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Chamber office.
• Respond to phone calls, emails, inquiries, and requests from members and the public.
• Prepare information and reports for the Chamber Board of Directors.
• Attend Board meetings and assist with meeting agendas and minutes.
• Carry out policies and decisions established by the Chamber Board.
• Maintain professional relationships with members, businesses, community leaders, and residents.

Membership and Business Relations

• Recruit new Chamber members and maintain positive relationships with existing members.
• Visit and maintain relationships with local businesses and encourage their involvement in Chamber activities.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for local businesses when appropriate.
• Recognize new businesses, business anniversaries, expansions, and other milestones.

Events and Programs

• Plan, coordinate, and promote Chamber events, meetings, activities, and community programs.
• Coordinate event logistics, including locations, schedules, vendors, volunteers, sponsorships, and promotion.
• Organize or assist with ribbon cuttings, business celebrations, networking events, fundraisers, community activities, and other Chamber-sponsored events.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers and committees when needed.
• Evaluate events and programs and make recommendations for future activities.
• Represent the Chamber at community events and activities.

Marketing and Community Promotion

• Promote local businesses, Chamber members, and the community through social media, newsletters, websites, advertising, and other communication methods.
• Maintain and update Chamber social media and other online platforms.
• Prepare or coordinate promotional materials, newsletters, announcements, and other communications.
• Work to increase awareness of the Chamber and the services it provides.
• Promote the community as a desirable place to live, work, visit, and do business.
• Develop relationships with local media and provide information about Chamber activities and community events.

Community and Economic Development

• Work with local government, businesses, civic organizations, schools, tourism organizations, and other community partners.
• Support efforts to attract and retain businesses, employees, residents, and visitors.
• Identify opportunities that may benefit local businesses and the community.
• Attend appropriate community meetings and represent the Chamber when requested.
• Encourage cooperation and communication among local businesses and community organizations.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and management of the Chamber’s annual budget.
• Monitor Chamber income and expenses and maintain appropriate financial records.
• Process invoices, payments, deposits, and other routine financial transactions as authorized.
• Coordinate membership dues and other Chamber revenue.
• Assist with fundraising, sponsorships, grants, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
• Provide financial information and reports to the Board of Directors as requested.
• Ensure Chamber funds and resources are used appropriately and in accordance with Board policies.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with businesses, community leaders, volunteers, and the public.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office or similar programs, and social media.
• Ability and willingness to learn Chamber management, marketing, financial, and community development responsibilities.

Previous experience in management, marketing, communications, event planning, nonprofit organizations, community development, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Personal Characteristics

• Professional, dependable, and approachable.
• Positive and enthusiastic about the local community.
• Comfortable speaking with individuals and groups.
• A self-starter who can work with limited supervision.
• Flexible and willing to take on a variety of responsibilities.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
• Organized, creative, and solution-oriented.
• Able to work cooperatively with people who have different ideas and perspectives.

Working Relationships

The Chamber Director reports to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and works closely with Board members, Chamber committees, local businesses, community organizations, government officials, volunteers, and members of the public.

The Director is expected to maintain a professional relationship with all individuals and organizations while representing the interests and mission of the Chamber.

Work Schedule and Conditions

The position is generally performed during regular business hours; however, flexibility is required due to Chamber events, meetings, networking opportunities, and community activities.

Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required. The Director should be willing to attend events and meetings outside normal office hours when they are related to Chamber responsibilities.

The position involves both office and community-based work, including attending meetings, visiting businesses, participating in events, and representing the Chamber throughout the community.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Chamber Director. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

The Chamber Director may be required to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chamber Board of Directors and as reasonably necessary to support the goals and operations of the Chamber.

Compensation Package

• $45,000 to $55,000 depending on experience. Pay negotiable if you have extensive experience.
• 80% Health insurance reimbursement
• 14 Days of Vacation
• 6 Holidays