President / Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Thurston County Chamber of Commerce; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thurston Chamber of Commerce seeks a visionary President/CEO to guide the organization’s strategic direction, operations, and external engagement. This leadership role oversees budget, governance, workforce, and stakeholder relations, reporting to the Board and representing the chamber to business, government, and community partners.

The incoming CEO will continue a track record of growth, financial stability, and program expansion, while sustaining an inclusive, high-performance culture and

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree or five years of senior executive experience.
• Experience leading revenue growth, fund development, and program expansion.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and complex partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: develop and refine multi-year strategic plan with the Board and stakeholders.
• Operational & financial oversight: manage annual budget, internal controls, and fiscal health; corporate secretary duties for tax-exempt organizations.
• Community and external affairs: serve as primary spokesperson and advance government relations and partnerships.
• Workforce & organizational culture: lead diverse teams, talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Board relations & governance: liaison to the Board, provide reports and support governance practices.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/related field

5+ years senior executive experience

Job description

Position Summary

The Thurston Chamber of Commerce is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and values-driven executive to serve as its next President / Chief Executive Officer.

This is a rare and consequential leadership opportunity arising from the planned retirement of a long-tenured CEO who has guided the organization through decades of growth, program expansion, reputational excellence, and institutional development. The incoming CEO will be taking over an organization that is financially stable and structurally lean and nimble.

The CEO serves as the organization’s chief executive and administrative officer, accountable to the Board of Directors for all aspects of organizational performance, including strategic direction, operational and financial health, workforce leadership, and external affairs. The CEO is the primary face of the organization to the business community, elected officials, partner agencies, funders, media, and the public, and must be an effective communicator, a credible advocate, and a principled steward of the organization’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic leadership: Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the organization’s multi-year strategic plan in partnership with the Board, executive team, and key stakeholders. Identifies emerging trends, policy shifts, and community needs that may impact the organization’s direction, and proactively adapt organizational strategy in response. Operational & Financial Oversight: Providing executive oversight of all organizational operations, ensuring efficient, effective, and compliant delivery of programs and administrative functions across all departments. Directing the development and administration of the annual operating budget. Overseeing financial planning, audit processes, internal controls, and risk management to maintain the long-term fiscal health and operational sustainability of the organization. Serves as corporate secretary for two tax-exempt 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 organizations. Ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and funder requirements governing the organization’s programs, operations, and employment practices. Community and External Affairs: Serves as the primary spokesperson and public representative of the Thurston Chamber of Commerce to build and sustain relationships with chamber members, community leaders, and regional coalitions that help advance the organization’s interests and amplify its impact. Leads government relations and advocacy efforts with policymakers at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels. Workforce & Organizational Culture: Leads, develops, and inspires a diverse team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional excellence, and safety. Oversee the organization’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, succession planning, and total compensation philosophy. Navigates organizational change thoughtfully and inclusively, communicating transparently with staff and maintaining morale and trust during transitions. Board Relations & Governances: Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely, accurate, and candid information and reports to support and inform the Board’s deliberation, decision-making, and fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities. Supports Board development, onboarding, committee functions, and governance best practices in partnership with the Board’s Executive Committee.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required for consideration for this position. Candidates who do not meet minimum qualifications will not be considered.

Education

Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business administration, economics, finance, management, public administration, or a closely related field or five years of senior executive-level experience.

Experience

We seek candidates with deep executive‑level leadership experience, a track record of delivering mission outcomes, and demonstrated success in revenue growth and fund development.

Candidates should have experience with public–private partnerships, member‑based organizations, entrepreneurial and/ or small business pursuits, and environments requiring financial discipline. They will bring a proven record of moving organizational vision into execution, expanded organizational reach, and strengthened relationships across sectors.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated Profit and Loss (P&L) management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, build, sustain, and inspire a diverse and high-functioning team(s).
• Seasoned and balanced understanding of regional, state, or local business environments.

Other Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working or residing in the Pacific Northwest region, with knowledge of Washington State’s governmental, policy, and community landscape.
• Established relationships with leaders from private, public, non-profit, education sectors and with State economic development organizations.
• Experience in fund development, grant acquisition, earned revenue diversification strategies that are subject to public accountability and transparency requirements.
• Established relationships with federal or state agencies, legislative offices, regional or local regulatory, funding, planning entities / jurisdictions that are relevant to the organization’s work.
  

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office environment, with frequent travel in Thurston County and occasional travel throughout western Washington.

The CEO is expected to attend reoccurring and special Chamber events, community events, partner meetings, legislative meetings and receptions, and public forums, some of which may occur in the evenings or on weekends. Occasional out-of-state travel for conferences, federal agency meetings, or professional development is also expected, typically not exceeding two to four trips per year.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary at a workstation and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, by telephone, and via video conferencing platforms.
• Ability to speak in public to small and large audiences, comfort with making video recordings and the use of a handheld microphone.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license for regional travel purposes.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to navigate office buildings, community venues, and field sites, which may include stairs or uneven terrain.

ADA / Reasonable Accommodation

The Thurston Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process should contact the search contact at [e-mail] or calling [phone] to request accommodation

Equal Opportunity Employer / Affiant Statement

The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion,

national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender, gender identity or

expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status,

physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic

protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.