Chief Executive Officer for the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Chamber of Commerce, responsible for implementing the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The CEO oversees all operations, programs, and services of the Chamber, ensuring financial sustainability, organizational effectiveness, and alignment with the Chamber’s mission. This role requires strong leadership, fiscal accountability, and the ability to cultivate relationships with members, business leaders, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• Execute policies, goals, and strategic priorities as determined by the Board of Directors.
• Provide the Board with timely, accurate information to support informed decision-making.
• Advise the Board on trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting the Chamber and business community.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and applicable laws and regulations.

Evaluation Criteria: Effectively implements Board-approved priorities, provides accurate reports, and ensures compliance with bylaws and policies. Board evaluations reflect strong satisfaction with leadership and communication.

Membership Development & Retention

• Oversee the direct recruitment and retention of members, ensuring programs and services deliver measurable value.
• When a Membership Committee is not in place, assume responsibility for retention and development activities directly.
• Maintain accurate membership data and report regularly to the Board on membership trends.
• Develop strategies to strengthen member engagement and satisfaction.

Evaluation Criteria: Achieves measurable growth and retention targets, provides timely data to the Board, and ensures members report high satisfaction with the Chamber’s value.

Programs & Events

• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of Chamber events and programs, including Eggs & Issues, Bowling Tournament, Golf Outing, Awards Gala, Career Fair, and Holiday Party.
• When an Events Committee is not in place, assume responsibility for event activities directly.
• Ensure events are mission-aligned, financially sound, and reflect positively on the Chamber’s reputation.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities that enhance Chamber revenue and partnerships.

Evaluation Criteria: Plans and executes all signature Chamber events within budget and schedule, while meeting sponsorship and satisfaction targets. Provides post-event reports to the Board promptly.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Represent the Chamber to members, businesses, governmental agencies, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Chamber, ensuring consistent and professional communication.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the local business community.

Evaluation Criteria: Represents the Chamber consistently in the community, builds relationships with stakeholders, and provides advocacy updates with measurable outcomes. Earns positive recognition from members and partners.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Chamber’s annual budget in alignment with Board direction.
• Oversee fiscal operations, including revenue collection, expenditures, audits, and reporting.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and sustainability measures.
• Maintain sound financial practices and ensure transparency in reporting to the Board.

Evaluation Criteria: Prepares and manages the annual budget in alignment with Board goals, provides accurate financial reporting, and maintains sound fiscal practices with clean audit results.

Grant Research & Administration

• Identify grant opportunities consistent with Chamber goals.
• Oversee preparation of grant applications, compliance with funding requirements, and timely reporting.
• Maintain a grants calendar and provide updates to the Board on status and outcomes.

Evaluation Criteria: Maintains an active grant calendar, submits quality applications, secures meaningful funding, and ensures full compliance with all reporting requirements.

Marketing & Branding Oversight

• Direct the Chamber’s marketing and communication strategies, ensuring consistency with mission and brand.
• Oversee digital and print communications, including social media, email campaigns, and website.
• Monitor the effectiveness of outreach and adjust strategies as necessary.

Evaluation Criteria: Leads consistent and professional marketing across platforms, maintains timely updates to communications channels, and ensures outreach drives event attendance and member engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level leadership, preferably in a chamber, nonprofit, or association environment.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, fiscal management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with grants management and fundraising is highly desirable.

Working Conditions

• Full-time executive role requiring flexibility for evening and weekend commitments.
• Local and regional travel as necessary.