President & CEO - Elect

Job Purpose: The President & CEO - Elect will be responsible for clarifying, communicating and implementing the mission of The Chamber. The President will maintain and develop strong relationships with area and state leaders in both the private and public sector. The President will implement the leadership and Board’s decisions to serve its members and related constituencies to pursue market opportunities that not only achieve new business diversification but selected social & economic goals. The President will need to establish strong ties to current and new constituencies and continue and expand outreach efforts to broaden The Chamber’s membership base and continue to build the area’s economy. Key Executive Responsibilities:
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Serve as the Executive-Elect for the Chamber.
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Set high standards of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
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Manage a highly effective and efficient organization as measured by achievement of priority goals, membership satisfaction and growth, revenue generation to support priorities, and quality programs and initiatives.
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Work directly with The Chamber Board of Directors to carry out strategic plans and accomplish set goals.
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Develop and effectively manage annual budgets that are aligned with the strategic goals of The Chamber. Ensure financial soundness, transparency and a balanced budget annually.
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Ensure there is a compelling value proposition that attracts and retains members.
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Develop and implement budgets, an effective IT strategy, volunteer-driven operating plans, and fundraising targets.
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Serve as a community leader, a visionary, and alliance builder to ensure a vibrant economic environment and high quality of life for both employers and their employees from companies and organizations of all sizes.
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Strengthen relationships to ensure that each stakeholder receives appropriate attention and value while creating an open atmosphere so that all stakeholders feel part of the processes and accomplishments of The Chamber.
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Establish goals and measures for The Chamber that ensure accountability and publicize achievements using valid system measures.
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Anticipate and resolve issues with speed and sensitivity.
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Maintain appropriate flexibility to allow The Chamber to adapt to changing investment, business and social environments, and to take advantage of new markets and new opportunities.
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Attract, develop, and retain a strong staff.
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Oversee staff hiring, assignment of duties, disciplinary action, budgets, and financial health.
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Recruit first-class personnel, clearly define responsibilities, establish performance standards, conduct performance appraisals and maintain a competitive salary structure.
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Develop future leaders for the Chamber.
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Maintain and continually develop a diversified group of volunteer leaders representative of The Chamber and its members.
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Work with Chamber leaders to identify and recruit business leaders for key local, regional and statewide boards and commissions.
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Aggressively work to recruit non-traditional businesses and business leaders to broaden the ethnic and cultural diversity of The Chamber.
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Build collaborative relationships among Chamber constituencies in the region and around the state.
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Expand relationships with outside organizations to ensure the position of The Chamber and its members are the primary voice for business in the community.
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Represent The Chamber regionally at civic and community events; build regional partnerships
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Promote The Chamber’s positive image and communicate the organization’s purpose and message.
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Follow any community and legislative actions that would detract from a favorable business environment, communicate to the board of directors when action is needed, and support actions that would improve the region’s business climate.
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In conjunction with the Executive Committee and Board, identify public policy issues and positions that could shape and advance The Chamber’s legislative and political agenda. Ensure strong, effective representation before government bodies to achieve desired outcomes.
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Collaborate successfully with other organizations in advocating a pro-business agenda.
Executive Competencies
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills – communicates own and Board’s agenda and priorities to others.
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Strategic thinking – discerns and conceptualizes present and future trends and communicates options and choices regarding same to The Chamber’s leadership.
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Evaluates cost vs. benefits of proposed ideas, projects and events; urges the Board to make appropriate choices and operates to accomplish results in a timely and measurable manner.
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Personal integrity above reproach, with a passion for serving in a collaborative environment to satisfy multiple groups.
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Leads by personal involvement and example but uses delegation wisely.
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Professional presence and public speaking ability a must.
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Motivates others to be champions of The Chamber’s initiatives and key goals.
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Ability to think strategically while considering new perspectives; possesses strong mental agility.
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A successful track record for engaging, partnering and building alliances with a wide range of constituencies and influencers that includes business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, elected officials and the media; strong relationship building skills.
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A motivator and advocate with genuine interest and passion for business issues and opportunities
Education and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree preferred.
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Must have a known track record as a senior executive, manager for 5 or more years in corporate, political, community or not-for profit management areas.
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Significant familiarity with manufacturing, education, tourism, healthcare, energy and hospitality industries.
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Proven leadership in program and resource development (fundraising).
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Strong record of profit planning and non-profit financial management.
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Experience in reporting to a Board of Directors and building consensus with diverse constituencies.
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Familiarity with public relations and marketing campaigns; expertise in dealing with local and national media.
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IOM certification, CCE or CAE certification preferred, or the willingness to achieve certifications upon employment
Relationships
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Responsible to the Chamber Chairperson, Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the administration of The Chamber offices, implementation of its budget and for proper interpretation and fulfillment of assigned functions, responsibilities, policies, programs and relationships.
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Serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, all Chamber Councils and Committees.
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Along with the appropriate staff member, serves as staff liaison between the Councils and the Board of Directors.
Compensation: Compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits: Health, life, vision, dental, AD&D insurance (after 90 days); 401K 5% match (after one year); vehicle provision; Gadsden Country Club membership; cell phone stipend

To apply, submit:
Formal Cover Letter
Professional Resume
3 Professional Letters of Reference
Salary Expectation

The selected candidate will serve as President & CEO - Elect and train under the current President & CEO until mid-December 2024, at which time they will assume the role of President & CEO.

Submissions may be emailed to president@etowahchamber.org or mailed to:
The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County
Attn: President & CEO Elect Position
PO Box 185
Gadsden, AL 35902

Please, no phone calls or drop-ins. Questions about the position not outlined by this posting may be emailed to president@etowahchamber.org.