Reports to

President

Date last revised: July, 2010

Supervises

Director of Member Services and Leadership; Marketing Manager; Receptionist and Office Administrator

Summary

The Executive Director is the leader for the Maury County Chamber of Commerce. This position contributes to the mission of the Maury Alliance by overseeing and managing the overall process and personnel of the Chamber including sales, marketing, member services, business advocacy and education.

In this role the Executive Director develops the strategies that will drive and meet both dues and non-dues revenue goals through a strategic and focused sales and marketing approach for membership growth and retention, program development, sponsorships, events, etc. 

The Executive Director works to create and implement a legislative agenda to advocate local, county and state government for change and reform to benefit Chamber members. This advocacy work also involves a focus on improvement of K-12 education in Maury County.

The Executive Director ensures that both external and internal communication is aligned with the strategic goals of the Chamber and is of the highest caliber. 

The Executive Director works closely with the President to establish strategic and annual goals through active participation in the planning process.  The Executive Director is responsible for developing and meeting all budgetary requirements for the Chamber.  The Executive Director is instrumental in establishing, implementing and monitoring policies regarding the work of the department.

The Executive Director is responsible for the effective development of employees in the Department, contributing to personal and professional development for a stronger Chamber.

The Executive Director manages the Membership Council, a volunteer advisory group of Chamber members that governs the Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation of performance

Performance will be evaluated based on meeting the requirements of the job description; meeting specific goals and performance metrics for the position; working according to all policies and standards set by the Maury Alliance; and consistently demonstrating established Alliance values.

Performance metrics

Performance metrics for this position will be established annually based on:
Meeting all established revenue goals (both dues and non-dues revenues); adherence to deadlines and budgets; advocacy, education and event goals; positive feedback from members; attendance at required events and meetings.

Key outcomes expected

Operational Performance:

• Actively participate in strategic, annual, and other forms of planning for the Chamber.  Provide accurate and up-to-date data on member profiles, retention, market share, utilization of products and services, advocacy effectiveness, etc., for the planning process.
• Establish strategic and annual goals for the sales, marketing, events, advocacy and education, ensuring they are in line with economic development goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor all policies regarding the Chamber.
• Participate in the development of annual budgets for the Chamber, and ensure departmental adherence to budget and budgetary restraints.
• Use benchmark measures and track performance both departmentally and individually.

Sales Focus

• Establish the annual goals for new member sales, and member retention for the Chamber.
• Conduct effective market research and develop the strategies and structure for attaining sales goals, e.g. territories, size of member, industry, etc.
• Identify Customer Relationship Management and Customer Satisfaction Measurement tools and applications.
• Attend Chamber events, meetings, functions, and other activities as necessary and appropriate in the role of Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce.

Marketing, Communications and Event Focus
Working with the Director of Member Services and Leadership and Marketing Manager:

• Establish the annual goals for non-dues revenue for the Chamber, including events, conferences, programs, corporate partnerships, etc.  Ensure decisions are made based on careful research of member needs and ensure successful management of same.
• Develop the annual marketing strategies for the Chamber, both external and internal, coordinating with other team members to ensure the strategy is applied Chamber wide.
• Develop the strategic external and internal public relations and communication plan to support the marketing strategies, including media relations, all forms of print and electronic communication, social networking, website, etc; ensure all communication pieces, regardless of medium, are professional looking, accurate in content, and timely.
• Develop the event and sponsorship strategies for the Chamber, including what events will be held, the purpose and target markets for each event, the revenue/expense goals for each event, etc.; ensure that decisions are based on research and data to determine appeal to members and prospective members.

Advocacy and Education Focus

• Work with Membership Council and Public Affairs Council to create a legislative agenda and program of work to lobby on behalf of Chamber members.
• Meet with local (Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill), County and State officials to address issues and concerns and advance the Chamber’s legislative agenda.
• Investigate new activities, events or communication methods to provide a voice for Chamber membership while generating increased influence on the political level.
• Create and execute a strategic plan for the Chamber’s role in improving education in Maury County

Managing Others:

• Provide leadership to the department in all aspects, particularly in expertise in member relationship development, sales, marketing and communication, while demonstrating Chamber values.
• Recruit and interview for individuals who will make a positive impact on the Chamber in positions within the department.  Be attuned to Chamber employees who demonstrate the potential to take on additional responsibilities and/or move into other positions.
• Effectively perform all supervisory functions of hiring, coaching, training, disciplining, and terminating, according to Maury Alliance policies.  Hold employees accountable for meeting their goals and assignments and take appropriate steps when problems occur.

Critical skills, knowledge, and behaviors

Able to manage an overall process of a department or division, including:

• Setting and meeting schedules,
• Prioritizing and following up on tasks,
• Juggling multiple requests and meeting multiple deadlines, and
• Performing responsibilities efficiently and timely (time management).

Effective analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills:

• Can gather and analyze data and information and draw conclusions,
• Able to think logically and analytically.

Adept in creating sales strategies in a non-profit/member association organization.

Adept in creating marketing and communications strategies.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with political, civic and volunteer leaders to generate desired outcomes.

Demonstrated skills in both strategic and annual planning, both on a corporate and departmental level.

Demonstrated ability to read and interpret financial statements:

• Can analyze financial information, recognize trends, and make decisions;
• Can operate within a budget.

Effective supervisory skills, including recruiting, teaching, coaching, mentoring, and terminating:

• Able to guide others towards professional development in their discipline;
• Can hold others accountable for performance.

Effective verbal, written, e-mail, and interpersonal communication skills:

• Can effectively communicate with a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds, education, and economic levels and roles within an organization.

Demonstrates customer service orientation with both internal and external customers.

Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes.

High detail orientation and accuracy.

Can create and lead an effective team, able to work well in a team environment and as part of a team.

Able to negotiate with and influence others.

Demonstrates effective conflict management skills.

Demonstrates strong presentation skills.  Can facilitate both large and small group presentations.

Proficient in basic computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet usage (e-mail).

Demonstrates proficiency in basic mathematics.

Demonstrated familiarity with Maury County, significant companies, and individuals of influence and leadership.

Experience, education, degrees, licenses

B.A./B.S. in marketing, business, or related discipline
Minimum 7-10 years professional business experience with responsibilities in sales and marketing.

Physical demands

Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.

Travel 30-40% of the time to Maury County locations, e.g. member locations, Chamber events, functions, etc.