The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is seeking to hire a full time Executive

Director. The Chamber unites the business interests of the area into a comprehensive

working nonprofit organization that advocates for small business, a strong, diverse

economy, and a vibrant community in which to live and work. This is a full-time salaried

position.

The Executive Director is the face of the Chamber and is responsible for coordinating all

aspects of Chamber activities. The director must fully understand issues confronting

small business and property owners, public agencies, and community organizations,

and be entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, creative, well organized, and capable of

functioning effectively in an independent environment. The Executive Director must

Believe in the Future of Washington County and enhance the business climate to make

it attractive to both existing businesses and those that may come. The position is not the

primary business recruiter for the county but shall promote a positive business

environment that makes the county attractive to those businesses located within the

county as well as those being recruited by the Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The priority role of the position is to ensure the effective operation of the Chamber while

coordinating all organizational activities including: Membership recruitment and

management, website management, production of events and publications, fundraising,

working with the board of directors, supervision of staff, volunteers, and fiscal

responsibilities.

Duties

- Membership - Responsible for recruitment of new members and retention of Chamber

members and developing new programs that give value to chamber members.

- Chamber Meetings - Arrange for all meetings and events for the Chamber including

the Monthly Membership meetings, workshops, and community meetings. Responsible

for providing informational and educational content to the membership.

- Communications - Produce all member communications including monthly e-

newsletter, promotional pieces, brochures, and social media content.

- Chamber Office - Operate & maintain the Chamber office; information and brochures

on businesses, respond to visitor inquiries in person or via the phone and email.

- Fundraising - Produce events to raise funds for Chamber programs.

- Special events - Produce special events that help local businesses and build

community support. Currently includes: Annual Chamber Banquet, Third Thursday

Chamber Luncheons, Quarterly Chamber Business After-Hour Networking and

Fundraisers.

- Press - Answer incoming press inquiries and generate engaging story leads for

national, regional and area online and print media.

- Business recruitment – Work to develop a positive business climate in the county that

is valuable to industry sectors targeted by the EDA. Involved in direct industry

recruitment only at the request of the EDA

- Board duties - Arrange for meetings, agendas, and minutes in conjunction with the

board chair and the board.

- Administration - Maintain accurate records for the organization including membership

data, tax records, financial information, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

- Chipley Redevelopment Agency – Serves as the administrator for a five-to-seven-

member policy board which oversees the renewal and redevelopment of the CRA

district. Supervises the day-to-day agency activities, prepare and submit reports

pertaining to CRA projects, provide administrative support and acts as a public

spokesperson for the CRA. Reports monthly to the City of Chipley Council. Possess a

working knowledge of Community Redevelopment Agencies and how they function.

- Training - Arrange lectures, workshops and training seminars on different issues and

opportunities for small business owners.

- Community - Represents the Chamber at appropriate meetings, serving as close

liaison with all groups, being a spokesperson on pertinent issues. Utilizes effective

communication skills to counsel and advise on development of programs and activities

affecting the business community. Work with local government, business, and other

organizations to encourage diverse economic growth. Participate in the quality of life

issues. Create materials and events to heighten tourism, revitalization efforts, retention

and expansion programs, and infrastructure development.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Characteristics

● Requires excellent verbal and written communications skills. This position

requires communication with area businesses, citizens, government leaders, and

the media.

● Requires job enthusiasm and the ability to work on some evenings and

weekends. Must Believe in Washington County and help others to believe as

well.

● Strong computer skills are essential. Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite

software including MS Word, Outlook, Excel. Experience using various social

marketing.

● Strong organizational leadership skills are essential.

● Requires public speaking at various meetings and events. May make a public

address or secure others to speak concerning community and chamber activities.

● Excellent people and interpersonal skills and the ability to be diplomatic and

tactful with members, citizens of the community and community leaders.

● Marketing and event planning are a plus.

● Must understand financial processes used in non-profit organizations.