Chamber President/CEO

President/C.E.O
Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce

Job Description

Nature and Extent of Position

Basic Function: The President is the paid chief executive and administrative officer of the organization and is a non-voting member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and all councils and committees.

Scope: The President is responsible for the full range of activities and coordinates the program of work through his/her activities and subordinates; handles long-range planning of organizational structure and procedures; motivation of staff and volunteers; oversees: income and expenses, maintenance of membership and Chamber building, staff employment, training and supervision and interpretation of policy.

The overall task of the President is to plan, organize and direct operations of the Chamber in such a way as to insure the necessary personal and financial investment of the membership to enable the Chamber to carry out its mission.

The President reports to the Chamber board chair, the executive committee and the full board of directors in regard to the Chamber’s functional results.

Principle Responsibilities

Policy Development: Recommends, obtains approval and executes the Chamber’s policies as approved and directed by the Board. The President shall assist the Board Chair in preparation of statements of Chamber positions regarding public issues. The President is responsible for the updating of a Policies and Procedures Manual for all Chamber staff, its Executive Committee and the full Board of Directors and the Committee Chairs.

Organizational Structure: Develops and monitors the internal structure of the Chamber to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency necessary to carry out its mission. The President will recommend to the Board such changes in structure and procedures as needed.

Program of Work: Through proper resources, the President identifies and prioritizes the Chamber’s and community’s needs in preparation of an annual Program of Work which is developed with and approved by the Board of Directors. The Program of Work shall be designed to meet and address these needs and therefore involves a constant evaluation of the program, recommendations for change as needed and a system of measuring progress and results.

Long-Range Planning: Under the direction of a constantly evolving Board of Directors and an annually changing roster of officers, the President is responsible for maintaining continuity and consistency in programming. Based on proper research of community and Chamber needs, the President must anticipate emerging and long-range needs and forward recommendations for Chamber and community programs to meet these needs.

Recruitment of Business & Entrepreneurial Development: The President shall be responsible for recruitment and assistance to prospective employers. In so doing, the President shall protect the confidentiality of those contacts as required by the client and ensure the established policies of the Chamber are adhered to in the solicitation process. The President shall oversee all activities related to economic development, marketing tools, and promotional efforts for the recruitment of new employers. Working closely with the City of Siloam Springs and the Main Street program, the President shall monitor the efforts of the Director of Economic Development in business recruitment and relocation while maintaining healthy relationships with existing business and industry.

Finances: The President, along with the Executive Board, is responsible for preparation of an operating budget covering all activities of the Chamber. As approved by the Board, the President is responsible for all expenditures within the framework of the budget and monitors maximum staff efficiency in all financial procedures.

Personnel: The President is responsible for the employment of all staff personnel, the assignment of their duties, supervision of their work, the establishment (within the approved budget) of employment terms, and dismissal processes.

Headquarters: The President is responsible for the location, design and maintenance of Chamber headquarters that will provide for an efficient operation and present an attractive “front door” for the use of Chamber members, the community and visitors.

Membership: The President is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors and the Membership Director in maintaining the membership at a level that will assist in ensuring necessary income for the operation of the Chamber.

Motivation of Volunteers: Key to the effectiveness of the Chamber is the ability of the President to motivate, inspire, encourage strong team efforts, and develop leadership skills within the body of the Chamber’s volunteer membership.

Public Relations: The President shall oversee the development and maintenance of all appropriate resources, which serve to enhance relations with Chamber members, the general public, government officials and other local, state and national groups. These resources include but are not limited to public speaking engagements and the Chamber’s digital newsletter.

Communication Contact: The President is responsible for maintaining an open communications network between the following:

Chamber Members

The President must motivate members to support (both personally and financially) an aggressive program of work, identify and analyze Chamber members needs and recommend ways to improve service and programs of assistance to the members. The President serves as the resource, which entertains suggestions, proposals, and requests from the membership and then translates them into action consistent with the mission, goals, objectives, and policies of the Chamber.

Board of Directors

The President advises the Board on all matters under consideration, initiates programs for consideration by the Board, carries out the plans and programs of the Board in accordance with established policies and serves as representative of the Board for all contacts with Chamber staff. The President, along with the Chairman of the Board, is responsible for the preparation of all Board meeting agendas and shall oversee staff maintenance of all Board minutes and records.

Chamber Committees

The President shall provide clarification, organizational support, and program development assistance to all committee Chairmen and will also provide guidance toward compliance with the budget.

The Community

Through personal contact with key community leaders and established organizations within the community, the President serves as the Chamber representative and spokesperson and relates its contributions made to enhance the economic base and quality of life. The President, along with the support of the Board of Directors, is responsible for nurturing within the general public a sound awareness and understanding of what exactly is the purpose and function of the Chamber within the community.

Affiliations: The President represents the Chamber in meetings of local, state, and national organizations. Memberships or liaison affiliations shall be maintained with and between, but not be limited to the following organizations:

• Siloam Springs Board of Directors & Administration – Liaison
• Siloam Springs School Board – Liaison
• Northwest Arkansas Chamber of Commerce – Member
• Northwest Arkansas Council – Member
• Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives- Member
• Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce – Member
• Arkansas Festival Association – Member
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Member

Job Type: Full-time