Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

POSITION TITLE REPORTING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

POSITION SUMMARY

The CEO of the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the overall operations, management, and growth of the Chamber, while directing the organization to achieve its mission and goals. As the primary spokesperson and advocate of the Chamber, the CEO plays a critical role in representing and serving the interests of local Chamber members within the community and supporting economic development and growth. This role requires non-partisan representation and leadership for all Chamber initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Plan

• In consultation with the Board of Directors, develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan in alignment with the Chamber’s mission and the needs of the local business community.
• Responsible for the implementation of the plan’s action items, reporting monthly activity to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure Strategic Plan implementation is aligned to budget. 

Board Relations

• Provide regular updates, reports and recommendations through monthly Board meetings. 
• Communicate with the Board on any issues that may occur in between monthly Board meetings.
• Be available as a resource and support the Board in its governance and oversight role.
• Manage all duties and responsibilities as set forth by the Board of Directors.
• Schedule and manage the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in accordance with the Chamber’s By-Laws.
• Assist the Board as needed with the recruitment of Board members.

Advocacy and Representation

• Act as the primary non-partisan advocate for the member business community, representing the needs and interests of Chamber members at local, regional, provincial, and national levels.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the Ontario and Canadian Chamber of Commerce key staff, and network staff peers.
• Collaborate with Chamber members, the Advocacy Committee and the Ontario and Canadian Chamber staff to prepare policy resolutions for the Annual AGMs and Conferences.
• Establish working relationships with local community leaders, key government officials at all levels, and key stakeholders to promote business policies and initiatives in support of Chamber members.
• Be aware of up-to-date statistics, legislation, and issues affecting business to ensure the Chamber remains knowledgeable and at the forefront about issues affecting local economic development and advocacy.

Membership Engagement and Growth

• Implement strategies to attract, retain, and engage a diverse and growing membership base.
• Develop and oversee programs, services, and benefits, including business resources, advocacy support and promotional opportunities that provide tangible value to Chamber members.
• Continue to develop events that support the needs of the business membership community, such as networking events, workshops, roundtables, and educational programs.
• Foster connections among Chamber members by planning and overseeing events that support their business needs.
• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that benefit Chamber members and the broader business community.

Fiscal Management

• Accountable to the Board of Directors for the management of the Chamber’s financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability to sustain and grow the organization.
• Work with committees and Treasurer to develop and monitor the Chamber’s annual budget.
• Work with the Treasurer to ensure the Board of Directors is provided with regular revenue and expenditure reporting.
• Manage the Chamber’s revenue streams including membership dues, the signature Chamber events (Business After Five, the annual golf tournament and the annual Awards of Excellence), the sponsorship program, and fundraising events and initiatives to ensure achievement of revenue targets.
• Identify and pursue diverse revenue streams.
• Manage the annual Chamber Travel program to achieve revenue targets.
• Collaborate with the Treasurer to develop and monitor the Chamber’s annual budget and to ensure the Board of Directors is provided with regular revenue and expenditure reporting.
• Provide accurate financial data for the Annual Review of Engagement. 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with members and sponsors to secure financial support for Chamber programs and initiatives.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and management of the organization to achieve its mission and goals.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes innovation, teamwork, and open communication.
• Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new Chamber Board and committee members in compliance with the Chamber By-Laws.
• Responsible for recruiting and managing the Chamber’s committees and contractors.
• Provide non-partisan representation for the Chamber in the community on behalf of the Chamber membership.
• Work in collaboration with relevant community groups to accomplish the Chamber’s objectives.

Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations

• Responsible for the direction and content of all official Chamber communications.
• Promotes the Chamber’s brand and mission through various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, emails, and press releases.
• Acts as the contact between the Chamber and the media in cooperation with the Board President.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, provincial, and federal government officials, community organizations and stakeholders.
• Provides guidance on developments that affect the Chamber and the business community and refers to the appropriate committee for study and future action before communicating the Chamber’s position on issues affecting the business community.
• Represents the Chamber at appropriate meetings.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Chamber.
• Is the ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and all Chamber committees.
• Manages the Committees of the Chamber ensuring activities and deliverables align with the Strategic Plan.
• Represent the Chamber at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
• Manages the annual Chamber Travel program to achieve revenue targets.
• Be available as a resource to members, future members, and community members.
• Be committed to professional development through continued membership and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ontario organization.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board.

Other Skills and Qualifications

• A post-secondary Business Degree or Diploma in a related field and/or five years’ related experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience with proven leadership in a similar role preferably within a business, or the not-for-profit business sector.
• Prior management experience at a senior level would be ideal.
• Knowledge and experience working with volunteers and Committees would be an asset.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain professionalism as the representative of the Chamber.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate with, engage, and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to exercise good judgement to solve problems quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrated success in organizational management, financial and strategic planning oversight.
• Knowledge of business advocacy and economic development would be an asset.
• Possess financial acumen and experience in bookkeeping, budgeting, financial management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines at the same time.
• Advanced computer knowledge including proficiency with email, Accounting software, (QuickBooks Online would be an asset), Excel, Internet, Constant Contact, Canva, and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram).
• Experience with Word-Press/back-end website software an asset.