The Chamber
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce represents our businesses and makes up the Chamber membership, which mirrors the overall Auburn business community. Member organizations range from small businesses to large corporations. The Chamber’s mission is to develop and maintain economic vitality and be a leader on issues that affect the well-being of the Auburn community.
The Chamber has served the Auburn area since 1906. The Chamber has a 6-member volunteer Board of Directors. The Executive Director’s office is located inside the City Hall building at 1101 J Street in Auburn.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced leader who understands the role of a successful chamber to grow commerce, promote members and connect people in the Auburn area and throughout Nemaha County.
The executive director is the leader of our Chamber. He/she will manage both staff and volunteers to achieve the goals of the organization and will report to the Chamber Board of Directors. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is the heart, soul, and energy of Auburn, and the executive director will be the driving force behind this effort.
The Person
The ideal person for this position will have a strong passion for what they do and will be a visible community leader with strong advocacy skills. They must be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people and organizations in a collaborative manner. They must balance and integrate the interests of our members, their employees, the community, and city leaders. The executive director must have a strong focus on external relationships and partnership building. They must be someone who inspires broad vision and strategic planning; organizes and coordinates functional and leadership programs and activities to promote business growth; and performs all related duties necessary for success.
Planning and Organizing
Our new executive director will conduct a disciplined annual planning process, in partnership with the Board of Directors and community partners, to develop and implement an action plan to grow commerce, promote members and connect people. This will include an annual plan outlining the Chamber’s programs and activities to maximize community and revenue growth and achieve the annual goals set by our team.
Must collaborate in developing and recommending the annual organization budget and business plan for board approval to achieve the organization mission and vision in a timely and cost- effective manner. They need to be an organizer who can cover all the details and be able to rally the volunteers to achieve success in community events.
Relationships
Required to develop positive non-partisan relationships with elected and appointed government and agency officials, as well as all represented entities of the Chamber industry within and outside Nebraska. They will establish and maintain relationships with the various media outlets to enhance business development throughout the region. Other important interactions include representatives of other public and private sector partnership organizations; education officials; and defense leadership.
Marketing Expertise
Vision and creativity skills are needed for innovative ideas to aid in the vision to move Auburn forward. They also need to be able to very effectively encourage other people to bring new ideas into the mix.
Sales
Having the skillset to tell our story effectively and in collaboration with the area’s economic development teams and prospective businesses and potential new families outside our area.
Management
You would be required to facilitate a Chamber Board of Directors meeting, Monthly and as needed, scheduled to organize and strategize a plan for business and community growth.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant must have or develop an understanding of a Chamber of Commerce, in addition to a background in community development, event planning and marketing. Strong financial management skills are crucial for this role as annual budget responsibilities fall under the executive director’s role. Some travel, industry conferences, evening and weekend hours will be required in this position.
All staff, including the President and executive director shall fill in as needed in all areas of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce operations. The Chamber shall act as a team and work together as one toward our goals.
The Application Process
This is an amazing opportunity for an exciting part-time career in a strong, close community. Are you the absolute perfect person for this leadership role? If so, send a cover letter and resume’ that will “WOW” us with why you are the ideal person for this job!
Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter and answers to the following questions below to auburnchamberofcommerce@gmail.com by Friday March 18th, 2022.
Questions
Why do you want to serve as the Executive Director of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce?
How has you experience/education prepared you for this position?