Executive Director - Hiring Announcement
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce seeks qualified and dynamic applicants for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director is the chief executive and administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day operations and for carrying out the programs developed and defined by the Board of Directors. The ability of the Executive Director to motivate and inspire volunteers to creative and fruitful action is key to the effectiveness of the Chamber.
The Executive Director is responsible for identification of Chamber and community needs and challenges and for the preparation of an annual program of work designed to meet those needs. The program of work is expected to be based on proper research and should anticipate emerging community opportunities and issues.
The Executive Director is responsible to the Tahlequah Industrial Authority for the operation, promotion and maintenance of the Tahlequah Industrial Park and works in collaboration with the Tahlequah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to oversee the day-to-day work of the Tourism Director
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce, originally formed in 1897, has an engaged and dedicated membership of approximately 300 individuals, businesses, institutions and organizations across Cherokee County.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, Tahlequah is one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing communities. It is home for two tribes: the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and one of the state’s leading regional institutions of higher education: Northeastern State University. Cherokee County is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, boasting two of the area’s most beautiful natural resources – Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River. Throughout the year, tens of thousands of tourists flock to Tahlequah for dining, entertainment and shopping. Tahlequah is a regional center for healthcare and offers a unique mix of special events and cultural opportunities.
Applicants must possess, at minimum, 10 years combined experience and/or education in a related filed such as Marketing/Public Relations, Finance Management, Communications, Event Planning, Chamber Management or Business Management. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
A complete copy of the Executive Director Job Description can be found on the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce website. Interested persons should submit a completed application, a current resume and three references to:
Executive Director Search
Rusty Clark, President-Elect, Search Committee Chair
Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce
123 East Delaware Street
Tahlequah, OK 74464
The review of applicants will begin November 15, 2017. The selected candidate should be prepared to begin employment as the Executive Director on or before December 15, 2017.
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce seeks qualified and dynamic applicants for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director is the chief executive and administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day operations and for carrying out the programs developed and defined by the Board of Directors. The ability of the Executive Director to motivate and inspire volunteers to creative and fruitful action is key to the effectiveness of the Chamber.
The Executive Director is responsible for identification of Chamber and community needs and challenges and for the preparation of an annual program of work designed to meet those needs. The program of work is expected to be based on proper research and should anticipate emerging community opportunities and issues.
The Executive Director is responsible to the Tahlequah Industrial Authority for the operation, promotion and maintenance of the Tahlequah Industrial Park and works in collaboration with the Tahlequah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to oversee the day-to-day work of the Tourism Director
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce, originally formed in 1897, has an engaged and dedicated membership of approximately 300 individuals, businesses, institutions and organizations across Cherokee County.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, Tahlequah is one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing communities. It is home for two tribes: the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and one of the state’s leading regional institutions of higher education: Northeastern State University. Cherokee County is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, boasting two of the area’s most beautiful natural resources – Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River. Throughout the year, tens of thousands of tourists flock to Tahlequah for dining, entertainment and shopping. Tahlequah is a regional center for healthcare and offers a unique mix of special events and cultural opportunities.
Applicants must possess, at minimum, 10 years combined experience and/or education in a related filed such as Marketing/Public Relations, Finance Management, Communications, Event Planning, Chamber Management or Business Management. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
A complete copy of the Executive Director Job Description can be found on the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce website. Interested persons should submit a completed application, a current resume and three references to:
Executive Director Search
Rusty Clark, President-Elect, Search Committee Chair
Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce
123 East Delaware Street
Tahlequah, OK 74464
The review of applicants will begin November 15, 2017. The selected candidate should be prepared to begin employment as the Executive Director on or before December 15, 2017.
Job Description
The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. Develops and implements an annual plan of work that is responsive to the needs of members and responsive to the chamber mission and strategic plan. Develops and maintains professional relationships with chamber members, business community and other state and local stakeholders. Maintains financial accountability and oversees management of chamber finances. The Executive Director is responsible for the recruitment, management and development of chamber employees and maintains established policies and procedures of the chamber.
Job Type
Regular Full Time Exempt Position
Educational and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years combined experience and/or education in a related field, such as Marketing/Public Relations, Financial Management, Communications, Event Planning, Chamber Management or Business Management. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Other Requirements
Maintain a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
Ability to multitask
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Membership development
Team management and the ability to effectively work with volunteers, community members, business & community leaders, membership, staff and board of directors
Maintain a high level of discretion
Ability and accountability to perform tasks without direct supervision
Ability to work in hot & cold settings
Ability to lift upwards of 25 pounds
Reports to
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Board President
Functions Performed
Critical Relationships
The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. Develops and implements an annual plan of work that is responsive to the needs of members and responsive to the chamber mission and strategic plan. Develops and maintains professional relationships with chamber members, business community and other state and local stakeholders. Maintains financial accountability and oversees management of chamber finances. The Executive Director is responsible for the recruitment, management and development of chamber employees and maintains established policies and procedures of the chamber.
Job Type
Regular Full Time Exempt Position
Educational and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years combined experience and/or education in a related field, such as Marketing/Public Relations, Financial Management, Communications, Event Planning, Chamber Management or Business Management. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Other Requirements
Maintain a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
Ability to multitask
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Membership development
Team management and the ability to effectively work with volunteers, community members, business & community leaders, membership, staff and board of directors
Maintain a high level of discretion
Ability and accountability to perform tasks without direct supervision
Ability to work in hot & cold settings
Ability to lift upwards of 25 pounds
Reports to
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Board President
Functions Performed
- Membership: The Executive Director, supported by the membership committee, is responsible for maintaining the membership at a level, which will insure necessary income for the operation of the program.
- Membership Services: The Executive Director plans, organizes and oversees a range of services and events for members; produce membership communications and maintain membership records; maintains a website that features local business news and a membership directory that is available to the public and potential new customers and clients; oversees regular social events that offer members a chance to network and share information and ideas; identifies common needs among local business owners and arrange lectures, workshops and training seminars on different management issues and opportunities; and oversees annual award program that showcases businesses and business leaders.
- Program of work: The Executive Director is responsible for identification of Chamber and community needs and for the preparation of a program of work designed to meet these needs. This involves a constant evaluation of the program, with recommendations for change as needed and a system of measuring progress toward attainment of program and community goals.
- Tahlequah Industrial Authority: The Executive Director is responsible for the operation, promotion and maintenance of the Tahlequah Industrial Park, as well as any other specific direction given by the Tahlequah Industrial Authority Board.
- Chamber Structure & Procedures: The Executive Director must be constantly attentive to the internal structure of the Chamber, to insure that the organization is effectively geared to function with maximum efficiency in the anticipation, identification and solution of Chamber-community problems; the Executive Director will recommend to the Board such changes in structure and procedures as needed.
- Motivation of Volunteers: Key to the effectiveness of the chamber is the ability of the Executive Director to motivate and inspire volunteers to creative and fruitful action.
- Finances: The Finance Committee, in conjunction with the Executive Director, is responsible for drawing the Chamber budget, relating budget to program and goals. As approved by the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for all expenditures within the framework of the budget. Executive Director monitors member dues receivable and follows approved procedures to collect and encourage payment of annual dues. The Executive Director will prepare monthly financial statements of income and expense and quarterly statement of expenses and income. The Treasurer will insure the financial records of the Chamber are audited annually and seek maximum staff efficiency in all financial procedures.
- Event Coordination and Development: Coordinates the design and execution of projects and events to enhance the community and encourage trade, tourism and industry in the area. Assists committee chairs with critical timelines; provides necessary and appropriate support; participates in all chamber sponsored events; and coordinates ribbon cuttings, business after hours, open houses, annual banquet and other chamber events. Maintains and update program portfolios for each of the chamber’s major events; making sure next year’s committee chairs have access to all information.
- Public Relations and Marketing: The Executive Director performs public relations duties and public speaking related to the chamber’s interests. Responsible for the chamber’s website, newsletters, social media, other media, membership updates and the monthly calendar; issues press releases and letters to the local press, business clients and public officials; develops publications, brochures, member materials and promotional literature for the chamber; seeks opportunities to list chamber tourism and business events in calendars, appropriate publications and websites.
- Staff: The Executive Director is responsible for the employment of all staff personal, the assignment of their duties, the supervision of their work and the establishment, within the framework of the approved budget, of the terms of their employment. The Executive Director will develop and conduct continuing on-the-job training programs and will insure participation in professional conferences, seminars and institutes as needed to develop and maintain operations at a peak of efficiency.
- Interpretation of Policy: The Executive Director will insure that chamber policy, as established by the Board, is properly recorded in minutes and indexed in the Policy Manual. The President will assist the Board, committees, members and the staff in interpretation of policy in relation to any given question of program. The President Elect will assist the President in preparation of statements of Chamber position on public issues.
- Headquarters: As approved by the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the location, design and maintenance of headquarters which will provide for an efficient operation and present on behalf of the community an attractive ”front door” for the use of Chamber members, citizens of the community and visitors.
- Long-Range Planning: Under a constantly evolving Board of Directors and annual change in officers, the Executive Director is responsible for maintaining continuity and consistency in programming. Based on proper research of community needs, the Executive Director must anticipate emerging and long range problems and recommend Chamber and community programs to meet such problems.
Critical Relationships
- Board of Directors: The Executive Director must earn and maintain the respect and confidence of the Board, individually and collectively. The Executive Director maintains Chamber records; executes Board plans and programs in accordance with established policies; serves as Chamber representative; initiates programs for consideration by the Board and advises the Board on all matter under consideration. The Executive Director provides skill and leadership in the financial development of the organization and in cooperation with the Treasurer and Executive Committee develops, recommends and, upon the approval of the Board of Directors, operates within an annual budget.
- Membership: The Executive Director must motivate members to support, personally and financially, an aggressive Chamber program. The Executive Director must analyze and interpret membership needs and recommend revisions in the program of work accordingly so as to render increasing improved service and assistance what will make membership more valuable. The Executive Director will entertain suggestions, proposals and requests from the members and translate them into action consistent with the fundamental objectives and policies of the Chamber.
- Tahlequah Industrial Authority: The Executive Director is responsible for the operation, promotion and maintenance of the Tahlequah Industrial Park, as well as any other specific direction given by the Tahlequah Industrial Authority Board.
- Chamber Staff: The Executive Director must lead the professional staff. Since the executive Director is responsible for the employment and training of all staff members, the Executive Director assumes responsibility for their efficient performance of duty. As required by the program of work, the Executive Director establishes appropriate departments, defines the general purpose of such departments, and assigns duties accordingly. The Executive Director must create working conditions, which will be conductive to maximum performance and employee morale.
- Community: Through personal contacts with the community leaders, the Executive Director shapes the community. The Executive Director is called on frequently to relate the Chamber to all other groups in its contributions to improvement of the commercial, industrial and civic life of the community. The Executive Director represents the Chamber in meeting of local, state and national organization. The Executive Director must strive to develop a better public understanding of the purpose and functions of the organization.
- Chamber Councils and Committees: The Executive Director is to assist councils and committees in understanding their commissions, charges and responsibilities. The Executive Director will provide the necessary liaison and staff support to council and committees in order to enable them to properly perform their function and to see that the committee recommendations are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The Executive Director will serve as a resource to each committee in preparation of work materials and meeting arrangements.