Executive Director

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce seeks an Executive Director to inspire and uplift the organization, which strengthens the region by championing businesses and building connections for their success. The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation and execution of core goals related to the Chamber’s mission and membership. Areas of Chamber focus include business and community advocacy and promotion, small business support, community and business marketing, educational and membership programs, encouraging economic development activity and more.
 
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and manages all aspects of the Chamber, with a particular focus on:

• Engagement of key stakeholders in the business community, including membership
• Developing and maintaining relationships and communications with a broad public and private constituency
• Working with partner organizations throughout the Greater Watertown area and Jefferson County
• Developing programs that will enhance the environment for member organizations and business community
• Collaboration with Board of Directors on a Chamber strategic plan, which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026

 
Responsibilities: The Executive Director will lead the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce through these required organization priorities:
 
Organizational Leadership:

• Provide strategic thinking regarding evolving Chamber and regional business trends, programs and services needed within the business community, and membership recruitment and retention strategies
• Lead staff, board and volunteers in implementing the strategies to meet Chamber goals
• Serves as the leading community business advocate and spokesperson
• Actively participate in local and regional organizations /committees that can assist in advancing the Chamber’s mission

 
Membership Engagement & Investment:

• Work directly with staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors on member retention, cultivation and stewardship of relationships
• Manage all membership efforts of the Chamber, including solicitation of new members and retention of current members, and execute strategy to build these relationships
• Ensure that members find value in the membership benefits offered by the Chamber, facilitate member feedback strategies
• Work with the staff to evaluate the programs, events, services and sponsorship offerings of the Chamber on an ongoing basis to adapt to the evolving needs of membership
• Provide leadership in bringing new programs and services to the Chamber’s offerings
• Develop meaningful relationships with Chamber members of all sizes
• Identify, develop and execute revenue generating programs and events to support membership/community needs
• ​Draft and implement sponsorship plan to support Chamber programs and activities

 
Community Partnerships:

• Identify partnerships that enhance the Chamber’s work in business development, placemaking, marketing and economic development
• Understand and maintain knowledge of community, regional, and statewide issues, activities, and events that would or could affect the Chamber and the community and communicate as necessary to membership base
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, as well as governmental administrative and departmental staff whose work impacts the greater Watertown area and Jefferson County
• Responsibly represent the priorities of the organization and its members on external boards and committees

 
Governance, Finance and Strategic Planning:

• Ensure the Chamber maintains strong operational policies and financial stability
• Take a leading role in the development, implementation and execution of the strategic plan in 2026, in collaboration with the Board of Directors
• Prepare, manage and participate in monthly executive committee and board meetings, which includes preparation of all relevant materials, attend all meetings and report to the board
• Draft, finalize, and responsibly execute the organization’s annual budget with approval by the Board of Directors
• Work with outside accounting service to effectively manage financial position

 
Communications and Marketing:

• Lead development of creative marketing and communication initiatives, including but not limited to membership/business promotion campaigns, Chamber website, member marketing partnerships, member communications, social media
• ​Develop productive relationships with media partners to enhance member visibility and help improve overall economic activity
• Serve as the media and community spokesperson for the organization

 
Employee Management:

• Responsibly lead Chamber staff to accomplish the organization’s goals
• Evaluate staff performance and needs, in collaboration with the Board of Directors
• Conduct annual staff performance reviews, establish employee goals, execute and document disciplinary actions when necessary, and ensure policies in the organization’s Employee Manual are followed accordingly
• ​Maintain a highly professional, effective, efficient and energetic office environment

 
Qualifications:

• Passion and experience in community building, program development, collaboration, and networking. Nonprofit or business management experience a plus
• Outstanding time management, program and event planning skills
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to thoughtfully build productive relationships various constituents throughout the public and private sectors
• Skillful at effectively managing staff and volunteers to accomplish goals
• Willing to work with flexible schedule, which includes Chamber programs and activities during evenings and weekends
• Effective coordination and prioritization of individual and organizational work
• Responsible for executing a personal and professional culture of high ethical standards
• Additional desirable qualifications include experience in marketing and communications, knowledge in graphic design, business experience, fundraising, non-profit and/or economic development experience, grant development, mentoring & staff development

 
Work Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree is required unless met with equivalent experience
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role is preferred
• Proficiency or experience with database management systems a plus

 
Annual Salary Range:

• $65,000-$70,000 per year. Compensation commensurate with salary standards and work experience.

Benefits:

• 401(k), 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life/ADD insurance
• Paid time off

 
Requirements:

• Résumé, cover letter and three professional or employer references

 
How to apply:

• Please submit your completed application via email to GWNCchamber315@gmail.com
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled