The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next phase of growth, influence, and impact.Nanaimo is one of Canada's fastest-growing regions and consistently ranked among the country's top cities for quality of life (#1 in BC, #2 in Canada). Known as The Harbour City, Nanaimo is a vibrant coastal community and the economic hub of central Vancouver Island.Nanaimo Chamber serves as a bridge and trusted partner to community stakeholders, the business and nonprofit sectors. Currently working with over 600 members annually, the Chamber is active and offers networking events as well as delivering key community events such as Members Open Golf Tournament, Commercial Street Night Market, and the Nanaimo Business Awards.The Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Vancouver Island's premier business institutions during a pivotal era of transition. The successful candidate will play a defining role in shaping how the Chamber champions business success, drives public policy, and secures the long-term prosperity of Nanaimo and the surrounding region. This role offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, alongside the unique opportunity to build a lasting institutional legacy.The Role Reporting to a Board of Directors, the CEO is accountable for the Chamber’s overall performance, financial sustainability, impact and organizational leadership. This role requires a growth-minded and enthusiastic leader with solid political acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build high-performing teams through coaching and mentorship. In this role, you are willing to rethink systems and processes and craft creative but practical solutions for a diverse and growing membership group. The CEO serves as the leading voice for business and nonprofit sectors in Nanaimo, advancing policy, influencing decision-makers, and strengthening the Chamber’s relevance to members and the community. This is a permanent and in-office role in Nanaimo, BC.Who You Are The ideal candidate is a proven visionary who clearly understands the Chamber mission, vision and values and can grow the vision in a meaningful way to all members and partners.



This role is an opportunity to leverage a team to lead the Chamber into its next era of growth through your expertise, clear vision, and thoughtful leadership. You thrive in a work setting that often has your days spent connecting with various change makers, members, and community leaders that help the chamber flourish, while ensuring milestones are met and teams are self-starting and performing their core roles. You thrive in creating systems, driving growth and working with a diverse and growing team.Key Accountabilities Governance & Board RelationsProvide visionary leadership and execute the Board-approved strategic planWork in close partnership with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and decision-makingManage materials and reports for Board and committee meetings and ensure those are prepared on a regular board cycle cadenceEnsure financial sustainability through disciplined budgeting, ROI analysis, and resource allocationOversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to ensure accurate and up-to-date fiscal accountabilityOversee budgets for various departments in the Chamber team including Marketing, Membership and other budget needs.Partner Relations & EventsBuild and leverage strong political, municipal, government, and stakeholder relationships throughout the region of NanaimoServe as a trusted ally to partners such as Tourism Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and Snuneymuxw First NationsRepresent Greater Nanaimo Chamber as an active stakeholder with Nanaimo Prosperity CorporationLead the relationship connection with fellow Chamber organizations provincial and national Chamber associationsLead advocacy and policy initiatives at the municipal, provincial, and federal levelsIdentify and lead business development efforts, including grants, government funding, fundraising, sponsorships,



and partnershipsServe as the primary spokesperson and representative of the organizationAdvocate for the organization’s mission and the communities it serves at local, regional, provincial and federal levelsOperations, People & LeadershipBuild, coach, and mentor a high-performing team and positive organizational cultureEnsure systems, policies, and procedures support efficient and ethical operations and make recommendations for any changes as requiredMonitor outcomes and impact, using available data to inform improvementOversee recruitment, performance management, professional development, and succession planning of the teamMembership & MarketingServe as a dynamic spokesperson and presenter to business, social, government, media, and community audiencesRetain and foster current membership while driving a competitive strategic membership growth strategyLeading a strategic brand evolution for The Chamber to take the brand into its next innovative chapter - Oversee your marketing team to ensure the vision, mission and programs of the Chamber are regularly promoted and celebrated in digital and traditional marketing channelsSet and support the team in competitive annual membership growth and marketing goalsCollaborate with staff and the board to develop high revenue streams that also deliver strong, meaningful value to our membersIdeal ExperienceSenior executive leadership experience in a chamber, nonprofit, private, economic development, or comparable organizationProven track record of political influence and policy leadershipExperience growing a membership or client databaseExceptional communication and presentation skillsStrong financial acumen and experience leading lean organizationsDemonstrated success developing teams through coaching and mentorshipExperience working with marketing teams in house or through agencyBase salary:$120,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience)Performance bonus:up to 10% - Benefits, flexibility, and professional development support includedThis role is in office based in Nanaimo, but offers hybrid flexibilityGreater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Chief Executive Officer - C$120,000 - C$150,000 A Year (Nanaimo)
🏢 Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
📍 Nanaimo