Job Summary
1. POSITION PURPOSE
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic leadership and oversees the operations of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Working with the Board of Directors, the ED leads the Chamber's plans, builds robust ties with Members and partners, grows revenue and ensures the Chamber remains financially sound.
The ED leads advocacy efforts, oversees programs and services, and guides staff to meet the needs of Members and support a strong local business community. The ED is accountable for the overall performance, long-term health and success of the Chamber.
1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESA. Strategic Leadership and Governance
· Work with the Board to set the Chamber's goals, priorities and strategic direction. · Lead the development and delivery of the annual work plan and budget.
· Keep the Board informed of progress, key issues, risks and opportunities.
· Provide advice and support to the Board to help guide sound decisions.
· Ensure the Chamber meets its legal, policy and reporting duties.
· Support good governance and clear lines of accountability between the Board and staff.
B. Financial Management and Revenue Development
· Oversee the Chamber's financial health and long-term stability.
· Lead the development and management of the annual budget.
· Grow and diversify revenue through Member dues, events, sponsorships, grants and other sources.
· Identify new ways to build steady, unrestricted revenue and reduce reliance on grants.
· Monitor financial results, cash flow and key risks.
· Ensure sound financial controls and timely reports to the Board.
· Oversee financial planning and year-end reporting.
C. Member Relations and Business Development
· Lead efforts to grow and retain Chamber Members.
· Ensure the Chamber's services, programs and benefits meet Member needs.
· Build strong ties with Members and seek their input on key issues.
· Identify ways to grow the value of Chamber membership.
· Build ties with local businesses, groups and partners to support business growth.
· Oversee Member engagement, outreach and retention plans.
D. Advocacy and Government Relations
· Lead the Chamber's advocacy work on issues that affect Members and the local business community.
· Build and maintain ties with local, provincial and federal governments.
· Track policy and bylaw changes that may affect Members.
· Work with Members and partners to identify key issues and shape the Chamber's response.
· Represent the Chamber in meetings, public forums and other advocacy efforts.
· Ensure the Chamber's advocacy work reflects its mandate and the needs of its Members.
E. Programs, Events and Services
· Oversee the Chamber's programs, events, services and business support work.
· Ensure programs and events align with the Chamber's goals and budget.
· Seek recent ways to serve Members and support local business growth.
· Build partnerships that expand the Chamber's reach and impact.
· Review program results and use feedback to improve future work.
· Ensure the Chamber's services and events deliver value to Members and partners.
F. Staff Leadership and Organizational Management
· Lead, guide and support Chamber staff.
· Set explicit goals, roles and lines of accountability.
· Oversee hiring, staff development and performance reviews.
· Ensure staff have the tools, support and direction needed to succeed.
· Build a positive, fair and productive work culture.
· Delegate day-to-day tasks to staff while maintaining overall accountability for results.
· Review staffing needs and recommend changes to the Board as needed.
G. Communications and Public Relations
· Oversee the Chamber's public image, brand and communications.
· Ensure clear and timely communication with Members, partners and the public.
· Act as a key spokesperson for the Chamber.
· Build the Chamber's profile through media, partnerships and public engagement.
· Oversee marketing and outreach plans that support Member growth and Chamber revenue.
H. Partnerships and Community Relations
· Build and maintain strong ties with the Township, local businesses, community groups and other partners.
· Seek partnerships that support the Chamber's goals and bring value to Members.
· Represent the Chamber at key meetings, events and community forums.
· Support work that strengthens the local business community and the year-round economy.
I. Risk Management and Organizational Development
· Identify and manage key risks to the Chamber's finances, reputation and operations.
· Oversee the development and review of policies, systems and processes.
· Ensure the Chamber's resources are used well and in line with its goals.
· Lead efforts to improve the Chamber's systems, services and ways of working.
· Identify new opportunities to grow the Chamber's reach, value and long-term strength.
1. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
· Delivery of the Chamber's strategic goals and annual work plan. · Financial health, sound budget management and revenue growth.
· Member growth, retention and satisfaction.
· Effective advocacy and government relations.
· The quality and impact of Chamber programs and services.
· Staff leadership and overall organizational performance.
· Strong partnerships and a positive public profile.
· Compliance with legal, financial and governance duties.
1. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEEducation and Experience
· Relevant education or a mix of education and work experience in business, management, public relations, economic development or a related field.
· Experience in a leadership role, ideally in a non-profit, Chamber of Commerce, business group or similar organization.
· Experience in financial management, budgeting and demonstrated success developing sustainable earned revenue.
· Experience in Member relations, advocacy, government relations or partnership development.
· Experience leading staff, projects and programs.
Skills and Abilities
· Strong leadership and sound judgment.
· Clear written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to build trust and robust working ties with a wide range of people.
· Strong planning, budget and organizational skills.
· Ability to set goals, guide staff and track results.
· Ability to manage change and respond to new needs.
· Knowledge of local business issues and the role of a Chamber of Commerce.
· Ability to work with a Board of Directors and support good governance.
. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The Executive Director works closely with:
· The Board of Directors.
· Chamber staff.
· Chamber Members and prospective Members.
· The Township of Muskoka Lakes.
· Local, provincial and federal government bodies.
· Community groups, business partners and other stakeholders.
1. PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The Executive Director's performance will be reviewed by the Board of Directors beginning with an initial three-month review and a six-month progress review, followed by annual reviews. The review will assess progress toward the Chamber's strategic goals, financial results, Member engagement, staff leadership and overall organizational performance.
The Board and ED will agree on clear goals and measures of success.
1. ROLE SCOPE
The Executive Director provides overall leadership and is accountable for the Chamber's performance. The ED may delegate day-to-day tasks and operational duties to staff while retaining responsibility for results.
The exact division of duties between the ED and other staff will be set by the Board and ED based on the Chamber's needs, staffing model and available resources.
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $60-80K determined by experience and role alignment. Includes benefits after probationary period, 3 weeks holidays and the Chamber closes over the December break.
Accessibility and Accommodation
We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring process. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants with disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
Interested? Please send your Cover Letter and Resume to
[email protected] with Executive Director Application in the email Subject Line. Your application will be forwarded to the Hiring Committee.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Pay: $60,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Advantages
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
📌 Executive Director (Bala)
🏢 Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
📍 Bala