About Us:

Founded in 1868, the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership association serving more than 600 businesses, nonprofits, and individual members through educational programming, networking opportunities, advertising, government relations, and business growth. The La Crosse Area Chamber is led by an active Board of Directors and operates with a mission to elevate and strengthen the business community in order to enhance the La Crosse Area’s quality of life.

Purpose:
The CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce will lead the efforts that align with and support the mission of the organization. As the leader, the CEO must have the ability to see the larger picture, while skillfully supervising the day-to-day details of the organization.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, member engagement, fundraising, monitoring goals, metrics and services and staff supervision. Work closely with the Board and serve as liaison to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Chamber Foundation, Finance and other Chamber Committees and Work Groups. Collaborate with business, government, and education to implement effective initiatives. Represent the Chamber through participation on community boards and participate in area groups, organizations and events.

CEO and Board Relationship:

The Chamber operates under a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Strong Executive Model. Together, the CEO and Board of Directors (Board) will define the mission and vision and establish a long-term strategic plan. Once approved by the Board, the CEO drives the strategic plan by creating an annual work plan of actions that support the achievement of the long-range goals. This is defined as a high-level work plan that includes programs, actions, metrics, budget and timeline for each goal. This plan will be shared with the Board on an annual basis and will be used to track results throughout the year.

The CEO should utilize the Board as a professional resource, a sounding board and to provide experience and knowledge to supplement the CEO and the Chamber staff. The CEO will leverage Board and Chamber members to execute special projects, committees, and events.

Education & Qualifications:

The successful CEO shall possess a bachelor’s degree in a professional discipline relevant to providing executive leadership for an organization. Successful work experience in a sales goal-oriented environment very helpful. A minimum of ten (10) years in a leadership role is required – servant leadership style. Prior experience managing and motivating a team.

Experience in the not-for-profit realm is required. Previous experience working with multiple levels of leadership and volunteers is required. Ability to project a strong professional presence in appearance, actions, and personal demeanor in representing the Chamber is required.

Chief Executive Officer - Professional and Personal Traits:

• Be a servant leader.
• Extraordinary relationship-building talents.
• High level of integrity.
• Strong organizational skills resulting in the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrate a high level of autonomy and accountability, and shows ability to work independently
• Ability to increase and maintain relationships with high-level public and private stakeholders, relationships where the foundation is built on respect
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and written communications
• Ability to handle pressure and criticism, even when facing challenging situations

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Develop and implement plans and strategies that enhance the economic profile of the community for its businesses.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Understand the needs of our member base in order to retain current members and successfully recruit new members to grow the membership base.
• Report to the Board on a quarterly basis the status of achieving annual strategic goals.
• Bring new ideas to the Board. Be a visionary.
• Ensures member issues are anticipated and resolved.
• Create and build awareness of the Chamber’s role in the community.
• Establish collaborative and strong relationships with business and community leaders by understanding their needs.
• Develop and maintain a visible leadership role by regularly attending community events.
• Be a resource to all Committee Chairs and maintain regular communication.
• Engage in community dialogue to understand public perceptions and business needs.
• Work with the Finance Committee and financial staff/vendors to establish fiscal policies and procedures to develop annual operating budgets and plan for the overall financial health of the organization. Oversee the organization’s assets and investments including all property.
• Oversee marketing strategies that directly meet sales goals for the organization and indirectly enhance the Chamber’s brand.
• Oversee operational planning that ensures programs and services are delivered in a timely, on-budget fashion.
• Oversee the Chamber Foundation to maximize its not-for-profit tax status and education center lease in the Chamber building.
• Oversee the Chamber’s assets including investments, equipment, office, building, tenants, and vendors, ensuring they operate efficiently and to budget.
• Work with staff to develop personal goals that support the mission and annual business plan goals. Must be able to lead, develop and evaluate staff.
• Manage and motivate the staff to provide high quality programs for the business community.
• Strive to be knowledgeable of best practices and industry trends through personal and professional development.
• Develop and utilize an annual Board operating calendar – Board meetings, planning milestones including budget, reviews, officer selection, Chair appointments, major programs, events, planning and budgeting cycles, etc. to ensure communication.
• The CEO should develop a consistent Board meeting format.

Work Environment:

The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce is currently in a Hybrid work model where 2-3 days per week are in office. Chamber events are in-person, and therefore will require in-person management and attendance at events. Much of this role will be between day-time working hours from 8AM-5PM, but occasional work and community engagements often fall in the evenings and will be required.

Benefits & Miscellaneous:

This salaried, exempt position offers a competitive pay and benefits package, including 401(k) plan with a non-elective safe harbor 3% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, paid time off accrual immediately upon hire, and health/dental/vision benefits.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to hire@lacrossechamber.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• La Crosse, WI 54601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person