President & CEO

Job Description

Job Description

We are assisting our client, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, with the recruitment and selection of a President & CEO. Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as its next President & CEO. As the leading business and tourism organization serving Hayward and Sawyer County, WI, the Chamber plays a central role in advancing economic growth, supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and strengthening community connections.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will guide the Chamber’s strategic direction while ensuring the organization continues to deliver meaningful value to its members and the broader community. The President & CEO will oversee the organization’s operations, finances, staff and volunteers. As the public face of the organization, the President & CEO will play a key role in cultivating strong relationships with business leaders, government officials, tourism partners, and community stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a community known for its entrepreneurial spirit, strong partnerships, and vibrant visitor economy. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who enjoys building meaningful relationships, connecting people around a shared vision, and creating opportunities that help local businesses and the Hayward community thrive.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Board of Directors and Executive Board to establish strategic priorities, guide organizational policies, support governance activities, and advance the Chamber's mission through measurable goals and long-range planning.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, providing insight on organizational and community matters while ensuring effective communication, engagement, and collaboration among board members, staff, committees, and volunteers.
• Develop the annual operating and event budgets with staff and the Board of Directors; manage income and expenditures within Board-approved parameters.
• Review monthly financial statements, maintain strong internal controls, and provide timely financial information to the Board and contracted accounting service.
• Coordinate required state and federal filings and support accurate payroll, tax, unemployment, and other compliance reporting with outside professionals.
• Administer sponsorships, contracts, grants, and other awarded programs; pursue responsible new revenue opportunities that advance HACC's mission.
• Oversee records, technology, facilities, equipment, supplies, and the Chamber office/Information Center as an efficient and welcoming front door for members, residents, and visitors.
• Lead membership recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts by building strong relationships with area businesses and ensuring members receive valuable resources, networking opportunities, referrals, educational programming, and responsive support.
• Utilize member feedback and participation data to continuously enhance programs, communications, and membership value while supporting key Chamber events that celebrate and promote the success of local businesses and community leaders.
• Serve as a public ambassador for the Chamber through media engagement, community outreach, presentations, and other public-facing opportunities while ensuring consistent and effective marketing and communications across all channels.
• Partner with and support the Director of Marketing & Events in the planning and execution of Chamber festivals, networking events, business promotions, tourism initiatives, and visitor services, helping showcase the Hayward area and strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with businesses, government officials, economic development organizations, community groups, and regional partners to advance the Hayward area's economic vitality and business community interests.
• Advocate for a business-friendly environment by representing the Chamber at local, regional, and state levels, communicating Chamber priorities, and connecting members with relevant economic, demographic, business assistance, and funding resources.
• Hire, supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop staff; assign responsibilities and establish employment terms within the approved budget and Board policies.
• Create a collaborative, accountable workplace with clear expectations, effective communication, professional development, and strong coordination among staff and volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.
• Demonstrated business development, community engagement, or organizational experience required.
• Experience in a chamber of commerce, association, nonprofit, tourism, economic development, local government, business, or other community-focused organization is strongly preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, budgets, operations, staff, programs, and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong financial judgment and working knowledge of budgeting, financial statements, internal controls, grants, and organizational compliance.
• Excellent written, verbal, public-speaking, media, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse interests.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, events, projects, deadlines, and community partnerships with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Comfortable using contemporary office, financial, membership, website, social media, and communications technology.
• Availability for occasional evening, weekend, and local/regional travel commitments.
• Candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds who demonstrate strong leadership, relationship-building, communication, organizational, and business skills are encouraged to apply.

If you are an experienced and visionary leader who enjoys building partnerships, advancing strategic initiatives, and championing the success of businesses and communities, we invite you to submit your resume through our client application portal.

Please Note: Wipfli is partnering with Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce to support this recruitment process. You may receive communications from Wipfli regarding your application, interview scheduling, and participation in the hiring process. While Wipfli is assisting with recruitment activities, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce retains responsibility for candidate selection, hiring decisions, employment offers, and all final employment actions.

Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer