Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Rice Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, a private, voluntary, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving the economic and community environment of the Rice Lake area and fostering quality business growth and prosperity. This hands‑on leadership role encompasses strategic planning and implementation, full financial management (including banking, payroll, and bookkeeping), membership development, extensive event planning and community programming, volunteer and committee coordination, staff supervision, digital marketing and communications, advocacy, and partnership building. The Executive Director works closely with the Board, Executive Committee, committees (including Economic Development & Education and Ambassadors), the Executive Assistant, and community partners to advance the Chamber’s mission through both visionary leadership and day‑to‑day operational excellence. Event Planning, Tourism & Community Programs Plan, coordinate, promote, execute, and evaluate a robust calendar of signature and community events that drive engagement, tourism, networking, and economic activity. Major events include: Annual Dinner, Salute Golf Outing, Music in the Park, Fisherman’s Feed, Hunter’s Feed, Community-Wide Garage Sales, In Remembrance 5K Run/Walk, Earth Day Cleanup, Aquafest Chamber Family Night, Veterans Banner Project, Business After Hours, Women in the Workplace Luncheon, ribbon cuttings, and special promotions. Experience with tourism promotion, economic development programs, grant writing, or fundraising/sponsorship development is preferred. Prior work experience in a rural, small‑town, or regional chamber of commerce, Main Street program, or similar community/economic development organization is preferred. Basic graphic design, video, or social content creation skills to support in‑house marketing efforts is preferred. Familiarity with membership/CRM databases, event registration platforms, or data analytics tools is preferred. Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Economic Development & Education Committee, and other committees to identify needs and develop, implement, and evaluate a Strategic Plan with measurable goals for economic vitality, membership growth, program effectiveness, and community impact; continuously evaluate programs and recommend improvements. Monitor and strengthen the Chamber’s internal structure, policies, and procedures to maximize efficiency, relevance, and responsiveness; recommend governance or operational changes to the Board as needed. Financial Management & Operations Develop the annual operating budget aligned with strategic goals and program priorities; present to and manage within the framework approved by the Board. Oversee all financial operations including bookkeeping (QuickBooks), banking and cash management, payroll processing and compliance, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, and internal controls; ensure transparency, accuracy, and fiscal responsibility. Maximize organizational efficiency and oversee revenue‑generating activities such as the gift certificate program, event sponsorships, and membership dues. Membership Development & Engagement Lead proactive membership recruitment and retention strategies in partnership with the Ambassadors Committee through regular business visits and outreach to understand needs and gather input; translate member suggestions into actionable initiatives aligned with Chamber objectives and promote benefits including networking events, spotlights, ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and the online gift certificate program. Volunteer, Committee & Staff Leadership Motivate, inspire, and effectively coordinate volunteers and committee members (Ambassadors, Economic Development & Education, Music in the Park, Salute Golf Outing, and ad‑hoc groups) to participate actively and creatively in advancing Chamber goals. Supervise, support, and develop the Executive Assistant (and any future staff). Delegate tasks appropriately, foster a positive and professional team environment, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities. Participate in approved professional development opportunities. Staff and support Board and committee meetings; prepare materials, reports, and recommendations as needed. Economic Development, Advocacy & Partnerships Actively support and staff the Economic Development & Education Committee in efforts to promote business retention, expansion, attraction, workforce development, and educational partnerships in the Rice Lake area; build and maintain strong relationships with key community leaders, local government (City of Rice Lake, Barron County), tourism partners, Main Street Association, and other organizations to enhance the commercial, industrial, civic, and tourism environment. Serve as the advocate and voice for Chamber members on issues of importance at local, state, and federal levels; monitor legislation, engage policymakers, and communicate positions effectively. Strengthen public understanding of the Chamber’s value and role through consistent presence, media relations, and community engagement. Social Media, Marketing & Communications Manage and grow the Chamber’s social media and digital presence: maintain website content (WordPress), oversee social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram), create engaging content for events, news, member features, and resources, and manage online tools such as the gift certificate ordering system. Develop and implement marketing and communications strategies to increase membership, event participation, sponsorships, and overall visibility. Coordinate promotional partnerships including radio sponsorships and “Chamber Chat” segments. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible professional experience. Prior experience in chamber of commerce leadership, nonprofit management, business operations, event planning and coordination, membership development, or economic development. Hands‑on experience in a small organization or multi‑role environment is strongly preferred. Prior chamber, Main Street, or tourism‑related experience is a significant plus. Proven experience with full financial management responsibilities including budgeting, bookkeeping (QuickBooks or similar), payroll processing, and financial reporting to a board or governing body. Demonstrated success planning, coordinating, and executing multiple recurring community or signature events annually, including sponsorship development, logistics, marketing, and volunteer coordination. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), QuickBooks or comparable accounting software, WordPress or similar content management systems, and major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Familiarity with graphic design tools (Canva or Adobe) and email marketing platforms is highly desirable. Strong leadership, team‑building, and volunteer motivation skills with the ability to lead groups, delegate effectively, and administer an organization through planning, organizing, and supervising both paid staff and volunteer committees. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences including members, volunteers, public officials, media, and community partners. Excellent customer service orientation. Superior time management, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills; ability to define problems, collect and organize data/information, prioritize competing demands, and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment. Flexible schedule with willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and early mornings as required for events, meetings, and Chamber functions. This is not a strictly 8‑to‑5 role. Starting Compensation: $50,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to deliver results. Performance‑based adjustments may be considered after the first year. Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching; generous Paid Time Off (PTO); and other benefits as determined by the Board of Directors. Employment Type: Full‑time, Exempt position. Schedule & Hours: Core full‑time schedule with significant flexibility. Standard business hours supplemented by regular evening and weekend commitments for events, meetings, and community functions. This role requires a high degree of availability and responsiveness. Work Location: Primarily in‑person at the Chamber office (37 S Main St, Rice Lake, WI) with occasional remote flexibility for focused administrative work. Regular local travel throughout the Rice Lake area is required. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Rice Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. DISCLAIMER The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice at the discretion of the Board of Directors or Executive Committee. This position regularly requires performance of duties and attendance at functions outside of core business hours. #J-18808-Ljbffr