Job Description

Position: CEO RF Chamber & Tourism Bureau

The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau (chamber) is seeking an individual with high energy and enthusiasm to serve as its CEO. While working in a fun, fast-paced environment, this individual will oversee an active, growing, non-profit membership with a mission to connect, promote, and support its members to further enhance the local economy and cultivate a sense of community.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

The CEO works under the authority granted by the Board of Directors. This role has a dual responsibility of promoting economic development and enhancing the area's appeal as a tourist destination. The role combines business advocacy with tourism promotion, often requiring a strategic balance between the two interconnected goals.

Outline of Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Strategy Development: Continue the strategic plan and build long-term plan while ensuring operational compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
• Set goals and objectives: Establish short- and long-term priorities.
• Foster regional collaboration: Build partnerships with business leaders, tourism
• stakeholders, government officials, education, and community organizations.
• Oversee daily operations and financial stewardship: Develop budgets and
• secure funding through memberships, grants, sponsorships, and events.
• Manage staff and volunteers: Lead recruitment, development, and retention of a
• talented team to execute the organization’s mission.

2. Business Advocacy and Economic Development

• Represent the business community: Advocate for policies that support economic growth and address the needs of local businesses of our members.
• Support workforce development: Partner with educational institutions and employers to support programs that address skill gaps and workforce needs.
• Small business support: Share resources and create networking opportunities to help local businesses thrive.

3. Tourism

• Increase tourism traffic: Create and implement marketing campaigns that highlight the area's attractions, events, and cultural heritage.
• Collaborate with tourism stakeholders: Work with hotels, attractions, restaurants, and event organizers to enhance the visitor experience.
• Develop tourism products and monitor trends: Oversee the creation festivals/events that draw tourists to the area. Stay informed on travel and tourism trends to adapt strategies for promotion.
• Strengthen community identity: Promote a shared vision of the region as a thriving hub for both commerce and tourism.
• Advocate for quality of life: Support initiatives that enhance the region's livability for residents and attractiveness for visitors.

4. Marketing, Public Relations, Event Planning and Execution

• Promote the region: Build the community's brand as a business-friendly and tourist-attractive destination.
• Engage stakeholders: Regularly communicate with members, residents, and tourism partners and gather feedback.
• Host community events: Plan and execute festivals, networking mixers, and awards ceremonies that appeal to both businesses and visitors.
• Educational programs: Provide or support workshops and seminars for partners to strengthen their operations.

5. Performance Measurement

• Track economic impact: Measure the success of initiatives through metrics like business growth, job creation, and tourism revenue.
• Analyze visitor data: Use analytics to understand tourist demographics, spending patterns, and overall satisfaction.
• Report outcomes: Provide updates to the board of directors, members, and stakeholders on organizational achievements.

Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

• Equivalent experience in related fields will be considered.

• Must be a self-starter with a strong sense of vision.

• Public speaking/presentation abilities.

• Strong leadership skills and ability to work with others professionally.

• Strong EQ skills: Listening, and verbal/written communication.

• Event planning and execution experience.

• Ability to work with a diverse population of community leaders, volunteers, and members with comfort to delegate and empower others to action.

• Knowledge of finance and budgeting.

• Must be creative, initiating projects from idea to completion.

• Demonstrated success in sales and/or fundraising.

• Ability to multi-task with a strong sense of time management.

• Must have a high level of energy and enthusiasm.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Position: CEO River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

Salary: Competitive salary and commission/bonus plan

Benefits: Five weeks PTO, Simple IRA (3% Match), $50 Cell Phone Reimbursement Chamber Membership: 300

Total Number of Staff: 3 including CEO

Salary Range based on experience: $65,000-80,000 base.

To Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of interest, resume and three (3) references should be emailed to current Board Chair, Sheri Marnell at Sheri.Marnell@uwrf.edu.

Questions can also be directed to Sheri Marnell at 715-425-4288 or via email above.

Applications must be received on or before February 14, 2025 

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