Posted: Jan 21, 2025

Management | Chief Executive Officer - FT

Full-time
Salary: $160,000.00 - $175,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 19, 2025
Business & Information

About The Chamber

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (“The Chamber”) works together to build good business and great community for all. For over 160 years, The Chamber has led the way in historic improvements in our region, fostering connections, promoting business excellence, and advocating for economic growth. Today, with nearly 1,400 members, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the 3rd largest chamber in British Columbia. We represent the interests of small, medium, and large businesses across all industries. 

Position Overview – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a dynamic, passionate and strategic leader who will ensure the future vitality, development, impact and relevance of the Chamber. The Chamber is foundational to building a strong local  economy and developing, strengthening and protecting the business community of Greater Victoria. The CEO works with the Board of Directors towards building and maintaining successful relationships in the midst of complex and ever-changing regulations, standards and practices impacting the Greater Victoria business community. 

The CEO is responsible to the Board of Directors for providing the full range of the Chamber’s activities, strategic initiatives and services such as, but not limited to: advocacy efforts; media relations; networking opportunities; development of meaningful partnerships; community connections; events and promotions; and member engagement. 

The position is responsible for leading and providing oversight to the operational day-to-day tasks for the Chamber leading a team of ~10 employees and an annual budget of $1.3M. 

Being the public profile for the organization, the CEO speaks on behalf of the Board and the 1400 members of the Chamber on a wide array of public policy and community issues that affect their ability to do business in the region. The CEO engages with all types of member organizations, government decision makers, media and project partners. In addition, the CEO is responsible for understanding and articulating the concerns and interests of Chamber members, especially regarding government decisions and public policy issues, primarily at the local government level but also provincially and nationally. The CEO identifies effective methods of consulting with Chamber members to ensure that the Chamber’s advocacy priorities reflect the community's needs. 

Specific Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will: 

  • Develop and execute strategic plans that align with the Chamber’s mission and goals, ensuring organizational growth and relevancy.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, financial performance, and team management. Ensure effective resource use and compliance with organizational policies.
  • Act as the Chamber’s primary spokesperson, advocating for member interests with government entities, community organizations, and media.
  • Drive engagement, satisfaction, and growth of membership. Oversee membership services, programming, and events to meet the diverse needs of businesses in Victoria.
  • Maintain the Chamber’s financial health by managing budgets, monitoring & identifying new revenue streams and funding opportunities, including partnerships, grants, and sponsorships.
  • Champion DEI initiatives within the Chamber and in the broader community, working to advance policies and practices that support equity for all businesses.
  • Foster a collaborative work environment. Lead, mentor, and develop a talented team to achieve high performance and accountability standards.
  • Strengthen relationships with local stakeholders, including government officials, educational institutions, not-for-profit community organizations and industry associations to further economic development and community initiatives.
  • Provide support to and work with the Board to ensure the success of partnerships and/or Chamber initiatives and, provide support as needed to any of the Chamber committees.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • A post-secondary degree in business, marketing/communications, public administration or a related field.
  • AND/OR -A degree in related discipline or/ an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • 5+ years’ experience as a successful leader with demonstrated business acumen, working with multiple stakeholder groups, government agencies, and community organizations.
  • Experience in building alliances and collaborative partnerships on projects with a wide range of participants such as: business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, economic development organizations, community agencies, elected officials and the media.
  • Exceptional communication abilities, including public speaking and presentation skills, able to engage and work with media, deliver news releases, and speeches for Chamber events.
  • Business experience and knowledge of associations and membership driven organizations would be an asset.
  • Experience working with diverse groups and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • An understanding of issues facing businesses in the Greater Victoria region is an asset.
  • Board management and governance experience.
  • Eligible to work in Canada.

About You:

You are:

  • A strong, considerate leader with an entrepreneurial focus and the ability to manage existing programs while developing new initiatives and partnerships with other business and community organizations to achieve regional goals and objectives.
  • Respectful and skilled at bringing groups with various stakeholder viewpoints together, building trust and cultivating relationships.
  • A consensus builder who works towards common goals and positive partnerships.
  • Enjoy mentoring and building strong teams to allow them to solve challenges and thrive.
  • Are someone not phased by challenges or setbacks and are able to confidently work through issues and conflicts and make the hard decisions.
  • Have a reputation for uncompromising professional integrity and personal values, working in an inclusive environment.

Compensation Package:

  • Base salary $160,000. - $175,000. per year, wage to commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive Benefits package
  • Annual Vacation – 4 weeks (20 days)
How To Apply:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply in confidence to [email protected] with a covering letter and resume that clearly outlines their education and experience required of the position, as well as your salary expectations By February 19, 2025.