Tompkins Chamber
Job Description
The Tompkins Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the posting for our new Vice President.

Overview:
The role is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives of the organization and its Foundation. This role requires a visionary leader who can foster strong relationships with stakeholders, drive economic growth, and advocate for the business community. The Vice President collaborates closely with the President and CEO, board of directors, staff, and community partners to achieve the Chamber's mission and goals.  

Grant writing and administration may be required in this position, to the extent that opportunities which align with the mission present themselves, or existing programs require administration through completion date. All grant writing/administration and fundraising or development work will be accomplished in partnership with the Chamber team.  

In order to qualify and be considered as a candidate, all applicants must answer the questions included in the job description.  Failure to answer the questions fully will result in exclusion of the interview process.  The Chamber Team appreciates your time but in order to fully qualify candidates and determine interest, our use of these questions is required.

POSITION STATUSExempt,  Full-time, benefitted 

JOB DUTIES: 

General Chamber Organizational Responsibilities (35%)  
Work alongside President (formerly in the Vice President role), Board, and support staff to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives which addresses both Chamber and CVB goals to promote economic growth and business development within the community.  
  • Foster strong relationships with Chamber members, local businesses, mission-driven organizations, and community leaders to advocate for their interests and needs.  
  • Collaborate with the President and CEO to establish and achieve long-term goals and objectives.  
  • Monitor and analyze economic trends, market conditions, and policy changes that impact the local business environment.  
  • Support the President in the holistic management of the Chamber of Commerce and its CVB division.  
  • Represent the Chamber & CVB as assigned on boards, committees, or at public meetings.  
  • Support Chamber President in pursuing/implementing projects which enhance business climate, tourism development, and quality of life in Tompkins County  
  • Attend and participate in Chamber of Commerce hosted networking events, annual meetings, etc.  
  • Prepare and present reports to the board of directors, members, and other stakeholders on the Chamber's progress and achievements.  
 Live + Work in Ithaca Initiative Management (25%) 
Through existing and future Live + Work in Ithaca program tools and resources, support area employers in their efforts to develop, recruit, and retain a skilled and appropriate workforce. 
  • Ensure implementation of annual Live + Work in Ithaca marketing, social media, PR, and outreach plan, with input from committees and team members. 
  • Gather input from existing and future partners to support work plan implementation and development of new strategies for workforce and business attraction/retention. 
  • Understand data regarding existing workforce challenges and goals/strategies for supporting workforce development needs of employers in Tompkins County. 
  • With President, develop and implement an effective investor/member engagement strategy for Live + Work in Ithaca. Seek partners/sponsors and funding commitments for program.  
  • Support content development goals for Live + Work in Ithaca, driving engagement across multiple platforms, placing effective advertising, and developing fresh web and print content.  
  • Maintain/update liveinithaca.org content on website; collaborate with marketing team to grow engagement and SEO positioning.  
  • Oversee print relocation/community guide publication and distribution.  
  • Ensure maintenance of human resources partners throughout the community in Chamber database; encourage use of program resources/disseminate resources appropriately.  
  • Support hosting of bimonthly Welcome Home Wednesday events.  
Administration of Tompkins County Employer Resource Network (ERN) (25%) 
Develop the strategy, manage the budget, and execute the program to deliver value to participating ERN member businesses. 
  • Collaborate with workforce development partners to leverage shared services and eliminate duplication. 
  • Supervise ERN staff to achieve program goals.  
  • Evaluate program capacity and develop sustainable growth strategy 
  • Meet monthly with national ERN partners providing leadership, mentorship, and technical assistance 
  • Participating in state and national Peer Learning activities to share and build best practices 
  • Report regularly to investors, committees, Board, and grant funders 
Administration of Tompkins Chamber Foundation Fiscal Sponsorships (10%)  
Ithaca Pride Alliance and Tompkins Connect 
Serve as the primary point of contact to provide critical support to each fiscally sponsored program. 
  • Build systems and procedures which provide a path for each program to transition into independent entities. 
  • Ensure fiscal sponsorship agreements are current for each project group 
  • Coordinate attendance at fiscally sponsored group meetings or project sessions 
  • Implement fiscal oversight plan for projects groups to facilitate timely and accurate bookkeeping 
  • Ensure monthly financial statements are provided and reviewed with project groups 
  • Draft quarterly summaries or reports of program accomplishments  
  • Ensure grant compliance including reporting and required document submissions to NYS Grants Gateway and other document retention portals specific to grantors
  • Other Duties as Assigned.  
Essential Functions 

This role is a combination of desk work (hybrid in-office/remote) and onsite, hands-on work that requires time moving about an event in both indoor and outdoor settings. Off-site meetings around the county are common. Work is completed in digital formats individually and in collaborative groups. Social capacity includes small meetings, networking at small and large events, and a moderate amount of public speaking. Occasional evening hours are required, twice per month on average. 

Technological systems and platforms used include Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams; Zoom/virtual environments; Trello or other project management software; social media platforms; familiarity with web-based database management, and onsite hybrid meeting technology.  

All staff members are expected to participate in regular staff training sessions and team development opportunities, pursue professional development opportunities deemed mutually beneficial to the individual and organization and as budget allows, and to participate earnestly in diversity, equity, and inclusion educational offerings and discussions.  

As part of our values, we seek to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace and encourage communication of necessary accommodations to remove barriers and make our employment relationship a successful one.  

Candidate Profile & Position Requirements 

Desired Education & Experience:
Knowledge of economic development principles and practices and familiarity with local and regional economic trends preferred. Budget development and administration, volunteer management, and/or marketing and community relations experience preferred. At least 7 to 10 years related work experience in a leadership role, with demonstrable skills appliable to the work scope described herein. College degree required, in related field preferred.  

Desired Characteristics:
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping others grow to their professional potential. Strong oral and written communications skills; an inquisitive and creative nature; effective time management skills; taking initiative and exercising creativity; planning, organizing, and the ability to execute on deadline will serve this person well in this role. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate a team are desired. Delegation and grant writing skills are useful. The ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders is key to this role. Commitment to the mission and values of the Tompkins Chamber is required. 
 
SALARY RANGE$93,000-$115,000 depending on experience

The Chamber is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion; candidates who share these values and who can support us in achieving our goals in this area are encouraged to apply. 

As stated above, only complete application, including answering ALL screening questions will be considered. For more information, please contact Mary Kay Marks, Recruitment Consultant, ern@tompkinschamber.org 

Join us as we strive for excellence in our industry while cultivating an innovative environment where your contributions will make a significant impact.
 
Please EMAIL your answers to these REQUIRED Questions, along with your resume to ERN@tompkinschamber.org.:
  1. Are you authorized to work in the United States?
 
  1. Our hybrid operations include being in-person for a minimum of three days per week, with up to two days remote work per week. In-person can mean at offsite meetings or events (not necessarily in the office). Can you please verify that you are able to comfortably commute to meet these expectations?  If you live outside the area, please give us more details.
 
  1. Do you have 7 - 10 years of experience in a similar role?  If so, please explain.
 
  1. Economic development is one of the main responsibilities of this role, do you have the required experience listed?   If so, please give examples of successful past work.
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