Description
Job Title: Executive Director
Class: Part-Time with potential to become Full-Time
Direct Supervisor: Chairman of the Board of Directors
Application Deadline: Please submit your resume and cover letter to boardsecretary@desotoareachamber.org by Thursday, November 5, 2026
ABOUT THE DESOTO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mission
The DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster an environment of economic growth and prosperity in the business community of the DeSoto, Texas, area through economic stimulation, networking, advocacy, support, and information. The Chamber promotes the community by building meaningful relationships among businesses, citizens, schools, civic organizations, and charitable organizations.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director is hired by and responsible to the DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the Chamber and for carrying out the policies and strategic initiatives established by the Board.
The Executive Director works closely with the business community in DeSoto and surrounding areas and partners with the City of DeSoto, DeSoto ISD, and other community organizations to advance the Chamber’s mission and support annual programs and events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Business and Operational Planning
- Develop and execute business, financial, marketing, and operational plans in collaboration with appropriate Chamber committees.
- Support the Chamber's strategic initiatives and goals through ongoing evaluation of the business and community environment.
- Monitor progress toward established goals and make adjustments as needed.
- Provide appropriate resources and work with staff, volunteers, committees, and Board members to achieve organizational objectives.
2. Membership Growth, Business Growth and Retention
- Promote a compelling and valuable proposition for current and prospective members.
- Lead the recruitment of new business members.
- Develop and recommend strategies to increase member engagement, satisfaction, and financial support.
- Monitor membership renewals and support member retention.
- Work with the Membership and Ambassador Committees to evaluate member needs and enhance membership value and benefits.
- Identify common operational challenges facing local industries and facilitate workshops, educational seminars, peer roundtables or subject matter expert 1-on-1 sessions to address them.
3. Board Relations and Governance
- Maintain strong and open communication with the Board of Directors regarding organizational operation and strategic goals.
- Attend Board meetings and promptly report key issues, developments, and operational concerns.
- Assist in preparing meeting agendas and maintain Board minutes and official records.
- Implement Board-approved plans, programs, policies, and initiatives.
- Present ideas and recommendations for Board consideration.
- Work collaboratively with the Board on matters related to the Chamber's mission, vision, policies, and strategic initiatives.
- Work with Chamber committee Board liaisons to support committee activities and objectives.
4. Financial Management
- Manage Chamber finances in conjunction with the Treasurer and Budget & Finance Committee.
- Promptly report expenses and financial concerns.
- Implement and manage the Board-approved budget.
- Identify and communicate budget issues or concerns to the Board of Directors.
5. Policy Administration
- Ensure that adopted Chamber policies and procedures are properly documented and maintained.
- Assist the Board, committees, members, and staff in understanding and following current Chamber policies.
- Apply Chamber policies consistently to programs, events, and other organizational activities.
6. Programs, Events, and Community Engagement
- Manage the planning and operation of Chamber programs and events.
- Work with committees, staff, volunteers, outside vendors, event planners, and sponsors to plan, market, and conduct events.
- Coordinate participant recruitment, program content, event logistics, and financial oversight.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Chamber programs and events.
- Work with the Ambassador, Membership, and Marketing & Events Committees to coordinate ribbon cuttings, business openings, member visits, and networking events.
- Represent the Chamber at community and business events alongside the Board of Directors.
7. Advocacy and Public Relations
- Serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for the Chamber and the business community.
- Represent the interests of the business community in interactions with government officials, community leaders, and media outlets.
- Build and maintain relationships with businesses, industry associations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Support the Chamber's public image, credibility, and visibility within the community.
8. Business and Community Development
- Collaborate with the Board, economic development organizations, and community partners to identify local business and community needs and support economic development efforts in the DeSoto area.
- Connect businesses with resources that support innovation, growth, and economic development.
- Serve as the Chamber's chief liaison with other chambers of commerce in the region and throughout the state.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key community leaders and represent the Chamber in appropriate local, state, and national organizations.
9. Leadership and Personnel Management
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise additional staff with Board approval.
- Provide leadership, direction, and support to staff and volunteers.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Chamber.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Chairman, Executive Committee, or Board of Directors that are consistent with the Chamber's mission, vision, and policies.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience or industry certifications in business consulting, chamber management, or community economic development may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a business, nonprofit, or membership organization.
Demonstrated experience in grant research, writing, and administration.
Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g. Chamber Master) and database management is a plus.
Management
- Understanding of the operations and dynamics of a chamber of commerce or similar membership organization.
- Knowledge of organizational management, economic development, member engagement, entrepreneurship and advocacy.
- Familiarity with facilities and asset maintenance, insurance, and risk management is preferred.
Leadership
- Ability to establish operational goals, make sound decisions, and provide strategic direction for community and business capacity growth.
Executive and Strategic Thinking
- Ability to understand the broader organizational and community environment.
- Ability to absorb information quickly, think strategically, analyze issues thoroughly, and act decisively.
- Willingness to pursue new ideas and challenge traditional approaches when appropriate.
Planning and Organization
- Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Ability to work effectively under deadlines and time constraints.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Communication
- Excellent written, verbal, listening, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to establish positive and proactive communication with stakeholders.
- Experience working with traditional and online media is preferred.
Collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and productive relationships with business leaders, elected officials, community leaders, and representatives of other organizations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Schedule & Time Commitment: Part-Time position requiring 20 hours per week. Core office hours are managed flexibly within standard operating hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
- Event Flexibility (Flex Time): Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend commitments are required for board meetings, networking events, and chamber programs. These event hours count directly toward the 20-hour weekly total, with daytime office schedules adjusted accordingly.
Governance and Communication
- Board Accountability: Operates directly under the Board of Directors, maintaining open, proactive communication regarding organizational strategy and daily operations.
- Rapid Reporting: Responsible for promptly notifying the Board of any emerging issues, operational developments or concerns impacting organizational health.
Physical and Environmental Demands
- Work Environments: Conducted across a standard office environment and various external community venues based on Chamber needs.
- Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, alongside the physical capacity to lift, carry, and transport event materials, marketing collateral, and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
Compensation
- Salary: $2,500.00 monthly (equivalent to 20 hours/week at $31.25/hr).
- Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at the current standard IRS rate for approved business-related travel.
- Position Growth: Part-Time, with potential to transition to Full-Time based on organizational growth, performance, and Board approval.
