E.D., Leadership SLO - San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Your SmartSource•San Luis Obispo, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Leadership SLO, operated in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, is a community leadership program that prepares participants to understand regional issues, build relationships across sectors and perspectives, and contribute to the future of San Luis Obispo County. Founded in 1991, it delivers a 10-month annual learning experience and connects more than 1,100 alumni. The Executive Director leads Leadership SLO in advancing its mission, strategic priorities, financial success, and long-term goals, while ensuring a high-quality experience for each class and its alumni community. This is a shared position with the Chamber of Commerce. The Executive Director reports to the Chamber President/CEO, partners with the Leadership SLO Board of Directors, and serves on the Chamber leadership team. Approximately 80% of the role is devoted to Leadership SLO and 20% to the Chamber. Chamber work includes participating in leadership and strategy, supporting Chamber initiatives and events, and partnering with the CEO on Insight Studio sessions. The position is full-time, exempt, and onsite in San Luis Obispo, California. Its schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong budgeting and financial management experience.
Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of San Luis Obispo County and its communities.
Political and community awareness, with the ability to navigate complex relationships and diverse perspectives.
Valid California driver’s license, a clean and insurable driving record, and reliable personal transportation.
Experience with databases, organizational systems, and technology, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Experience within a nonprofit, civic, educational, business, or other mission-driven organization.
Experience working with or supporting a Board of Directors.
Fundraising experience, including donor and sponsor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation.
Experience overseeing programs, projects, volunteers, or small teams connected to facilitation, leadership development, or training.
Familiarity with Leadership SLO or a similar community leadership program.
Leadership SLO alumni experience.

Responsibilities

Lead Leadership SLO’s daily operations in alignment with its mission, values, strategic priorities, and annual goals, translating Board direction into priorities, actions, and measurable outcomes.
Partner with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, and committees on governance, meeting preparation, financial and program reporting, Board recruitment and onboarding, committee effectiveness, and follow-through on Board decisions.
Provide the Board with information and recommendations to support strategic direction, progress assessment, and oversight responsibilities.
Coordinate with the Chamber CEO to align priorities, clarify responsibilities, and balance Leadership SLO and Chamber commitments.
Keep Leadership SLO relevant, inclusive, connected to the community, and responsive to San Luis Obispo County’s needs.
Plan and deliver each cohort’s 10-month experience, including retreats, day sessions, speakers, activities, and partner relationships.
Lead annual recruitment and selection of a diverse participant class and work with volunteers, committee members, and community partners to deliver the program.
Evaluate participant experience and program effectiveness, pursue continuous improvement, and strengthen connections between participants and alumni.
Maintain alumni engagement and organize events, including the annual Alumni BBQ and graduation.
Develop and implement an annual Leadership SLO fund development strategy, including Torchbearers, business sponsorships, alumni giving, and other campaigns; engage Board members and volunteers in prospect development and fundraising.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with Leadership SLO donors, sponsors, alumni, and community partners, including follow-up, recognition, and fulfillment of donor and sponsor benefits.
Lead annual budget development with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Chamber staff; monitor revenue and expenses, identify financial opportunities, communicate concerns, and recommend actions supporting financial stability and sustainability.
Represent Leadership SLO and build relationships with alumni, donors, sponsors, community leaders, nonprofit and business partners, prospective participants, and other stakeholders.
Create opportunities for alumni connection and engagement that support recruitment, fundraising, sponsorship, communications, and community partnerships.
Lead Leadership SLO communications in coordination with Chamber communications staff to share organizational and alumni impact and strengthen recruitment, engagement, fundraising, sponsor stewardship, and community visibility.
Participate as a collaborative Chamber team member, including attending staff and Chamber Board meetings and engaging in strategy development and execution.
Help plan and execute Chamber programs and events, including legislative events, Good Morning SLO, and the Annual Dinner.
Partner with the Chamber CEO to develop, plan, and execute approximately five to six Insight Studio sessions, including identifying topics, securing and preparing speakers, developing sessions, and providing logistical support, including tours or trips when applicable.
Coordinate with the Chamber CEO and staff to support appropriate administrative, financial, communications, HR, technology, and operational needs.
Improve processes, systems, and documentation; maintain appropriate records, contracts, policies, and organizational documents; and help ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit, financial, contractual, and organizational requirements.

Benefits

401(k) with annual company match to employee contributions up to 4%, after prescribed employment timelines.
80 hours of paid vacation annually in years 1–3, accruing beginning the first of the month after 60 days of employment; increases to 120 hours annually thereafter.
96 hours of paid sick time annually, accruing from the start date and available for use after 60 days of employment.
Nine paid public holidays and one floating holiday annually.
Medical insurance paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage is available through employee payroll deductions.
$25,000 of life insurance paid for the employee.
$25,000 of Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for the employee.
Expense account.
Flexible Spending Account.
Paid parking fees.
Tax-free car mileage reimbursement under an Accountable Plan.