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

Your SmartSource•San Luis Obispo, CA

7h•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director provides leadership and management for Leadership San Luis Obispo (Leadership SLO), advancing its mission, strategic priorities, financial success, and long-term goals while ensuring a high-quality experience for each 10-month annual cohort and its alumni community. The role reports to the President/CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and works in partnership with the Leadership SLO Board of Directors. It is a shared position and a member of the Chamber leadership team, with approximately 80% of time devoted to Leadership SLO and 20% to the Chamber. For Leadership SLO, the Executive Director leads daily operations and supports effective Board governance; plans and delivers the cohort program; oversees participant recruitment and selection; strengthens alumni engagement; develops and carries out fundraising and sponsorship efforts; manages budgeting and financial stewardship; and represents the organization to community stakeholders. The role also leads Leadership SLO communications in coordination with Chamber communications staff. For the Chamber, the Executive Director participates in leadership team activities, contributes to Chamber initiatives and events, and partners with the Chamber CEO on approximately five to six Insight Studio sessions. The role also coordinates operational support with Chamber staff and helps maintain processes, systems, records, contracts, policies, and compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong budgeting and financial management experience.
Experience with databases, organizational systems, and technology, including Microsoft Office.
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, clean and insurable driving record, and reliable personal transportation.

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 related 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, action, and measurable outcomes.
Partner with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, and committees on governance, including meeting preparation, 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.
Ensure Leadership SLO remains relevant, inclusive, community-connected, and responsive to San Luis Obispo County.
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 class, working with volunteers, committees, 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 events, including the annual Alumni BBQ and graduation.
Develop and implement Leadership SLO’s annual 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 benefits.
Lead annual budget development with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Chamber staff; monitor revenue and expenses, 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 with Chamber communications staff to share organizational and alumni impact.
Participate as a collaborative Chamber team member in staff meetings, strategy development and execution, and Chamber Board meetings.
Contribute to planning and execution of 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 topic selection, speaker preparation, session development, and logistical support.
Coordinate appropriate administrative, financial, communications, HR, technology, and operational support with the Chamber CEO and staff.
Improve processes, systems, and documentation; maintain records, contracts, policies, and organizational documents; and help ensure compliance with applicable requirements.

Benefits

401(k) with annual company match up to 4% of employee contributions, subject to prescribed employment timelines.
Paid vacation: 80 hours annually during years 1–3, increasing to 120 hours annually thereafter.
96 hours of paid sick time annually.
Nine paid public holidays and one floating holiday annually.
Medical insurance paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage available through 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.