CEO / President, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Your SmartSource • San Luis Obispo, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, the region’s oldest and largest business organization, is seeking a President & CEO to lead its member-focused nonprofit and serve as its top executive and public voice. The Chamber has 1,200 member organizations representing more than 40,000 employees and operates programs in tourism, leadership, and advocacy. The CEO will build on the organization’s foundation while advancing its next chapter, strengthening member value, championing economic opportunity, and mobilizing partnerships around business and community priorities.

The President & CEO will manage a team of approximately 18 full- and part-time staff, oversee a diverse portfolio of programs and internal operations, and engage leaders across government, business, and nonprofit sectors. The role connects long-term vision with focused action and represents the business community with credibility, conviction, and sound judgment. It requires business acumen, nonprofit knowledge, and a strong commitment to community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven success and strong acumen in strategic planning, fiscal management, and team leadership.
• Strong organizational judgment and the ability to prioritize competing demands, solve problems, and follow through in a visible, fast-moving environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, particularly in public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to explain complex issues clearly and earn trust through candor, preparation, and consistency.
• Sound political judgment and the ability to understand competing interests and advance priorities while maintaining constructive relationships.
• Ethical, adaptable, and accountable leadership.
• Commitment to local prosperity and regional economic health.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with a board or comparable governing body.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chamber’s lead strategist, visionary, top executive, and public voice.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans, annual business plans, and financial goals, translating priorities into clear actions, responsibilities, and measurable results.
• Work with the Board and committees to set priorities and guide governance.
• Strengthen the Chamber’s financial position through disciplined management and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Drive revenue growth through membership, sponsorships, programs, and fundraising.
• Support the Chamber’s long-term financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
• Lead an informed advocacy agenda that reflects member needs and advances the community’s economic vitality.
• Build relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, peer organizations, and other regional partners.
• Connect local priorities with regional opportunities and bring people and organizations together to advance shared goals.
• Represent the Chamber as a visible, trusted spokesperson, communicating complex issues clearly in public forums, member communications, and conversations with community leaders.
• Lead approximately 18 full- and part-time staff, setting expectations, supporting staff initiative, and fostering performance, inclusion, professional development, accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee the Chamber’s budget, financials, contracts, programs, and internal operations.
• Elevate the Chamber’s brand through communications, outreach, and meaningful relationships.

Benefits

• 401(k) with an annual company match of employee contributions up to 4%, after completion of prescribed employment milestones.
• Paid vacation: 80 hours annually during years 1–3, accruing from the first of the month after 60 days of employment, increasing 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 coverage paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage is available through payroll deductions.
• $25,000 of life insurance paid for the employee.
• $25,000 of Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for the employee.
• Long-Term Disability insurance covering 60% of the employee’s base salary, up to $6,000 monthly.
• Expense account.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid parking fees.
• Tax-free car mileage reimbursement under an Accountable Plan.
• Annual performance bonus, subject to organizational financial performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive