CEO / President, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Your SmartSource•San Luis Obispo, CA

4d•$150,000 - $175,000•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 represents 1,200 member organizations and more than 40,000 employees and operates programs in tourism, leadership, and advocacy. The CEO will build on the organization’s foundation, strengthen member value, champion economic opportunity, and mobilize partnerships to address important business and community issues. The President & CEO will manage approximately 18 staff members, oversee a diverse program portfolio, and engage with leaders across government, business, and nonprofit sectors. The role calls for a strategic, resourceful leader with business acumen, nonprofit experience, and a commitment to community. The CEO will guide strategy and governance, strengthen financial sustainability and revenue, lead advocacy and external relationships, and oversee the Chamber’s people, finances, programs, communications, and operations. This is a full-time, exempt, onsite position in San Luis Obispo, California. Compensation is an annual base salary of $150,000–$175,000, depending on experience, with an annual performance bonus subject to organizational financial performance. The schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated success and sound acumen in strategic planning, fiscal management, and team leadership.
Strong organizational judgment, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, solve problems, and follow through in a visible, fast-moving environment.
Strong execution skills and the ability to build relationships and deliver results.
Exceptional communication skills, particularly public speaking and stakeholder engagement; ability to connect with varied audiences, explain complex issues, and earn trust through candor, preparation, and consistency.
Political savvy and sound judgment; ability to navigate competing interests and advance priorities while preserving constructive relationships.
Ethical, adaptable, and accountable.
Deep belief in business’s ability to build community and ability to translate that commitment into collaborative, effective change and improvement.
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 and visionary.
Develop and implement long-term strategic and 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, entrepreneurial thinking, and attention to organizational and member needs.
Drive revenue growth through innovation in membership, sponsorships, programs, and fundraising.
Ensure long-term financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
Lead an informed advocacy agenda that reflects member needs and advances the community’s economic vitality.
Cultivate relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, and peer organizations.
Connect local priorities with regional opportunities and bring people and organizations together to advance shared goals.
Serve 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 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 annual company match up to 4% of the employee contribution after prescribed employment milestones.
80 hours of annual paid vacation in years 1–3, accruing from the first of the month following 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 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.
Paid parking fees.
Tax-free car mileage reimbursement under an Accountable Plan.
Annual performance bonus, subject to organizational financial performance.