Director of Programs and Partnerships

Job Title: Director of Programs & Partnerships

Reports to: President/CEO

GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

Responsible for a variety of duties pertaining to the development, planning, and successful implementation of major events put on by the Chamber. This includes fiscal responsibility, volunteer coordination, marketing, and collaborating with other staff to plan and implement successful programs and deliver the services needed to our members. Will work with Chamber President to develop, organize, and coordinate community projects and initiatives focused on advancing the community development priorities as established in conjunction with the President/CEO and within the strategic goals of the Chamber.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee current programs to meet the needs of the membership and assure their profitability. This will include duties such as marketing the event, securing sponsors, and coordinating event details such as food, speakers, volunteers, entertainment, decorations, prizes, budget, and facility needs. Programs currently include:

 Annual Breakfast Event (1)

 Awards Nomination Program (1)

 Awards Gala Event (1)

 Golf Classic, Double Event (2)

 Military Appreciation Day (1)

 Beantown Biz Bash Event (1)

 Wake, Rattle, & Roll Program (10)

 Women in Business Program (4)

 The Chamber Challenge Event (1)

 Travel Program (1)

 Lima YP Program (10% of time)

 Annual Leadership Seminar (1)

 Pins & Pros (4)

 Business BowWow (1)

 C-Suite Executive Series (2)

• Must possess a proven ability and experience in planning and budgeting for major events. A strong command of spreadsheets and budgeting concepts is vital. Responsible for keeping the events on budget, for both income and expenses, and supervising and directing all sponsor sales activities. Must be able to manage workflow and have a good rapport with vendors, media, sponsors, volunteers, members, and event guests. Must have the ability to see the big picture and the small details.
• Make extensive contact with Lima/Allen County business members and gain knowledge of the Allen County business community. Effective communication skills and excellent organizational skills to coordinate multiple projects in a timely manner are required.
• Develop and meet the annual budget of assigned programs. Monitor the progress of assigned programs and initiatives to ensure that stated objectives are met on budget and as scheduled.
• Develop goals for each event and coordinate with appropriate staff. Complete program evaluation after events to determine effectiveness and profitability. Continually evaluate and enhance Chamber programs to increase member involvement, program revenue, and maintain customer satisfaction.
• Prepare an annual event analysis with a focus on participation, relevance, profitability, community benefit, and membership benefit.
• Establish and revise a timeline for programs for future reference to ensure deadlines and planning needs are met. Committee minutes must be kept current and included with the timeline and program records.
• Responsible for the member retention and servicing of current members' needs through effective outreach.
• Responsible for coverage of a Leads Network group.
• Provide assistance and support to work collaboratively with the President/CEO and other members of the Chamber staff. Responsible for a broad range of organizational and professional duties required to ensure the Chamber’s ability to achieve its mission and objectives on behalf of its members, the community, and the organization itself.
• All other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

● Program of Work: In conjunction with the President/CEO, assist in the development and implementation of the annual program of work for all events.

● Assist in the development of an annual budget for support of all events to meet stated goals, including attendance, sponsorship fulfillment, financial benefit, etc.

● Ensure that each event is profitable, taking into account both hard costs and staff time, by preparing a budget for each event and monitoring the financial aspects of the event throughout.

● Assist in the development of an annual budget for support of all events to meet stated goals, including attendance, sponsorship fulfillment, and financial benefits.

● Ensure that each Chamber event is executed within budget. Collect from the Director of Finance and file a budget vs. actual report for each event after completion. Annual Event budgets are to be presented to the President/CEO by late October.

● Research grant opportunities and consider alternative sources of funding for Chamber community events and programs. Ensure that all grant-associated events are maintained within the reimbursement amount.

● Ability to negotiate contracts, trade, and rental agreements with Chamber partners and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, along with excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize workload involving multiple projects at one time.
• Strong people skills, especially when dealing with volunteers and Chamber members.
• Must be comfortable asking or requesting chamber members for sponsorship for programs and events.
• Ability to work without close supervision and manage multi-tasked operations efficiently.
• College degree helpful but not required; preferably in event planning or public relations, or 3 – 5 years’ experience in the field. Effective skills in social media to help promote the Chamber and events. Possess an outgoing personality. Ability to provide excellent customer service and be a team player.
• Strong computer skills relative to social media, marketing, and sales as well as proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Possessing strong knowledge of Lima/Allen County and having connections to area Businesses & Community Leaders is a plus.
• Capable of handling 40lbs. of weight

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• College Degree Preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in business, marketing, and event planning with proven fiscal management

POSITION & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a similar field preferred. Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, marketing, and/or sales field, and experience working successfully as part of a team. Must be able to set, meet strategic program, event goals and have a proven leadership track record. Excellent negotiation skills and proven record of successfully pitching to businesses to secure sponsorships. Proven record in event planning and increasing revenue for programs and events. Competency in the effective use of database systems. Competency in Microsoft Office software.

This position is salaried, full-time, and not an independent contractor; however, bonuses may be awarded at the discretion of the President. Mileage, cell phone (fixed amount), and any other expenses will be reimbursed based on approval of the President/CEO. The successful candidate must have a dependable automobile and agree to carry automobile insurance on his/her personal vehicle.

The ideal candidate/person-profile will score well, and have demonstrable evidence of success, in these areas: self-responsibility, high ambition and drive, positive outlook, high self-awareness, goal setting, managing organizational change, supervising/management and effective coaching, accountability, and collaboration.

CONTACTS WITHIN/OUTSIDE THE COMPANY

INTERNAL: Chamber Staff

EXTERNAL: Business Leaders & Membership, Committees, Volunteers & Board of Trustees, Lima Young Professionals, Center for Business Services Partners - Economic Development, Convention & Visitors Bureau, College Access, Allen/Lima Leadership, and Downtown Lima

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Position may require a limited amount of out-of-town travel. This has typically included one or two training or association meetings a year. The Chamber covers all business travel expenses in these instances.
• Provide own transportation (the Chamber does reimburse employees for mileage incurred during business but not for mileage to and from home), a valid Ohio Driver's License, sufficient current automobile insurance, and their own mobile phone.
• This demanding full-time position may require frequent before-hours and after-hours meetings and events, and requires a schedule that is flexible enough to allow for these meetings. Occasionally, it will require extra hours to ensure successful events and projects.
• All Chamber employees are required to perform their duties with a degree of flexibility that includes pitching in to help fellow team members during special events & projects.
• Understand the importance of flexibility pertaining to duties, willingness to take on new tasks, and must understand the importance of always maintaining confidential information.

Start date: As soon as possible

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Paid vacation/PTO and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Cell phone reimbursement

To Apply: Submit an updated resume to Trent.Wise@jfs.ohio.gov

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person