We are hiring for this position!

Application deadline is April 12th, 2023
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to director@knoxvilleiachamber.com

Job Description:

I. Objectives 

The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce director initiates programs that support the organization’s mission – dedicated to growing the Knoxville community by supporting businesses, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The Director is responsible for the development, execution, and documentation of Chamber projects in Knoxville. The director represents the community locally and regionally. When applicable, the Chamber director will work cooperatively on joint projects with community partners.  

The director must understand issues confronting business and property owners, public agencies, and community organizations, and be entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, creative, well-organized, and capable of functioning effectively in an independent environment.  

II. Duties  

• • Develop a plan and timeline of work. Work with the Board to develop and present a plan of operation, the annual budget, and the funding process. Oversee and develop office procedures and manage overhead costs within the approved budget. 
  • Facilitate membership campaigns. Survey and address member needs and identify community program needs. Develop and oversee program implementation. Measure program effectiveness.  

• • Coordinate all chamber activities including board meetings, general membership meetings, special chamber projects and events, and chamber committee projects.  
  • Manage chamber staff  
  • Participate in the quality of life issues. Create materials and events to heighten tourism, revitalization efforts, retention and expansion programs, and infrastructure development. Respond to all inquiries. 
  • Establish and maintain contacts with local media.  
  • Represent the chamber at appropriate community meetings and activities.  

• • Maintain strategy to inform local community of Chamber events, activities, and board decisions and develop social media strategy.  
  • Oversee Knoxville Nationals chamber fundraising activities and tourism promotion 
  • Basic graphic design for promotional material 
  • Social media management for Facebook, Twitter & Instagram 
  • Update website information on a regular basis 

• • Create content for public sharing 
  • Compose newsletters 
  • Draft press releases 
  • Monitor an economic development database including information on available buildings, sites, utilities, infrastructure and labor availability. 

• • Assist in planning, organizing, and administering complex programs and financial incentives that promote economic development in the city and result in new capital investment, job creation, expanded tax base, tourism venues, and other economic development opportunities. 
  • Market and promote business and housing funding assistance programs including but not limited to: tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatement, local revolving loan fund, state and/or federal tax credit programs, Community Development Block Grant Programs, and neighborhood development projects. 
  • Build and maintain a strong working relationship with Knoxville’s citizenry, businesses, schools, and media outlets. 
  • Schedule and make visits on a regular basis to Knoxville businesses, commercial property owners, and other stakeholders. 
  • Prepare detailed written reports and recommendations for presentation to Mayor and Council, City Manager, developers, businesses, advisory boards, and community groups. 
  • Make oral presentations to public and private groups.

III. Qualifications  

• • Requires: Must have current Iowa Drivers’ License and personal car available for business use. Car must be insured and must provide proof of insurance. 

• • Time: Must be available for flexible work hours, including some nights and weekends. 
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field or minimum of five years of related work experience.  
  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong customer service skills to support interaction at all levels of the organization. Excellent communication, both written and verbal, and interpersonal skills.  
  • Decision-Making Ability: Requires the analytical ability necessary to assess all aspects of a situation to identify key issues to develop appropriate strategies and recommendations. Free to identify problems and make decisions based on Chamber’s mission. Appropriately seeks approval and advice from Board of Directors.  
  • Leadership responsibility: Organizational leader. Orchestrates and nurtures change. Holds self and others accountable. Creates a learning environment and is a resource. 

• • Special Knowledge Required: Strong writing and editing background needed. Must be skilled in computer applications (Microsoft Outlook, Office, Adobe Photoshop or comparable program, Word- press and Power Point).