Do you have grit, strong interpersonal skills, a penchant for raising resources and balancing budgets, and a passion for positioning Maine’s Midcoast as a driver of economic growth? If so, please consider applying to become the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s next President & CEO.
Who we are
Formed on August 1, 2011, the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce (PBRCC) is the voice of business and tourism in the Camden/Rockland region, encompassing over 20 communities within and surrounding Knox County, Maine. PBRCC represents the coming together of businesses, nonprofits, governments, and citizens in support of a vibrant and growing region with unparalleled quality of life and place. The organization is incorporated in the State of Maine and is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)6 of the Internal Revenue Code.
PBRCC is the fourth largest Chamber organization in the state of Maine, with over 700 business, nonprofit, and individual members. Our recent accomplishments include helping our members navigate the business challenges associated with the pandemic and advocating on behalf of businesses on the Midcoast seeking to expand.
PBRCC envisions a vibrant Midcoast where businesses and people thrive, our neighbors enjoy a great quality of life, and patronize our commercial enterprises. Our core principles are to:
Remain at all times a vital part of the community, maintaining a positive high profile; and speaking for our members and representing their interests locally, regionally, and statewide.
Stay mindful in all our endeavors of balancing the area’s business growth and development with its natural attributes, heritage, and exceptional quality of life.
To execute our mission, PBRCC:
Promotes and serves the interests of local businesses, non-profits, and community groups by providing the support, services, and information that enable them to prosper.
Ensures that we are a financially stable business with a professional staff devoted to developing appropriate new programs and services and to providing them in a cheerful, efficient, and cost?effective manner.
In an environment where everyone works fastidiously for every dollar they earn, small business owners demand value from their membership investments in PBRCC. Many membership organizations like PBRCC are struggling, so we want to ensure that we remain a vibrant part of our community and help our members build meaningful community connections. Further, many of our members are struggling with issues that threaten their businesses. How to attract and retain qualified staff. Ensuring that employees have affordable housing and the resources they need to thrive. Working in partnership with governments to advance economic growth. We will not solve these challenges and benefit from our opportunities overnight – but working in partnership with a committed and skilled leader, PBRCC will remain a significant driver of impact for our region.
Who we are looking for
The Chamber’s President & CEO is a visionary self-starter who leads the organization’s programs and strategies to drive economic growth in the Penobscot Bay region. The successful candidate will be a spokesperson, advocate for tourism and economic growth in the region, a compelling driver of revenue, and a high-profile leader in the community. They will possess crucial business acumen, interpersonal savvy, superior written and oral communications skills, and be able to motivate others to action. Their skills and experiences are supported by a commitment to honesty, integrity, and the highest standards of business ethics. They will also have experience working with a Board of Directors to expand an organization’s sphere of influence.
The ideal candidate’s attributes
The reputation of the Chamber is the President & CEO’s responsibility – the successful candidate will serve as the “face” of the Chamber. Maintaining positive growth in membership, executing successful fundraising programs, and operating within the organization’s budget is of paramount importance. The President & CEO must be both a visionary and a pragmatist who thrives in a dynamic business climate. They provide leadership to position the Chamber at the forefront of our local economy. Working with the Board of Directors, the President & CEO develops and continuously updates a strategic plan to advance the Chamber’s mission as a member-driven organization. They also oversee day-to-day management of Chamber operations to ensure production efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources.
What our next President & CEO will do
Provide visionary and thoughtful leadership that is inclusive, politically savvy, and transparent in a manner that manifests the Chamber’s mission.
Contribute to the strategic plan and manage its implementation.
Work effectively and positively with the elected Board in meeting its mission and vision.
Recruit new board members and coordinates training and strategic planning annually.
Develop agendas and provides supporting materials for Board consideration at its monthly meeting in a timely fashion. Keeps the Board informed of communications from the membership or public.
Manages day-to-day operations of the Chamber and ensures its long-term operational success.
Plan, develop, and implement strategies for generating revenue for the Chamber. Oversees fundraising events such as golf tournaments and silent auctions, but also develops a fundraising strategy that is not reliant exclusively on special events. Research grant opportunities, draft proposals, and submit them to potential funders.
Develop, support, and manage the annual budget.
Prudently direct resources and manage all financials within budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations. Assume responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the Chamber. Evaluate the performance of Chamber staff for compliance with established Chamber policies and measure their contributions to attaining the Chamber’s objectives.
Promote the Chamber through written articles and personal appearances at conferences and media opportunities.
Represent the Chamber at national, state, and local legislative sessions, committee meetings, and at formal public functions.
Leads the development and execution of the Annual Visitor Guide and Map through ad sales and production. Orchestrate the sales of advertising in all Chamber-related publications.
Supervise staff, manage processes such as onboarding, offboarding, staff development, performance management, compensation, and benefits.
Ensure that all applicable local, state and federal legal requirements and standards are applied consistently and adhered to by all staff.
The knowledge and skills we seek
At least ten years of experience in a nonprofit setting.
College degree in business or related field or comparable experience.
5+ years of community or public service experience.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and committees.
Knowledge of office applications, e-mail, social media, and internet.
Ability to network locally, regionally & statewide with other organizations, community leaders, and elected officials; and represent the needs of the Chamber through these contacts.
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Ability to communicate and interact with a wide range of constituencies.
Excellent supervisory skills, including knowledge of HR practices.
This is a full-time position that requires a willingness to work a flexible schedule and to travel as needed. Duties may require frequent weekend and evening work.
Who this position reports to
PBRCC Board of Directors
The total compensation package (including salary, benefits, and incentives)
$90,000 - $100,000
Next steps
Please send a cover letter, resume, and any supporting materials to ceosearch@camdenrockland.com by November 30, 2023. In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this role and why we should interview you.
Candidates invited to the first round of interviews will be provided a copy of the Chamber’s budget, strategic plan, and other relevant background materials. Finalist candidates will be asked to provide an articulation of their vision for the Chamber, strategies for retaining/growing membership and revenues, and contact information for three references. Further, the Chamber will invite the finalist(s) to complete a Predictive Index assessment and request permission to run background checks.
The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a team that represents a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other classification protected under applicable law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Formed on August 1, 2011, the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and tourism in the Camden/Rockland region, encompassing over 20 communities within and surrounding Knox County, Maine. The Chamber represents the coming together of businesses, nonprofits, governments, and citizens in support of a vibrant and growing region with unparalleled quality of life and place. The Chamber is incorporated in the State of Maine and is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization under section 501c6 of the Internal Revenue Code.