President / CEO

 
JOB DESCRIPTION 
 
Job Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Class: Full Time
Direct Supervisor: Chairperson of the RLCC Board of Directors 
Date Posted: December 4, 2024 
 
THE OPPORTUNITY
 
The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (“The Chamber”) in Ruston, LA is seeking a dynamic leader to become its next President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The new CEO will work with an engaged Board of Directors and committed staff to execute the Chamber’s new strategic goals framework while living out the Chamber’s purpose, “To be the Advocate for our members, To be a Builder of our community, and To be the Catalyst for local business growth and prosperity”. 
 
The CEO will oversee and manage all aspects of the organization, with a particular focus on maintaining the Chamber’s engagement with leaders of the organization’s membership and making membership more valuable and relevant; developing and maintaining relationships and communications with broad public and private constituency; clearly communicating the Chamber’s position and vision on regional, community, public and political issues; developing programs that will enhance the environment for member organizations to flourish; and increasing awareness of the Ruston-Lincoln area’s vibrancy and vitality. In addition, the selected candidate will function as the chief strategist, innovative thinker, and collaborative team leader-especially regarding fundraising, advocacy, messaging, economic development, and overall program development.
 
THE POSITION
 
The President and Chief Executive Officer position is located at 2111 N. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270. It is highly encouraged that the chosen candidate resides in Lincoln Parish or plans to upon hiring. 
 
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
 
The CEO of the Chamber reports to a elected Board of Directors. The CEO is an ex-officio member of both the Executive Committee and the full Board, both of which meet 12 months out of the year. The CEO leads the Chamber staff and any contract workers. The CEO is the chief administrative executive of the Chamber and is responsible to the Board of Directors for the organization’s full range of activities and is accountable for the overall performance of the Chamber. 
 
 
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
Workforce Development: Develop and maintain initiatives that support the workforce of the Ruston-Lincoln Area that will meet the needs of current and future business opportunities to maintain and grow a sustainable and competitive economic environment.
 
Strategic and Annual Planning: Work with the Executive Committee, Board and Chamber Staff to develop and annually review the Chamber’s Strategic Goals document and aligned action plans, which provide direction for the long-term activities of the Chamber and for the long-term allocation of resources. 
 
Governance: Serve as the primary Chamber staff liaison to the Executive Committee, Board, and Chamber committees. Serve as the primary Chamber liaison to all external partnership or service provider entities. 
 
Advocacy: Monitor issues of strategic importance to business and develop implementation plans for awareness, support or opposition as necessary. Work with Board leadership and key public policy staff to develop positions and report information on public policy issues of concern to the Executive Committee, Board, and membership as necessary. Develop meaningful relationships and communication with elected officials to provide information and advocacy on behalf of the Chamber. 
 
Chamber Staff: Responsible for the employment, supervision, evaluation, training, and leadership of all Chamber staff. Assure those members are prepared to successfully implement programs, and proactively provide information to the Chamber’s constituencies. Foster a daily working environment that values ethics and teamwork. Ensure the highest levels of customer service. 
 
Development and Fundraising: Manage a comprehensive marketing process that promotes the Chamber, serves the investors and membership, attracts new members, and supports Chamber initiatives. Serve as the Chief fundraiser for the organization.
 
Fiscal and Administrative Management: Develop the Chamber budget and relate the budget to the Strategic Goals document and corresponding action plan. Maintain responsibility for all expenditures within the framework of current budget. Present financial statement to the Executive Committee; ensure that financial records are audited annually. Maintain responsibility for administrative matters of the organization. Monitor the Chamber’s organizational structure and culture to ensure that the Chamber is effectively geared to function with optimum efficiency.
 
Member Relations: Responsible for maintaining the Chamber’s engagement with leaders of the organization’s membership. Motivate members to financially support Chamber programs, analyzing and interpreting the needs of members and recommending revisions and enhancements to improve service and assistance and to make membership more valuable and relevant. 
 
Communication: Act as the Chief spokesperson for the Chamber and clearly communicate the organizations position and vision on regional, community, public and political issues. Fairly facilitate open discussion and understanding among affected constituents. Serve in a highly visible role as a speaker to various regional organizations to continuously keep the Chamber relevant. Position the Chamber as a leader and positive influencer of the future direction of the Ruston-Lincoln area. Maintain active marketing and communication efforts and strong public relations program. 
 
Chamber and Relationship Management: Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships and communications with a broad constituency including:

• Board of Directors: Responsible for preparing meeting agendas, carrying out approved plans and programs in accordance with established policies, serving as representative of the Board for all contacts with staff, initiating programs for the Board consideration, and advising the Board on all matters under consideration. 
• Government Officials: Maintain strong communications and relationships with elected and appointed officials and their staff in the City of Ruston, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University and other surrounding area municipalities, and communities. Maintain a high level of communication with officials at the State and Federal levels. Play a key role in advocacy on behalf of the Chamber.
• Related Organizations and Community: Maintain and/or initiate effective working relationships with organizations within Ruston-Lincoln area. Regularly convene meetings of other economic development organizations. Through personal contacts with key community leaders, help shape the future direction and well-being of Ruston-Lincoln area. Take a strategic leadership role in local and regional issues, projects, or community organizations to assure the presence and involvement of the Chamber to accomplish its mission. 
• Education: Continue to foster stronger relationships with representatives of higher education institutions and school districts. 

• Media: Serve as the official spokesperson of the Chamber with print and social media outlets.