The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce is seeking a President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization.  The President/CEO is responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors for providing executive leadership to the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce. As the primary spokesperson, the President provides highly visible leadership in the community and builds collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders to advance the agenda of the Chamber.

The President/CEO is responsible for the following activities:

Market and Business Development

• Lead a Comprehensive Communications and Marketing Strategy.  Lead a robust communications and marketing strategy to achieve the Chamber’s annual revenue goals. This plan should encompass all marketing channels and communications platforms, ensuring a cohesive and targeted approach that drives revenue growth.
• Membership Growth and Retention. Achieve annual membership targets by working collaboratively with the Membership Committee to set and attain yearly membership goals. This includes aligning membership growth initiatives with the Chamber’s overall budgetary goals and ensuring that all efforts contribute to financial stability and growth.
• Financial Performance of Chamber Products and Services.  Strategize and implement initiatives to meet or exceed the annual financial targets for all Chamber products and services outside membership fees. This involves identifying new revenue streams, optimizing existing services, and ensuring all offerings are marketed effectively to the Chamber’s target audience.
• Event Sponsorship and Membership Campaigns. As directed by the Board of Directors, oversee and manage all sales campaigns related to event sponsorships and membership acquisition/retention. This includes planning and executing campaigns, monitoring their progress, and adjusting strategies as necessary to ensure targets are met.
• Prospective Sponsor Outreach.  Continuously update and expand the list of prospective sponsors through proactive outreach and relationship building. Ensure regular communication with potential sponsors, presenting them with opportunities for engagement and partnership with the Chamber.

Financial Management

 

• Financial Oversight and Budget Management. Provide comprehensive oversight of the Chamber’s financial activities, ensuring all financial practices align with best practices and regulatory requirements. This includes managing cash flow, financial planning, and risk management.
• Develop and Manage the Annual Budget: Create an annual budget for the Chamber’s operations, including projected revenues, expenses, and net profit. Present the budget to the Finance Committee for approval, ensuring it aligns with the Chamber’s strategic goals and financial objectives.
• Fundraising and Capital Campaigns. Spearhead the development and execution of the Chamber’s fundraising strategies and capital campaigns, working closely with the Fundraising Committee. This includes identifying key fundraising opportunities, developing compelling campaigns, and ensuring successful implementation to meet financial targets.
• Innovative Funding for the 10,000 Black Businesses Program.  Identify and pursue innovative funding sources for the 10,000 Black Businesses Program. This involves researching potential funding opportunities, building relationships with donors and sponsors, and securing the necessary funds to support the program’s growth and sustainability.
• Fiscal Monitoring and Reporting. Continuously monitor the Chamber’s fiscal condition, ensuring financial stability and sustainability. This includes regularly reviewing financial statements, conducting financial analysis, and providing timely and accurate financial reports to the Board and Finance Committee.

Personnel Management

 

• Leadership and Staff Development.  Provide visionary leadership to the Chamber staff, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Empower team members by setting clear expectations, offering guidance, and supporting their professional growth.
• Coach and Mentor Team Members: Actively coach and mentor staff, helping them develop their skills and achieve their career goals. Implement regular feedback sessions and professional development opportunities to ensure continuous improvement and engagement.
• Strategic Planning and Execution.  Lead the Chamber’s strategic planning process, ensuring the development of a clear, actionable roadmap that aligns with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Facilitate collaborative planning sessions with stakeholders to identify priorities, set objectives, and develop strategies.
• Implement and Monitor Strategic Initiatives: Oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring they are executed effectively and efficiently. Monitor progress towards goals, adjust plans as necessary, and report on outcomes to the Board and other key stakeholders.

 Advocacy

 

• Champion Black-Owned Businesses in Minnesota: Serve as the leading subject matter expert and passionate advocate for Black-owned businesses across Minnesota. Utilize your expertise to provide guidance, support, and resources that empower these businesses to thrive and succeed.
• Political Strategy and Public Policy.  Collaborate with the Board and key stakeholders to formulate the Chamber’s political objectives and public positions. Ensure that these strategies align with the Chamber’s mission and effectively address the needs and concerns of the Black business community.
• Represent the Chamber in Legislative and Policy Matters.  Act as the Chamber’s representative in legislative and policy discussions. Advocate for policies and initiatives that support Black-owned businesses, ensuring their voices are heard, and their interests are protected.
• Lobbying and Government Relations. When necessary, act as a lobbyist to advance the Chamber’s agenda. Proactively engage with the mayor’s office, city council members, state representatives, and other key leaders to influence policy decisions and secure support for initiatives that benefit Black-owned businesses.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

 

To be successful at this role, the President/CEO will possess the following attributes:

 

• Strong customer service skills.
• A passion for collaboration and networking.
• Outstanding time management skills.
• A strong drive for fundraising efforts to advance the Chamber’s strategic goals.
• A commitment to the best business practices of the Chamber.
• The ability to motivate others to advocate for Chamber initiatives.
• A strong public speaking and spokesperson capabilities.
• Proficiency in preparing and managing budgets, analyzing organizational performance, and projecting financial performance.
• Executive and supervisory skills, including planning, organizing, leading, delegating, and monitoring.
• The ability to foster teamwork and collaboration among board members, staff, chamber members, community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders is also essential.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or comparable professional training and experience. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years in executive leadership roles, preferably within a Chamber of Commerce or similar organization.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, organizational development, and financial management.
• Minimum of 3 years of P&L responsibility.
• Working knowledge of local, regional, and state political systems and experience in developing collaborative relationships in these areas.
• Strong commitment to business success and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Black-owned businesses in Minnesota.

DESIRED LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

 

The following are the preferred qualities of the President/CEO:

 

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to articulate and implement the long-term vision of the Chamber.
• Integrity and Ethics: Uphold high standards of ethical conduct, inspiring trust and confidence.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to implement long-term growth strategies while leveraging market trends for advocacy and business development.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build and nurture stakeholder relationships.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Willingness to take calculated risks and pursue new opportunities.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Chamber and the broader business ecosystem.
• Results-Oriented: Track record of achieving measurable results and driving organizational growth.
• Resilience: Ability to navigate challenges and setbacks with determination and focus on long-term goals.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Written and verbal communication proficiency to effectively convey the Chamber’s mission and goals.
• Commitment to Learning and Development: Dedication to staying informed on industry trends and challenges facing Black-owned businesses.

COMPENSATION

 

The annual salary range for this role will be $130,000 to $150,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate by the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce (SPAC) through a contract for professional services. The employee will have payroll and benefits provided through SPAC and be accountable to the SPAC’s employment policies.

 

CONTACT

 

David Edgerton Jr. of The DEJ Group has been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role, please submit your cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.