Executive Director
MARION COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP (MCDP) – CHAMBER DIVISION
DIRECTOR
Position Title: Chamber of Commerce Director
Employment Status: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: President / Economic Development Director
Work Location: Marion County Development Partnership; travel throughout county as needed
Salary/Benefits: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
The MCDP:
Our Purpose
To strengthen Marion County through responsible growth, strategic investment, and strong
partnerships so businesses succeed and people enjoy a high quality of life.
Our Vision
A prosperous, resilient, and vibrant community where businesses thrive and people choose to
live, work, and visit.
Our Core Values
Stewardship
Advancing responsible growth and improving quality of life for Marion County through thoughtful
use and development of our community’s resources.
Service
Putting our members, partners, and community at the center of everything we do.
Respect
Building a culture of trust, professionalism, and value for every person.
Excellence
Doing every job well — large or small — with care, accountability, and pride.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chamber of Commerce Director provides leadership and day-to-day management for the
Chamber division within The Marion County Development Partnership, serving Marion County,
Columbia, and surrounding communities. The Chamber Director is responsible for delivering
high-quality membership services, strengthening member relations, expanding membership,
and planning Chamber programs that support local business success.
This position is primarily focused on membership relations and member services, with additional
responsibility for tourism promotion, community events, small business services,
marketing/communications, and public relations. The Chamber Director serves as a key
ambassador for the organization and works closely with local businesses, civic groups, tourism
partners, and community stakeholders to promote a positive business climate and community
vibrancy.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Chamber of Commerce operates as a division/branch of a broader county partnership
The Chamber of Commerce operates as a division/branch of a broader county partnership
organization. In this model:
• The President/ Economic Development Director serves as the senior executive leader
for the organization, providing organizational oversight and guiding major partnership
initiatives (including economic development strategy and primary executive
management).
• The Chamber of Commerce Director serves as the lead staff member for the Chamber
division and is responsible for Chamber operations, membership recruitment/retention,
and delivery of member value and benefits.
• The Chamber Director works in coordination with the President/ED Director and the
organization’s Board of Directors to ensure Chamber goals align with the overall mission
and strategic direction of the partnership organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (PRIMARY)
1. Member Service Delivery
o Serve as the primary point of contact for Chamber members.
o Build strong, ongoing relationships through consistent communication, site visits,
and direct engagement.
o Respond promptly and professionally to member inquiries and service requests.
2. Membership Retention
o Maintain regular contact with members to ensure satisfaction and identify needs.
o Strengthen engagement through programs, promotions, and meaningful
opportunities for involvement.
o Track membership participation trends and implement strategies to retain
members year-round.
3. Membership Recruitment
o Implement proactive membership recruitment strategies and campaigns.
o Communicate clearly the value of membership, benefits, and services.
o Manage onboarding of new members and ensure members are quickly
connected to Chamber resources.
4. Member Benefits & Sponsorships
o Develop and maintain member benefits that create measurable value for local
businesses.
o Coordinate sponsorship packages, donor engagement opportunities, and
member support programs.
o Maintain accurate records of membership status, benefits, sponsorships, and
participation through the organization’s CRM software (Gr
CHAMBER PROGRAMS, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
• Plan and coordinate Chamber programs and events that support member networking
and community visibility, including:
o Ribbon cuttings and business recognitions
o Networking events / Business After Hours
o Membership meetings
o Annual banquet and awards
o Annual Christmas Parade
o Other programming and initiatives assigned by leadership
• Coordinate sponsorships, logistics, volunteer support, member business relations, and
marketing for programming.
• Ensure programs are well-run, financially responsible, and aligned with membership
value.
• Lead the MCDP Ambassadors through planning and executing activities to promote a
culture reflecting the organization’s core values.
C. MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
• Develop and maintain consistent communications, which may include:
o newsletters and member announcements
o press releases and community updates
o website updates (as assigned)
o social media postings
o event promotions
o personal visits to businesses and members
• Promote Chamber members through spotlights and member-driven marketing initiatives.
• Serve as a professional ambassador for the Chamber, representing the organization at
meetings and community events.
D. SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
• Serve as a resource connector for small businesses by providing information, referrals,
and program support.
• Coordinate trainings, workshops, or informational sessions (as feasible) related to:
o marketing
o customer service
o workforce topics
o technology/business tools
o tourism readiness and visitor experience
• Identify recurring business concerns and communicate needs/themes to the
President/ED Director and Board.E. TOURISM PROMOTION, COMMUNITY MARKETING & EVENTS
• Promote local tourism in collaboration with partners and the President/ED Director,
