Executive Director (Application at bottom of page – DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, July 24, 2026)
Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce
Lead. Connect. Inspire.
Are you passionate about strengthening local businesses, building meaningful partnerships, and making a lasting impact on your community?
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is seeking an energetic, collaborative, and visionary Executive Director. Serving a 23-town region and more than 425 member businesses and organizations through multiple regional offices, the Chamber is a recognized leader in business networking, education, advocacy, economic development, tourism promotion, and regional collaboration. The Chamber hosts various events and programs annually, supports strong community partnerships, has an engaged Board of Directors, and a solid financial foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon significant organizational momentum and help shape the future of Northeastern Connecticut’s business community.
The Executive Director serves as the Chamber’s strategic leadership while working alongside an engaged Board of Directors, dedicated staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to advance the Chamber’s mission.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, bringing people together, developing innovative programs, and creating opportunities that strengthen businesses and connect communities.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership while overseeing the organization’s daily operations, financial management, membership growth, fundraising, communications, advocacy, and community engagement. As the Chamber’s primary ambassador, the Executive Director works to strengthen the regional business community by fostering collaboration among businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, tourism partners, economic development organizations, workforce agencies, and elected officials.
No two days are alike. One day may include meeting with legislators, planning a signature fundraising event, visiting member businesses, collaborating with community partners, developing marketing content, preparing Board materials, and speaking at a ribbon cutting or community event. If you’re energized by variety, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact, this may be the opportunity for you.
What You’ll Do
Lead the Organization
You’ll provide strategic leadership for a growing regional organization while working closely with an engaged Board of Directors and dedicated staff.
Responsibilities include:
- Guide implementation of the Chamber’s mission, values, and Strategic Plan.
- Support the Board of Directors by preparing monthly agendas, reports, financial information, and meeting materials.
- Oversee annual budgeting, financial reporting, and organizational fiscal management.
- Ensure compliance with Chamber bylaws, policies, and nonprofit governance best practices.
- Supervise, mentor, and support Chamber staff while fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture.
- Oversee the management and maintenance of the Chamber’s office space, equipment, records, and organizational assets.
- Develop and improve organizational systems, policies, and operational efficiencies that support long-term sustainability.
Grow Business & Membership
Help businesses succeed by growing Chamber membership, creating valuable programming, and connecting members with meaningful resources and opportunities.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead membership recruitment, retention, engagement, and sponsorship initiatives.
- Build meaningful relationships with Chamber members throughout the region.
- Visit member businesses and identify opportunities to support their growth and success.
- Develop educational workshops, seminars, and business resources based on member needs.
- Connect businesses with local, regional, and statewide organizations that provide resources and support.
- Utilize membership data and CRM systems to strengthen engagement and organizational decision-making.
Create Meaningful Experiences
One of the Chamber’s greatest strengths is bringing people together.
The Executive Director provides leadership for annual events and initiatives that strengthen businesses, foster collaboration, and celebrate our region.
Responsibilities include:
- Plan and execute signature events including the Annual Golf Tournament, Taste of the Towns, Business After Hours, educational programs, legislative events, Small Business Showcase, Nonprofit Showcase, member meetups, and ribbon cuttings.
- Develop innovative programs and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the business community.
- Lead Chamber committees in achieving organizational goals.
- Work collaboratively with sponsors, volunteers, vendors, municipalities, and community partners to deliver exceptional events.
Build Partnerships & Advocate for Business
The Chamber’s greatest strength is its relationships.
The Executive Director serves as a connector across Northeastern Connecticut, building partnerships that create opportunities for businesses and strengthen the regional economy.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and maintain relationships with municipalities, elected officials, economic development organizations, tourism partners, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, nonprofit organizations, and statewide partners.
- Coordinate legislative events and advocate for issues impacting the regional business community.
- Represent the Chamber on local, regional, and statewide committees, boards, and collaborative initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration that advance the Chamber’s mission and create value for members.
Tell the Chamber’s Story
Through marketing, communications, and storytelling, the Executive Director elevates member businesses and promotes Northeastern Connecticut as a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee the Chamber’s marketing, branding, communications, and public relations efforts.
- Support website content, newsletters, member communications, press releases, social media, and digital marketing.
- Promote Chamber initiatives, events, member businesses, and regional opportunities.
- Maintain and strengthen the Chamber’s public image and brand.
Grow the Organization
The Executive Director plays a key role in ensuring the Chamber’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead fundraising efforts through sponsorships, grants, strategic partnerships, and special initiatives.
- Identify and cultivate new revenue opportunities.
- Oversee the Chamber’s membership database and related technology systems.
- Continuously evaluate opportunities to improve organizational operations, member experience, and service delivery.
We’re Looking For Someone Who…
- Is an enthusiastic relationship builder and community connector.
- Is a confident communicator and engaging public speaker.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys wearing many hats.
- Has experience leading organizations, teams, or community initiatives.
- Understands nonprofit governance and enjoys working with volunteer leaders.
- Has experience with budgeting, financial management, and fundraising (QuickBooks experience preferred).
- Has familiarity with marketing, communications, social media, and digital engagement.
- Has experience planning and executing successful events and programs.
- Has experience working with CRM/database systems and can quickly learn new technology platforms.
- Is collaborative, organized, innovative, and committed to outstanding member service.
Work Schedule Includes:
- Full-Time
- Occasional Evening and Weekend Events
- Multiple Office/Service Locations
- Based on Chamber needs, limited remote work opportunities
Compensation & Benefits
$75,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package.
Interested Candidates: APPLY BELOW
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
