Job Title: Executive Director
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Reports To: Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The ideal Executive Director is a connector at heart – someone who walks into a room and genuinely wants to know every person in it. They build trust with business owners, city officials, and community partners not because it’s on their job description, but because it’s who they are. Proactive, engaging, and relationship-driven, this person brings energy and vision to everything they do.
The Executive Director serves as the Executive Officer of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, responsible for the strategic leadership, financial management, and day-to-day operations of the Chamber. The Executive Director acts as the primary spokesperson for Healdsburg’s business community, working to foster a vibrant local economy while preserving the town’s unique character. A critical component of this role is collaborating with the Stay Healdsburg Executive Director and managing the District Development Program in partnership with the City of Healdsburg.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Advocacy
Qualifications
Work Environment & Requirements
Compensation & Benefits
What Success Looks Like in Your First Year
You’ll know you’re succeeding when you’ve met the organization’s financial and membership goals. When you’ve attended City Council meetings consistently and have a trusted relationship with City staff. When your team is energized and clear on their roles. When you’ve completed a membership audit, reconnect with lapsed members, and launched at least one new program or event that reflects the Chamber’s evolving identity. And when members, from the Board committees to the business owners and community partners, feel the difference in engagement and energy.
About Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Stay Healdsburg
Eyes are on Healdsburg. From traditional press outlets and influencers to other city governments and chambers, Healdsburg receives sustained attention for its high quality of life, renowned wineries and hotels, charming downtown, and unique local businesses. The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce has been catalytic in generating this attention – through its events, civic engagement, and elevation of its business community. In partnership with Stay Healdsburg, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in the city’s economic success, business strength, and small-town way of life.
Apply
To apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter (no more than one page). In your letter, walk us through what you see as Healdsburg’s top two opportunities and top two challenges for its business community right now.
Apply to: Heidi Dittloff, Chair, Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce at info@healdsburg.com
The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Reports To: Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The ideal Executive Director is a connector at heart – someone who walks into a room and genuinely wants to know every person in it. They build trust with business owners, city officials, and community partners not because it’s on their job description, but because it’s who they are. Proactive, engaging, and relationship-driven, this person brings energy and vision to everything they do.
The Executive Director serves as the Executive Officer of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, responsible for the strategic leadership, financial management, and day-to-day operations of the Chamber. The Executive Director acts as the primary spokesperson for Healdsburg’s business community, working to foster a vibrant local economy while preserving the town’s unique character. A critical component of this role is collaborating with the Stay Healdsburg Executive Director and managing the District Development Program in partnership with the City of Healdsburg.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Advocacy
- Voice of Business: Serve as the lead advocate for members at City Council meetings and before county/state legislative bodies.
- Community Partnership: Proactively cultivate relationships with City of Healdsburg officials, partner organizations, and community leaders – not waiting for people to come to you, but showing up and staying connected to align economic development goals.
- Board Partnership: Collaborate with Board of directors on strategic direction, governance, budget planning, financial oversight, and membership growth and engagement.
- Committee Oversight: Provide oversight and staff support to seven standing committees, including Government Affairs, Marketing, Events, HYPN, Small Business Task Force, District Development Advisory, and Executive Committee.
- Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, recognize, and retain a network of 50+ volunteers across committees and events, creating meaningful ways for community members to contribute to the Chamber’s mission.
- Stay Healdsburg Partnership: Collaborate on marketing initiatives designed to increase overnight visitation and support the lodging industry.
- Visitor Center Operations: Operationalize the Healdsburg Visitor Center and ensure it provides high-quality service and serves as an effective gateway for the region.
- Grant Administration: Oversee the District Development funding process, ensuring projects meet criteria for improving visitor experience and business vitality.
- Growth & Retention: Develop strategies to recruit new members and provide high-value programming to retain the existing 400+ member base. Personally engage with business owners through regular outreach, site visits, and one-on-one conversations. Oversee Operations & Membership Manager in member recruitment and retention strategy implementation.
- Non-Dues Revenue: Conceptualize and execute signature events (e.g., Business Awards, networking mixers) and sponsorship packages to diversify income.
- Marketing & Branding: Lead strategic planning and oversee consulting firms and Operations & Membership Manager in executing the Chamber’s digital presence, visitor guides, and relocation resources.
- Fiscal Oversight: Prepare, manage, and ensure the organization meets the annual budget. Prepare monthly financial reports with the accountant and present to the Finance Committee and Board. Ensure expenditures are in line with financial standards.
- Staff Leadership & Team Building: Lead, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of staff and contractors.
- Compliance: Ensure the organization adheres to its 501(c)(6) status, bylaws, and – where applicable – the Brown Act for public committee meetings. Conduct trainings for new Board members, and annual trainings for the Board and committee members.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public relations, marketing, or a related field preferred.
- Experience: 5+ years of leadership experience in a Chamber of Commerce, nonprofit management, or a high-level public relations role.
- Regional Knowledge: Strong familiarity with the Sonoma County economic landscape, particularly the wine, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
- Skills:
- Demonstrated financial acumen and budget management.
- Exceptional public speaking and written communication skills.
- Experience managing a team, including direct reports.
- Proficiency in membership management software (e.g., GrowthZone/ChamberMaster) and financial tools (QuickBooks).
- Proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders (small business owners, corporate executives, and government officials).
Work Environment & Requirements
- Community Presence: This role thrives on community presence – you’ll be visible at events, meetings, and businesses throughout Healdsburg, and your engagement will be a direct reflection of the Chamber’s vitality.
- Schedule: Standard business hours, with frequent early morning (mixers) and evening (City Council/Board) meetings.
- Travel: Occasional regional travel for Sonoma County Tourism or CalChamber meetings. California Driver License is required for travel to regional and local meetings.
- Physical: This position may occasionally require the ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs., such as during event set up and breakdown.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive benefits and annual salary package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
What Success Looks Like in Your First Year
You’ll know you’re succeeding when you’ve met the organization’s financial and membership goals. When you’ve attended City Council meetings consistently and have a trusted relationship with City staff. When your team is energized and clear on their roles. When you’ve completed a membership audit, reconnect with lapsed members, and launched at least one new program or event that reflects the Chamber’s evolving identity. And when members, from the Board committees to the business owners and community partners, feel the difference in engagement and energy.
About Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Stay Healdsburg
Eyes are on Healdsburg. From traditional press outlets and influencers to other city governments and chambers, Healdsburg receives sustained attention for its high quality of life, renowned wineries and hotels, charming downtown, and unique local businesses. The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce has been catalytic in generating this attention – through its events, civic engagement, and elevation of its business community. In partnership with Stay Healdsburg, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in the city’s economic success, business strength, and small-town way of life.
Apply
To apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter (no more than one page). In your letter, walk us through what you see as Healdsburg’s top two opportunities and top two challenges for its business community right now.
Apply to: Heidi Dittloff, Chair, Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce at info@healdsburg.com
The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.
