Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce is hiring a full-time Executive Director to lead us into an exciting new chapter that's focused on growing our membership, building sponsorships, and deepening our roots in the community we serve. 🌱

If you love connecting people, championing small businesses, and building something that lasts, we want to hear from you.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 4TH

EMAIL TO: oaklawnchamber@gmail.com

VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION BELOW

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Executive Director

Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

Reports to: Board of Executive Directors

The Opportunity

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior staff leader of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, responsible for administering, directing, and coordinating the operations, membership growth, revenue development, and community relationships of the Chamber while ensuring alignment with the Chamber's mission, strategic plan, and policies.

This is a role for a relationship-driven, results-oriented leader who can grow and diversify the Chamber's revenue base, deepen member value and retention, and represent the Chamber as a trusted voice for the Oak Lawn business community. The ED oversees Chamber operations and staff, including an Office Administrator who supports day-to-day communications (social media, email correspondence, and general administrative functions).

Primary Responsibilities

Revenue Growth, Membership & Sponsorship

Develop and lead a proactive strategy for new member recruitment and current member retention across Oak Lawn's business community.

Identify, cultivate, and secure event and program sponsorships to diversify and grow Chamber revenue.

Assess member needs and develop tiered membership structures and value propositions that increase member engagement and satisfaction.

Assist with planning and execution of the annual fall membership drive.

Oversee maintenance of accurate and current membership records.

Design and execute a revenue strategy encompassing membership growth, sponsorships, and earned income from programming and events.

Organizational Leadership & Administration

Directly supervise the Office Administrator & Membership Coordinator, who is responsible for social media, email communications, and general administrative support. Supervise sub-contractors.

Administer daily office operations of the Chamber, ensuring an inviting and well-run office environment.

Serve as liaison among the Chamber Board, general membership, and community.

Assist the Executive Committee and Board in carrying out their governance duties; serve as ex-officio member of the Executive Committee and Board, taking minutes of meetings.

Prepare an annual budget and oversee finances, in partnership with the Executive Board, bookkeeper, and QuickBooks advisor.

Ensure Chamber is introducing and using new technology to ensure efficient workflows and improved member experience.

Maintain organized files, correspondence, and official Chamber historical records.

Event Development & Coordination

Plan and manage Chamber events and fundraising activities, including the Installation Dinner, Business Showcase, Golf Outing, Shop Oak Lawn, Health & Wellness Fairs, monthly luncheons, and other signature programs.

Coordinate and attend all committee meetings; work with chairpersons to develop agendas and communications.

Coordinate monthly membership meetings/luncheons, including securing speakers.

Assist with grand openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies as requested.

Keep accurate event records and files.

Chamber & Community Liaison

Facilitate and maintain communication with key community leaders, including Village of Oak Lawn Municipal Government, Park District, and Library officials/administrators.

Attend and represent the Chamber at community meetings and events that impact the Chamber's purpose or members; report developments to the Executive Committee or Board.

Attend professional development conferences, seminars, and meetings as approved by the Executive Committee or Board.

Marketing & Communications

Oversee the direction of the Chamber's newsletters, e-blasts, website, press releases, publications, and promotional materials that support membership growth and sponsorship goals in partnership with the Office Administrator and marketing committee.

Coordinate distribution of the annual membership directory.

Collaborate with the web designer/vendor on maintenance and updates to the Chamber website.

What Success Looks Like — Year 1

Conduct informal meet and greet events with members to build rapport and understand their needs.

A new membership dues and benefits structure is in place for 2028

The Chamber's membership base has grown to 440 members and retention rates have improved through a clearly articulated value proposition and strengthened member engagement strategy.

At least two significant new event or program sponsorships are secured, directly supporting Chamber programming and financial sustainability.

A revenue diversification strategy is in place, reducing reliance on dues and the Chamber’s annual Golf Outing alone and increasing earned income from sponsorships and events.

Strong relationships are established or deepened with Village Officials, the Park District, Library, and other key community stakeholders.

The Office Administrator role is functioning effectively under ED oversight, with clear ownership of social media, email, and administrative support.

The ED has become a recognized, trusted voice for the Oak Lawn business community.

5+ years of experience in fundraising or marketing leadership role at a non-profit or association.

Proven leadership skills, proven track record of building consensus among stakeholders and constituencies.

Strong written and verbal communication and relationship building skills; willingness to make outbound contact to prospective and current members via email and phone calls.

Comfortable with public speaking.

Experience with Canva, Microsoft and email software is highly preferred.

Experience with Growth Zone or CRM platforms is a plus.

The position involves working standard business hours as well as occasional time before/after hours and weekends

Enthusiasm for supporting small businesses in Oak Lawn and Chicago’s Southside

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Compensation & Benefits:

Paid time off

Merit-based performance bonuses

Additional benefits under consideration

Professional development / conference and membership dues support

Open to flexible or hybrid scheduling

About the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce is an active, community-driven organization representing over 400 local businesses in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Its mission is to represent and advance the Oak Lawn business community, working with integrity, fairness, and cooperation to improve the local economic atmosphere, business climate, and overall image of Oak Lawn.

The Chamber is known for its signature annual events, including the Golf Outing, the Chamber's biggest fundraiser, held on the second Wednesday of July at Stony Creek Golf Course; Family Fest, a family-friendly celebration held in mid-September featuring face painting, a bounce house, a bags tournament, food trucks, and a business showcase; and Restaurant Week each June, when local member restaurants offer discounts and specials to encourage residents to explore Oak Lawn's dining scene.

Alongside these flagship events, members connect year-round through ribbon cuttings, monthly luncheons, and networking opportunities, supported by an active, engaged group of volunteers who help run the Chamber's activities and operations throughout the year.

To apply: Please email oaklawnchamber@gmail.com with your cover letter and resume. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 4.