Executive Director

Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the strategic leader of the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, advancing the organization’s mission across business advocacy, community revitalization, and tourism development.
This role integrates leadership of Chamber operations with destination management efforts, ensuring alignment between economic development, community priorities, and tourism strategy. The position oversees organizational strategy, financial sustainability, partnerships, and programs while guiding tourism marketing and destination development—leveraging contractors and partners as appropriate.
The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to set direction, ensure strong governance, and position Wallowa County as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

• Lead work of the Chamber’s strategic plan
• Align Chamber, tourism, and Main Street initiatives with community priorities
• Evaluate and evolve organizational structure, systems, and capacity
• Ensure coordination across business services, tourism, and community development efforts
• Serve as a visible, trusted leader within the community and region

• Lead development and execution of a multi-year tourism strategy aligned with Chamber priorities
• Oversee destination marketing efforts, including coordination of:
  • Website, social media, and digital presence (may be contracted)
  • Campaigns, branding, and storytelling
• Manage relationships with tourism partners (e.g., Travel Oregon, EOVA, and regional organizations)
• Monitor tourism trends, visitor data, and economic impact
• Support destination development initiatives (wayfinding, place making, visitor experience)

• Develop and manage the annual budget
• Oversee financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance
• Manage grants, contracts, and funding agreements
• Identify and secure diverse revenue streams, including:
  • Membership dues
  • Sponsorships
  • Grants and public funding
• Ensure strong financial stewardship and sustainability

• Lead membership strategy including recruitment, retention, and engagement
• Ensure delivery of valuable programs, services, and events
• Support business education, networking, and advocacy efforts
• Maintain strong relationships with local businesses and stakeholders
• Represent business interests at local and regional levels

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Wallowa County Rural Regional Main Street program
• Support revitalization efforts in Enterprise, Joseph, and Wallowa
• Supervise and support Main Street coordinators and volunteers
• Align downtown development initiatives with broader economic and tourism strategies

• Oversee development and execution of grant-funded programs
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and reporting
• Coordinate projects across partners and stakeholders
• Track outcomes and ensure effective use of funds

• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors
• Partner with Board leadership to set agendas and support effective governance
• Provide clear, timely reporting to support decision-making
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and nonprofit best management practices

• Supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and positive team culture
• Oversee contractor relationships (e.g., marketing, communications) ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Ensure efficient internal workflows and communication systems

• Build and maintain relationships with:
  • Local businesses
  • Local governments (city and county)
  • Economic development organizations
  • Tourism and regional partners
  • Nonprofits and community groups
• Represent the Chamber in regional and statewide initiatives
• Strengthen collaboration across sectors to advance shared goals

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, tourism, nonprofit management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, chamber, tourism, or economic development setting preferred
• Experience working with or reporting to a board of directors
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience
• Experience with grants, contracts, and program management
• Experience in tourism, marketing, or destination development preferred

• Strategic thinking with strong execution ability
• Leadership and team development
• Financial and operational management
• Relationship-building and community engagement
• Clear, confident communication
• Adaptability and problem-solving in a dynamic environment

• Membership growth, retention, and engagement
• Financial stability and diversified revenue
• Effective tourism strategy and measurable visitor impact
• Successful grant execution and program outcomes
• Strong board engagement and governance
• Positive community and partner relationships

• A Chamber of Commerce
• A Destination Management Organization (DMO)
• A Rural Regional Main Street organization