Executive Director Position

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism works to enhance and promote tourism, community development and business opportunities for the region including the City of Covington, the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate and Alleghany County.

The principal role of the Executive Director is to ensure the effective operation of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism while coordinating all administrative activities, including programs events, membership, staffing, training and supervision of staff and volunteers.  The Executive Director also provides the leadership and organizational skills to unite the businesses throughout the Alleghany Highlands region and to develop plans to promote tourism.

The salary is competitive for this full time year-round position.

Job Requirements

General knowledge of the Alleghany Highlands region; excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail; strong technology skills; Microsoft Suite experience required; QuickBooks experience preferred; at least 5 years of experience managing/supervising staff; demonstrated budgeting and financial management skills; grant writing experience; strong project management skills; and experience in work related to Chamber of Commerce leadership activities preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, marketing, organizational development or related field preferred. Previous chamber of commerce experience in a senior management position is preferred but an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

To successfully perform the responsibilities of this position the candidate must possess a valid driver’s license, must be available for early morning meetings and occasional evening meetings and events, must be available to work weekends, must be able to devote the additional hours required to ensure the timely completion of all responsibilities related to this position, must be available for occasional overnight travel, must be able to work under moderate levels of stress and must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 30 pounds.

It is expected that the successful candidate will live within the Alleghany Highlands area once employed

Organizational Profile

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism works to enhance and promote tourism, community development and business opportunities for the region including the City of Covington, the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate and Alleghany County.  The Chamber operates the visitors center located at the Highland Centre just off of I-64 at Exit 16.  The AH Chamber organizes many events including the Annual Dinner Meeting, the Newcomers Event, the Wine Pairing event, the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament, the Gran Fondo, the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, and the Lake Moomaw Open Water Swim.  The Chamber strives to inform its members about local, state and federal issues and their impacts on businesses.  The Chamber represents the region on several boards and committees including the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Planning Commission and the Roanoke Regional Partnership.  The AH Chamber partners with Virginia Tourism Corporation as well as the Virginia Chamber.

Essential Job Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all Chamber operations including member recruitment and retention, marketing and promotion, financial management, community relations, Chamber events and Board relations. Specifically, the Executive Director must:

1. Hire and supervise the Chamber team
2. Develop and retain a strong membership by visiting members, listening to their needs and being a visible leader in the region
3. Work in conjunction with the finance committee to develop an annual operating budget
4. Work with the Executive Committee and the full Board to develop a yearly program of work for the Chamber
5. Work with the various tourism related businesses, organizations and public land managers to grow and enhance tourism assets in the region as recommended in the tourism strategic plan
6. Work with the Director of Marketing to develop and execute a marketing plan to position the Alleghany Highlands as a premier destination offering outstanding scenery, diverse recreational experiences, history, culture and rural charm.
7. Stay apprised of local, state and federal issues of interest, working in conjunction with the Board of Directors to communicate chamber positions and educate members
8. Work to provide programs, services and workshops that meets the needs of local businesses and organizations
9. Foster collaboration between the business community and the Chamber
10. Plan and manage projects that fit the Chamber and Tourism Strategic Plans
11. Maintain positive relationships with county leaders, local residents, Virginia’s Congressional delegation, state legislators, state tourism, business organizations and others
12. Seek and apply for funding opportunities such as grants
13. Track and manage grant funds
14. Implement and evaluate the Chamber’s strategic plan with staff, Board of Directors and volunteers
15. Help plan, participate in and manage Chamber events throughout the year
16. And other duties as assigned

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
110 Mall Road, Covington, VA  24426
(540) 962-2178  FAX (540) 962-2179
www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com