805.643.7222 | info@ventura-chamber.org| 2478 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93003
https://venturachamber.com

Position Summary: Chief Executive Officer – Ventura Chamber of Commerce

chamber logoCommunity: San Buenaventura, commonly referred to as Ventura, is the county seat of Ventura County, California, incorporated in 1866. Our recorded history dates back to Father Junípero Serra who founded the Mission San Buenaventura in 1782. More recently, Cephas Bard is regarded as the Father of Ventura and his descendants have been prominently identified with the growth of Ventura County. The Union Oil Company was organized with Bard as President in 1890, and the large Ventura Oil Field was first drilled in 1919 and at its peak produced 90,000 barrels per day.

state of caThe city is located between the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers on the southern California coast. We are bordered by the ocean to the west, the mountains to the east, and Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties to the North and South. Our weather is as close to idyllic as possible: http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/93009). The soil is so fertile that citrus grew better here than anywhere else in the state. Ventura is the headquarters of Sunkist Growers, Incorporated, the world’s largest organization of citrus production. Strawberries, Avocados, and a variety of other crops flourished here as well.

In 1920 there were 4,156 people. In 1930 the population had increased to 11,603, by 1950 the population reached 16,643, by 1970 the population was 57,964, and in 1980 the population had increased to 73,774. In the last three decades it has increased to approximately 107,000.

Oil, agriculture, and fishing were the economic engine that got Ventura going, but the economy is now as diverse as its beauty. In addition to the legacy industries, Ventura is a major draw for tourism. Ventura has some of the best surfing in Southern California, especially Surfer’s Point at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Downtown Ventura is home to the Mission San Buenaventura, museums, art galleries, high-end restaurants, and shopping.

The Ventura Harbor is home to fishing industry, restaurants, and a shopping village at Ventura Harbor Village; it is famous for shops such as The Glass Touch and restaurants such as The Greek, Andria’s Seafood and Milano’s. The Harbor is also the portal to the Channel Islands National Park. Service and small manufacturing industries abound here. Patagonia headquarters (outdoor clothing manufacturer) is located in downtown. The Ventura Pier and the beaches are popular spots year-round. Ventura boasts of having excellent healthcare services, with physicians of every specialty. There are 35 parks and three public golf courses in Ventura and additional public and private courses within 20 minutes.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds is the home of the annual Ventura County Fair and over the years has hosted such acts as Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and Smokey Robinson.

Perry Mason creator Erle Stanley Gardner had a law practice and did much of his early writing in Downtown Ventura. The building where his law offices were housed, at California and Main Street, bears his name on a historical marker. Many films including Swordfish, Little Miss Sunshine, Chinatown, and Erin Brockovich shot scenes in Ventura.
Ventura hosts two college campuses, the Brooks Institute of Photography and Ventura College. Ventura College is a community college with over 10,000 students and is part of the Ventura County Community College District.

Public school students from kindergarten through twelfth grade attend schools in the Ventura Unified School District. The district has two comprehensive high schools, a magnet school focusing on technology and an independent study school located on the Ventura College campus. Private schools include St. Bonaventure High School, a Catholic school, Ventura County Christian School, an evangelical Christian school, and Holy Cross School, a Roman Catholic school for grades Pre-K-8 located behind Mission San Buenaventura.

For a good overview of why Ventura is such a wonderful place to live and grow a business, visit VenturaMeansBusiness.com.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber celebrates its 80th anniversary of incorporation this year. There are currently approximately 650 Chamber members, representing a diverse set of businesses in terms of size and industry that collectively employ 24,000. The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is known for networking and advocacy for all Ventura businesses. The Chamber’s goal is to work in partnership with government, local, county, and state civic leaders and businesses and continue to bring vitality to the City of Ventura through mutual partnerships. We formally collaborate with other regional and state chambers of commerce.

The Chamber hosts numerous monthly events to enhance business networking among members. The Chamber works closely with the City of Ventura to promote economic and business development. We also host the Ventura Commerce & Education Foundation that sponsors educational services for business leaders including Leadership Ventura, and the Ventura Chamber Political Action Committee, which researches and endorses candidates and legislation.

The Chamber is governed by 21 volunteer business leaders who represent a large variety of business sizes and types.

In addition to the President & CEO, the Chamber employs five other full- and part-time employees. The Chamber offices are located at 505 Poli St., 2nd floor in Downtown Ventura.

CEO Job Description:
The Chamber is a vital part of our community. Though the lingering effects of the recession continue to impact local businesses and therefore the Chamber, the last few years has seen a great revitalization in member retention and engagement. The CEO will continue to lead the Chamber to a strong financial position while providing our members with the most value for their membership involvement. While a goal of the CEO is to increase membership, a key priority is to continue building member satisfaction and engagement through innovative ideas, meaningful communication, and community leadership.

The CEO will lead and motivate staff to continue working as a strong team across functional assignments. The CEO will reach out to business owners and leaders to garner their opinions on how the Chamber can better meet their needs and to implement changes to enhance the Chamber’s value.

The CEO will continue to build and strengthen relationships with City and community leaders.

Responsibilities Include:

Maintain and Improve Member Value

  • Attract new members
  • Increase retention of existing members
  • Conceive and implement valuable member services and events

Financial Management

  • Working knowledge of financial statement and budget preparation
  • Operate the Chamber within approved budget
  • Control expenses commensurate with revenues
  • Identify additional revenue sources

Manage Chamber marketing and branding
Manage communication with members and community
Provide staff leadership and accountability
Maintain and expand relationships with key leaders including:

  • City of Ventura
  • Business Leaders
  • Community Leaders
  • Board Members

Salary and Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Bonus Plan: Up to 25% of base salary, depending on performance
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks
Health Benefit: Group health coverage plan available following 90 days of employment
Other benefits: Car allowance

How to Apply
Submit complete resume, list of qualifications, and any relevant letters of reference to:

Matthew Graczyk, interim President & CEO (not a candidate for this position)
Matthew@ventura-chamber.org

Application deadline: Friday, November 21, 2014