OUTER BANKS CHAMBER

PRESIDENT & CEO

ABOUT THE OUTER BANKS

Nestled along the scenic coastline of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a one-of-a-kind destination that blends natural beauty, rich heritage, and a vibrant local economy. Known for its stunning beaches, maritime history, and welcoming communities, the Outer Banks offers a truly unmatched quality of life. With miles of pristine shoreline, world-class outdoor recreation, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, this region is not only a dream vacation spot—it’s an incredible place to call home.

The Outer Banks business community is rooted in small, locally owned enterprises that give the region its unique character and strength. Independent shops, family-run restaurants, and small professional service firms form the backbone of the economy, complemented by thriving sectors in hospitality, real estate, construction, and marine industries. This concentration of small businesses fosters a resilient, entrepreneurial spirit that drives growth and keeps the Outer Banks authentic, dynamic, and community focused. The area draws over 5 million visitors annually, offering a steady stream of opportunity for innovation, investment, and growth. Business owners and professionals here benefit from a strong spirit of collaboration, regional pride, and support from a highly engaged Chamber of Commerce and community leadership.

In addition to a favorable business climate, the Outer Banks is a place where work-life balance comes naturally. Residents enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing access to high-quality healthcare, top-rated schools, and year- round cultural and recreational amenities. Whether it’s catching a sunrise surf session, dining at a waterfront eatery, or attending a community festival, life in the Outer Banks is deeply connected to nature, community, and purpose.

With its distinct blend of economic vitality and coastal charm, the Outer Banks offers the ideal backdrop for professional and personal fulfillment. It’s a region where leaders can make a real difference—shaping the future of a beloved destination while enjoying a lifestyle that many only dream of. For visionary leaders ready to inspire, connect, and elevate, the Outer Banks isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to thrive.

THE OUTER BANKS CHAMBER

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business and a catalyst for economic prosperity in one of the most iconic coastal regions in the country. Representing Dare County, Currituck County, and Ocracoke Island, the Chamber serves a diverse and engaged membership base across a wide variety of industries—including tourism and hospitality, real estate, construction, healthcare, retail, education, and professional services. With over 700 members strong, the Chamber plays a vital role in advancing business success, advocating for pro-business policies, and fostering meaningful connections across the region. As a trusted convener, the Outer Banks Chamber brings together entrepreneurs, local leaders, community organizations, and government officials to address challenges, share ideas, and create opportunities. The Chamber’s commitment to business development is matched by its dedication to quality of life—supporting initiatives that make the Outer Banks a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether it’s hosting networking events, driving workforce development efforts, or championing small business growth, the Chamber remains a steadfast partner to the community it serves.

The Outer Banks Chamber is also recognized for its forward-thinking leadership and collaborative spirit. From disaster recovery and legislative advocacy to workforce housing and talent attraction, the organization is at the forefront of addressing the region’s most pressing needs while embracing its unique strengths. The Chamber's programs and partnerships are designed to fuel regional vitality, enhance member value, and keep the Outer Banks resilient and competitive for years to come.

For a leader who is passionate about community impact, relationship-building, and economic development, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce presents an extraordinary opportunity. With a dedicated staff, engaged board, and deep-rooted community support, the Chamber is well-positioned to continue making a lasting difference in one of North Carolina’s most beloved and distinctive regions. For more information, please visit our website.

ORGANIZATION BY THE NUMBERS

Chamber Membership: 720
Professional Team: 1 FT – 2 PT – 1 Contract Board of Directors: 20
Total Budget: $475,000

OUR NEXT PRESIDENT & CEO

We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as President & CEO for our dynamic 501c6 organization. The President & CEO must be a dynamic, passionate and strategic leader who will ensure the future vitality, development, impact and relevance of the Chamber.

The President & CEO is employed by the Board of Directors of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for effectively leading the organization such that it successfully achieves its mission of service to members. Specific areas of responsibility include executive leadership of the staff of the organization; support of positive member relations; executive support to the Board of Directors of the organization; community connecting / liaison activities; and active participation and leadership in local, regional, state and, if appropriate, national levels on advocacy activities relating to business policy, legislation, and regulation.

The Chamber is foundational to building a strong local economy and developing, strengthening and advancing the business community. Some of the services provided are community development; advocacy and action; networking opportunities; community connections; a conduit to resources and information; and advancing annual high-profile events and programs.

The President & CEO will be responsible for all administrative and management functions and executing the mission and strategic plan of the organization as approved by the Board of Directors. You will also implement annual goals, plans, strategies, and align the organization’s resources to meet the stated objectives.

If you are a collaborative leader with a proven track record of driving impactful change, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our vibrant community. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on a thriving business community while enjoying all that the Outer Banks has to offer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The qualifications, critical physical demands and working conditions listed below are basic requirements that may allow for reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Strategic & Operational Planning – In conjunction with the Board of Directors and staff, develops and implements a strategic, long-range plan and annual Business Plan to advance the Chamber’s mission. Works with Chamber committees to identify issues and needs and develops plans to address them. Evaluates effectiveness and measures progress towards attainment.

• Board Relations – Provides support and leadership to the Board of Directors and any committees appointed by the Board. Keeps them informed about the organization’s operational activities and issues, community connecting / liaison activities and issues, and political / legislative activities and issues, as appropriate, through reports at Board and Committee meetings and the distribution of appropriate resource materials, as well as is appropriate in between meetings via phone calls, emails, etc. Formulates strategic direction and policy recommendations for the Board of Directors to review and take action. Implements Board policy at the organization level.

• Policy Development, Implementation & Interpretation – Assists the Board in the development of policy, as needed, and is responsible for the execution of policies adopted by the Board. Responsible for the proper order of business as established in the Chamber’s bylaws.

• Organization Structure & Procedures – Evaluates the Chamber’s organizational structure, policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness in identifying and addressing Chamber and community needs and issues. Recommends changes in structure, procedures and policies as needed.

• Advocacy & Public Policy – Actively participates in legislative and regulatory advocacy work at the local, regional, state and if appropriate, national level to ensure that the needs of the members of the organization are communicated and actively pursued. Through active participation, seeks to provide leadership and influence policy development to ultimately affect legislative and regulatory actively related to business and economic development issues specific to our area.

• Membership Relations, Development & Retention – Provides a focus on recruiting and retaining new and existing members of the Chamber. Provides leadership in membership services to ensure there is a compelling value proposition for current and prospective members. Works effectively with executives of companies and organizations of all types and sizes across the broad range of Chamber members throughout the Chamber’s market area. With others, analyzes and interprets the needs of members and recommends revisions to increase membership value, engagement and financial support. Focuses on telling the Chamber’s story to significantly increase the total membership numbers.

• Business Development & Economic Development – Leads the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to build and maintain a year-round economy through a Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE); thus, improving the quality of life for business owners and their employees. Through the BRE, the President & CEO implements a documented, formal member outreach program to determine issues facing members and their needs, tracks and documents available properties that might serve as locations for business start-ups and expansions and facilitates contact between members and agencies that might assist in business growth and continue year-round viability. Experience assisting prospective businesses with information about the area including demographics, navigating the local ordinances, etc.

• Community Connecting – Acts as the key spokesperson for the organization. Is the key liaison between the organization and its members; other community entities, such as the Dare County Tourism Board, government, service, business and civic organization, media, and community collaboratives; and other relevant community stakeholders.

• Program & Services Development – Provides staff and committees with the tools, guidance and resources needed to develop new, creative, value-added programs, benefits and services for the membership. Reviews and evaluates program and benefit proposals to help ensure their effectiveness.

• Technology Utilization - It is required that the President & CEO be computer literate and able to use software functions such as email, Microsoft or Google Suite products, spreadsheets, email marketing programs, design software (CANVA), and have experience with a CRM/Membership database software. Understanding of and ability to work in QuickBooks is essential.

• Budget & Finances – Develops annual budget in conjunction with priorities determined by the Board of Directors. Manages revenues and expenses in accordance with established budget and ensures the preparation of accurate timely financial statements. These duties include, but not limited to, review and approval of the bank statement activity and reconciliation of the financial statements. The President & CEO is also charged with oversight of all fundraising efforts. Pursues cost effective management practices to ensure that the organization is a cost effective as possible in providing services to its members and its overall operations.

• Staff Development - Builds and maintains a staff consistent with program needs and financial resources. Is responsible for the employment of all staff members, the assignment of their responsibilities and duties, training and development, performance reviews, disciplinary action, the supervision of their work and the establishment of the terms of their employment, within the framework of the approved budget.

• Outer Banks Seafood Festival – The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is the largest one-day event held on the Outer Banks. The Chamber is contracted with the Festival Board of Directors to plan, manage, and execute this event including management and coordination of the Festival Board of Directors, Festival Committee, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, restaurants, entertainment, etc. The President & CEO is responsible for the success of this event as it provides a significant portion of our yearly budget/income.

• Facilities Management and Maintenance: Negotiates contract agreements and manages relationships with vendors servicing the Outer Banks Chamber facilities. Recommendation to the Board of Directors and oversight of negotiating any vendor agreements as necessary. The President & CEO is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the company vehicle

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will also be considered. Completion of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) or attainment of the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation is preferred but not mandatory.

Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in a business-related field, chamber of commerce or nonprofit management, or a comparable executive role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong executive professional presence and represent the organization with integrity and positivity. This includes maintaining a polished appearance, exhibiting sound judgment, and engaging with members and the broader community in a respectful and thoughtful manner.