Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations.  The incumbent is a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team and is responsible, with the President & CEO, for building, strengthening, and maintaining relationships with key Chamber partners and stakeholders that are mutually beneficial.  The Vice President has primary responsibility for matching partner business, community, and brand priorities with opportunities to invest in and support key Chamber programs and initiatives and attract sponsorships for Chamber business and community events and the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

Core Responsibilities

• Build, strengthen and maintain relationships with leaders at businesses, community organizations, educational institutions and other organizations throughout the Canton region and beyond.
• Cultivate a keen awareness of business goals and community engagement interests of Chamber member companies and other stakeholders. 
• Develop a thorough understanding of Chamber programs, initiatives, strategic priorities and events, including the annual Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
• Proactively present Chamber sponsorship and investment opportunities to business and community organizations that closely align with their goals and interests and raise more than $1 million annually to support Chamber work.
• Coordinate invoicing for sponsorships with the Chamber’s Finance department and conduct appropriate professional follow-up. 
• Utilize finance and development software to accurately track sponsorships and ensure the delivery of sponsor benefits, while fully leveraging available features to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.
• Work closely with the Chamber Events and Marketing department to ensure that sponsor and investor benefits are delivered as agreed.
• Develop innovative benefits packages that align with sponsor business goals while enhancing the impact and visibility of Chamber events.
• Maintain an active list of potential Chamber partners and proactively conduct outreach to develop relationships.
• Participate in budget planning for Chamber events and programs to ensure that development targets are adequate and achievable.
• Manage the flow of development efforts throughout the year to ensure that short- and long-term development goals are met within the context of strong partner relationships.
• Identify potential national partners for Enshrinement Festival events and develop relevant relationships.
• Design and implement innovative approaches to development consistent with the Chamber’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team, helping provide overall direction to the organization and ensuring strategic priorities are met.
• Attend Chamber Board and Executive Committee meetings to provide updates on development work and sound counsel to board members.
• Attend Chamber events to ensure sponsors are effectively supported and recognized. 
• Assist the President & CEO in prioritizing and conducting outreach to build and strengthen key relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a senior development position for a non-profit organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a wide network of strong professional relationships.  (An established professional network in the Canton region is desired.)
• Poise and confidence in interactions with senior executives and community leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple and successive deadlines and pursue multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Team player with a strong respect for diversity and commitment to community.

The Canton Regional Chamber is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.  To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.