CEO / President, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Lead Business. Build Community. Shape the Future.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business organization in the region, is seeking its next President & CEO. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a mission-driven, member-focused nonprofit at the heart of San Luis Obispo’s economic and civic life. We’re looking for a builder: someone who sees possibilities, charts a practical path forward, and brings others along to turn shared ambition into meaningful results.

With 1,200 member organizations representing over 40,000 employees, and long-standing programs in tourism, leadership, and advocacy, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of California’s most desirable communities.The next CEO will build on a strong foundation while advancing a clear vision for the Chamber’s next chapter, strengthening member value, championing economic opportunity, and mobilizing partnerships to address the issues that matter most to businesses and the community.

About the Role:

As President & CEO, you will serve as the Chamber’s top executive and public voice, connecting a long-term vision with focused action and representing the business community with credibility, conviction, and sound judgment.

You will manage a talented staff of ~18, oversee a diverse program portfolio, and engage with leaders across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.

This is a high-profile, high-impact role that requires business acumen, nonprofit savvy, and a genuine passion for community.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the Chamber’s lead strategist and visionary;

Develop and implement long-term strategic and annual business plans and financial goals; translating priorities into clear actions, responsibilities, and measurable results;

Work closely with the Board and committees to set priorities and guide governance.

Growth & Innovation:

Strengthen the Chamber’s financial position through disciplined management, entrepreneurial thinking, and a clear understanding of organizational and member needs;

Drive revenue growth through innovation and relevance in membership, sponsorships, programs, and fundraising;

Ensure long-term financial sustainability and organizational resilience.

Advocacy & External Affairs:

Lead a credible, informed advocacy agenda that reflects member needs and advances the economic vitality of the community;

Cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, and peer organizations.

Connect local priorities with regional opportunities, bringing people and organizations together to move shared goals forward;

Serve as a visible, trusted spokesperson who translates complex issues into clear, compelling messages in public forums, member communications, and conversations with community leaders.

Team & Operational Leadership:

Lead a team of ~18 full- and part-time staff with a focus on performance, inclusion, and professional development; establishing clear expectations, supporting staff initiative, and building a culture of accountability and collaboration;

Oversee the Chamber’s budget, financials, contracts, programs, and internal operations;

Elevate the Chamber’s brand through effective communications, outreach, and meaningful relationships.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We’re looking for a visionary, resourceful leader who combines strategic judgment with the ability to build relationships and deliver results.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years of relevant experience;

Proven success and astute acumen in strategic planning, fiscal management, and team leadership;

Experience working with a board or comparable governing body preferred;

Strong organizational judgment, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, solve problems, and follow through in a visible, fast-moving environment.

Leadership Qualities:

Visionary and mission-driven with strong execution skills;

Inclusive and collaborative, able to build trust across diverse groups;

Exceptional communicator, particularly in public speaking and stakeholder engagement; connects with audiences large and small, makes complex issues understandable, and earns trust through candor, preparation, and consistency;

Politically savvy and grounded in sound judgment;

Understands competing interests and knows how to advance priorities, while preserving constructive relationships;

Ethical, adaptable, and accountable.

Passion:

Deep belief in the power of business to build community and the ability to translate that passion into collaborative and effective change and improvement;

Commitment to local prosperity and regional economic health.

Compensation:

$150K - $175K annual base salary, DOE, for this full-time, exempt position;

Annual performance bonus, subject to organizational financial performance.

Benefits:

401(K) with annual company match to employee contribution up to 4%, upon completion of prescribed employment milestones;

80 hours of annual paid vacation annually in years 1 – 3, which begins accruing on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment; increasing to 120 hours annually thereafter;

96 hours of paid sick time annually, which begins accruing on start date; eligibility for use after 60 days of employment;

9 paid public holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually;

Medical paid 100% for employee; dependent coverage available through employee payroll deductions;

$25K of life insurance paid for employee;

$25K Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for employee;

60% of employee’s base salary, up to $6K monthly, paid for Long-Term Disability insurance;

Expense account;

Flexible Spending Account;

Paid parking fees;

Tax-free car mileage reimbursement (Accountable Plan).

Working Hours:

The schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments as needed to support Chamber programs and community engagement.

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA – onsite