What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Leadership Development position at Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce?
About Us - About the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1853, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is North Carolina's oldest continuously operating chamber. We connect more than 1,000 member businesses representing over 40,000 employees across southeastern North Carolina. Our mission is to strengthen the business community through leadership, advocacy, economic growth, and meaningful connections.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Leadership Development serves as the Chamber's strategic leader for leadership, workforce, and talent development initiatives. This position oversees a portfolio of leadership programs, manages staff, works closely with volunteers, and builds partnerships with employers, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community leaders.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, creating innovative programs, engaging with the community, and helping develop the next generation of business and civic leaders.
Current Program Portfolio
- Leadership Wilmington
- Leadership Wilmington Alumni
- Work on Wilmington
- Encounter Wilmington
- Interns Encounter Wilmington
- CultureWorks
- Career & Leadership Development Academy
- Employer Advisory Board engagement
- Workforce development partnerships
- Internship and talent pipeline initiatives
- Emerging leadership programs
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the Chamber's leadership and workforce development strategy.
- Evaluate and enhance existing programs while creating new initiatives.
- Build partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations.
- Measure program outcomes and recommend improvements.
Program Management
- Lead all aspects of Leadership Wilmington, including recruitment, curriculum, logistics, budgeting, and participant experience.
- Support Leadership Wilmington Alumni programming and volunteer engagement.
- Oversee additional leadership and workforce initiatives.
Workforce Development
- Strengthen connections between employers and education.
- Support internship, career awareness, and workforce readiness programs.
- Represent the Chamber on workforce development committees and collaborative initiatives.
Community Engagement
- Represent the Chamber throughout the region.
- Build relationships with business, education, nonprofit, and government leaders.
- Speak at community events and support Chamber initiatives.
Revenue & Administration
- Develop sponsorship opportunities and steward sponsor relationships.
- Research grant opportunities and prepare grant reports.
- Manage program budgets, reports, participant data, and performance metrics.
- Partner with Marketing & Communications to promote programs and participant success stories.
Qualifications
Preferred Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Five or more years of experience in leadership development, workforce development, nonprofit management, higher education, economic development, program management, or a related field.
- Experience managing complex projects, volunteers, committees, and budgets.
- Strong public speaking, facilitation, and event management skills.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
- Project management
- Communication and public speaking
- Collaboration
- Innovation and adaptability
- Organization and attention to detail
- Self-motivation in a fast-paced environment
Why Join the Chamber?
- Named a Best Place to Work in Wilmington (2026)
- CACCE Chamber of the Year (2022)
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future leaders and workforce of southeastern North Carolina
- Collaborative, high-performing team with strong community partnerships
Our Team Values
- Get Results: Deliver excellence and be accountable.
- Move Forward: Innovate, learn, and embrace change.
- Engage with Energy: Work hard, celebrate success, and enjoy what you do.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Economic development: 3 years (Required)
- Economic Project Management: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Wilmington, NC 28401: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $100,000