Executive Director

Executive Director

Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce

Reports To

Board of Directors

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position with a regular business schedule generally aligned with Chamber office hours. Due to the leadership nature of the role, the Executive Director is also expected to be available for evening, weekend, and holiday commitments related to Chamber events, board and committee meetings, community meetings, tourism activity, and other critical organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Benefits: Paid Time Off.

Position Summary

The Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, community-minded, and forward-thinking Executive Director to serve as a leading advocate, ambassador, and champion for Red Lodge and the surrounding area.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce. This position provides leadership in advancing the Chamber’s mission to promote economic vitality, strengthen local business, support tourism, foster community partnerships, and operate the Visitor Information Center.

This is an opportunity to step into a highly respected and well-established organization with strong systems, meaningful community relationships, and a solid foundation for continued success. The next Executive Director will be expected to honor the work that has been built while helping lead the Chamber and the Red Lodge community into its next chapter.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, relationship builder, strategic thinker, and community leader who understands the importance of small businesses, tourism, economic development, and civic engagement. This person should bring a clear vision for what Red Lodge can become over the next 5 to 10 years and the leadership ability to help bring that vision to life.

Key Leadership Expectations

The Executive Director is expected to:

• Serve as a visible and trusted advocate for Red Lodge, Chamber members, local businesses, tourism partners, and the broader community.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and consistently with the Board of Directors, Chamber members, staff, community partners, local government, visitors, and the public.
• Build upon the Chamber’s strong foundation and identify opportunities to take the organization, its member services, tourism efforts, and community impact to new heights.
• Lead with vision, collaboration, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the long-term success of Red Lodge.
• Balance day-to-day operational excellence with strategic planning for the future of the Chamber and the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of Chamber operations consistent with the organization’s mission, goals, and policies established by the Board of Directors.
• Keep the Board informed regarding organizational operations, opportunities, challenges, financial conditions, and community matters that may impact the Chamber or its members.
• Support board and committee activities, including meeting preparation, reporting, communication, follow-up, and implementation of board priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain strong internal systems, procedures, records, and organizational practices that support efficient Chamber operations.

Membership & Business Development

• Develop and implement strategies to retain existing Chamber members and recruit new members.
• Strengthen the value proposition of Chamber membership through relevant programs, services, advocacy, communication, and relationship-building.
• Develop and enhance member benefits, business resources, networking opportunities, and educational programming.
• Foster strong relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Serve as an accessible resource and advocate for Chamber members and the local business community.
• Identify emerging business needs, community trends, and opportunities for Chamber support.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Represent the Chamber as its primary spokesperson, ambassador, and advocate within the community and region.
• Build collaborative relationships with local businesses, government entities, nonprofit organizations, tourism partners, regional economic development groups, and community leaders.
• Attend and participate in community, state, and regional meetings, including business alliances, tourism organizations, local government meetings, and economic development initiatives.
• Advocate for policies, partnerships, and initiatives that support the economic vitality and long-term health of Red Lodge.
• Maintain a visible presence in the community and serve as a trusted voice for Chamber priorities and member interests.

Tourism, Marketing, & Destination Development

• Oversee tourism promotion initiatives and destination marketing efforts for the Red Lodge area.
• Lead efforts that strengthen Red Lodge as a vibrant, welcoming, year-round destination.
• Manage Chamber communications, including website content, newsletters, digital marketing, social media platforms, public messaging, and visitor-facing information.
• Ensure Chamber messaging is clear, consistent, professional, and aligned with the organization’s mission and community goals.
• Oversee operation and compliance of the Visitor Information Center in accordance with Montana Office of Tourism requirements.
• Serve as liaison to the Tourism Advisory Council and coordinate development of annual marketing plans and budgets for the Destination Marketing Organization.
• Collaborate with tourism partners to identify opportunities for sustainable tourism growth and enhanced visitor experience.
• Prepare and mail welcome packets, visitor information, relocation materials, and other Chamber resources to individuals and organizations who contact the Chamber for information about Red Lodge and the surrounding area.

Financial Management, Fundraising, & Revenue Development

• Manage Chamber financial resources responsibly, including budgeting, financial reporting, oversight of expenditures, and long-term financial planning.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor annual budgets.
• Identify, develop, and implement non-dues revenue opportunities, sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
• Provide oversight and support for signature events, including the Red Lodge Car Show and other Chamber-sponsored programs.
• Proactively monitor for grant opportunities and lead the grant writing, application, administration, and reporting processes.
• Ensure financial practices are transparent, responsible, and aligned with board direction and organizational priorities.

Staff, Volunteer, & Event Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, support, and evaluate Chamber staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, service-oriented, and accountable workplace culture.
• Coordinate staffing and volunteer support for Chamber programs, events, Visitor Information Center operations, and community initiatives.
• Support the successful planning, execution, and evaluation of Chamber events.
• Build a team culture that reflects professionalism, hospitality, community pride, and service to members and visitors.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and Chamber support for major community events, including the week of the Fourth of July and Home of Champions Rodeo activities, recognizing their importance to tourism, member engagement, and Chamber revenue.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in nonprofit management, chamber of commerce leadership, business administration, tourism, economic development, marketing, public relations, community development, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a board of directors, staff, volunteers, business owners, government representatives, and diverse community stakeholders.
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, fundraising, sponsorship development, grant procurement, and event management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, priorities, and community expectations.
• Proficiency with digital communications, social media platforms, website management, email marketing, and general office technology.
• A passion for small communities, local business, tourism, economic vitality, and the long-term success of Red Lodge.
• A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to help guide the Chamber and community toward the next 5 to 10 years of growth, opportunity, and sustainability.

Desired Leadership Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

• A champion for Red Lodge and the surrounding area.
• A confident and thoughtful communicator.
• A relationship builder who earns trust across different groups and perspectives.
• A strategic thinker who can balance vision with execution.
• A collaborative leader who values input while helping move decisions forward.
• A professional ambassador for the Chamber, its members, visitors, and the community.
• A steady, organized, and proactive leader capable of building on an already strong foundation.
• A person who understands that the Chamber’s role is not only to support today’s business community, but to help shape the future of Red Lodge.

Additional InformationProfessional Development

The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors to identify, budget, and participate in professional development opportunities, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and performance evaluations to support organizational goals and personal growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, members, partners, and visitors.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and relevant social media or links. The cover letter should include the candidate’s interest in the role and their vision for how the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce can continue supporting local business, tourism, and community vitality over the next 5 to 10 years. Resumes and references can be sent to: chamber.redlodge@gmail.com

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000