Chamber and Growth Alliance Director

Reports To: President & CEO        Location: New Buffalo, Michigan     Position Type: Full-time

Position Overview

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) is seeking a dynamic, community-minded leader to serve as the Director of the Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) driving coordinated economic and community development services across a coalition of four municipalities in Southwest Berrien County, including the City of New Buffalo, Chikaming Township, New Buffalo Township, and Three Oaks Township.

The Director will be employed and managed by SMRC but will act as a shared resource and trusted partner to all participating municipalities. Under the strategic guidance of a multi-jurisdictional CGA Board, the Director will implement a program of work that supports business growth, community revitalization, and long-term prosperity across the footprint it serves.

Key Responsibilities

• Regional Alignment: Support a cross-jurisdictional, public-private advisory board to foster alignment and guide the CGA’s strategic direction and priorities.
• Strategy Implementation: Develop and implement a unified economic development strategy that promotes long-term, sustainable growth across the CGA footprint.
• Economic Growth: Recruit new investment to the region while supporting the growth and retention of existing businesses and industries.
• Employer Engagement: Build strong relationships with local employers through regular outreach and act as a liaison between the private sector and municipal leadership.
• Community Engagement: Conduct outreach that engages residents, businesses, and community organizations to ensure local voices shape economic and development priorities.
• Development Support: Offer subject matter expertise to municipalities and assist developers and businesses with site selection, permitting, and access to local and state incentive programs.
• Advocacy: Guide municipalities through adopting pro-growth policies, ordinances, and practices that improve competitiveness and overall business climate.
• Placemaking: Support initiatives that improve quality of life, increase livability, and make communities more attractive for residents and businesses alike.
• Regional Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration between business, government, educational institutions, developers, and community groups to advance shared goals.
• Promotion & Marketing: Market the area as a premier place to live, work, and invest through storytelling, data, and coordinated marketing efforts.
• Chamber Support: Expand awareness of available SMRC programs, services, and resources.
• Resource Development: Help participating municipalities and area businesses identify, pursue, and secure funding from relevant public, private, and philanthropic sources.
• Progress Reports: Provide consistent communication through monthly updates to municipalities and a comprehensive annual impact report to all stakeholders.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree or qualifying credential in economic development, business administration,  public administration, urban planning, or a related field.
• Proven experience in economic development, community development, or related fields, with a track record of successful project management.
• Strong understanding of economic development principles, including business attraction and retention strategies, the Main Street Program™, and Economic Gardening™.
• Strong understanding of economic development tools, resources, and incentive programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of relevant software tools.
• Knowledge of local and regional economic trends and policies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Salary and Benefits: A competitive compensation package will be made available to the qualified candidate, including opportunities for performance-based pay raises through a fair and transparent evaluation process. Additionally, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to offer the following benefits:

• Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
• Vision and Dental: The option of Blue Vision and Blue Dental insurance coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Employer contributions to a retirement savings plan.
• Generous Time off: Generous vacation, sick-time, parental leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Eligibility for Bonuses: Eligibility for an end of year bonus based on personal performance and organizational success.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development through training programs, workshops, and conferences.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexibility in work schedules and the option for occasional remote work.

Note: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.