Executive Director

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides leadership and direction to ensure the successful implementation of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce’s strategic plan. Acting as a liaison between members, the Board of Directors, staff, government and partners, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the delivery of all programs and services, membership growth and retention, financial management, daily operations, marketing, public relations, and lobbying efforts.

This position is full-time, typically from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Candidates must be willing to work one weekend a year (Mother’s Day weekend) when we host our annual Spring Trade Show, and occasional evenings (typically less than 15 per year) based on our event schedule.

We are offering a salary of $102,000 to $120,000 based on experience, excellent individual health and dental benefits, and a parking spot in downtown Yellowknife.

The specific accountabilities of the Executive Director include:

 

Governance & Administration

• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the 3-year strategic plan, annual work plan and annual operating budget
• Monitor and report on the progress of strategic objectives, and the allocation of resources during monthly board meetings
• Advise and solicit direction from the Board of Directors through regular communication
• Prepare and distribute information for all meetings, including monthly board meetings, the AGM, quarterly general meetings, and committee meetings
• Serve as Secretary for all meetings, ensuring accurate minutes are kept and action items are accomplished
• Ensure the organization’s bylaws, governance manual and operating policies are reviewed annually and work with the Board of Directors to update, as needed
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted business practices, government regulations, employment standards, bylaws, and internal policies
• Plan, organize and oversee all daily operations of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing bookkeeping, maintaining accurate financial information, monitoring monthly cash flow and working with the accountant to conduct the annual audit
• Perform annual membership invoicing through ChamberMaster
• Responsible for light bookkeeping using Sage50, primarily related to payroll, government remittances and government funding
• Responsible for researching funding programs, collaborating with the Board of Directors to develop programs, securing funding, and preparing applicable reports
• Responsible for all Human Resource Management. The Executive Director is the sole employee of the Board of Directors

Events & Programming

• Develop partnerships and sponsorship arrangements to strengthen the profile of the organization and generate revenue
• Lead the planning, organization and implementation of all events and initiatives
• Conduct an annual evaluation of programs and services to ensure they are meeting the organization’s goals and objectives. Modify as needed

Membership & Benefits

• Lead membership growth initiatives to ensure membership numbers increase annually
• Learn about chamber market segmentation and develop an annual sales strategy
• Act as the membership liaison, being the primary point of contact to ensure member satisfaction
• Research chamber best practices and develop a strong onboarding program to support new members
• Research and propose potential new membership benefits
• Work with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to ensure affinity programs are made available to our membership
• Work with affinity program providers, including Chambers Plan to increase enrollment
• Provide notary services for chamber members
• Update ChamberMaster and Constant Contact to ensure our databases are accurate, as needed
• Research and propose potential new membership benefits

Communication

• Develop and/or approve all internal marketing, communications, and public relations efforts
• Comply with the organization’s communication policies
• Represent the organization at community events and develop relationships with members and partners
• Ensure that members are kept informed through regular communication. Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
• Prepare e-blasts with content provided by our members, and promote Yellowknife Chamber initiatives and events using Constant Contact
• Ensure the website and social media channels are kept up to date
• Network with other business associations to acquire information and ideas and to establish contacts. Attend relevant conferences and meetings to increase knowledge and advance the Chamber of Commerce and its members’ interests
• Collaborate with the President to engage with media outlets
• Publish the Annual Report and Membership Benefits Package

Policy & Advocacy Development

• Stay informed on current business issues by reviewing all local media outlets daily, reviewing weekly City of Yellowknife Council agendas, and regularly reviewing GNWT Hansards
• Solicit membership feedback and share with the Board of Directors
• Research current issues, Canadian trends and best practices, and present recommendations for the Board of Directors to consider
• Prepare written communication that clearly articulates the Board of Director’s position on advocacy issues. This may include letters, research papers, reports, and press releases
• Lobbying efforts are tracked on the website for ease of access and transparency. Ensure all internal policy/advocacy materials are uploaded, along with government responses, media coverage and relevant resources

Qualifications:

• Proven Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage board operations effectively, often with experience in executive or senior management roles.
• Strategic Planning and Vision: Experience in developing and executing long-term strategic plans to support business growth, member engagement, and community impact.
• Financial Management Skills: Proficiency in budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising to manage chamber finances responsibly and secure necessary resources.
• Community Engagement and Relationship Building: Strong networking skills to build relationships with businesses, government representatives, and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Economic Development and Advocacy: Familiarity with local economic challenges and opportunities, along with the ability to advocate for policies that benefit the business community.
• Marketing and Public Relations: Skills in promoting the chamber's activities, services, and benefits, and experience with public speaking and media relations to enhance the chamber’s visibility.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Experience organizing events, workshops, and seminars to engage members, celebrate local businesses, and foster professional development.
• Human Resources Management: Competence in managing HR functions, such as hiring, training, and maintaining a positive work culture within the chamber’s staff.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Ability to navigate challenges, whether economic shifts, member needs, or internal changes, with innovative and flexible solutions.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Clear, persuasive communication skills and the ability to connect with diverse groups, ensuring that chamber messaging is compelling and inclusive.

 

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a detailed cover letter to: executivedirector@ykchamber.com. Please put ‘Executive Director Application’ in the subject line.

We thank all candidates for applying, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

This position will be open until hiring decisions have been made. Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis so please submit your resume as soon as possible.