Executive Director Position - Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

Seeking...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Smithville

Chamber of Commerce

The Community

Smithvillians are friendly, creative, inventive, and earnest. The City's history, charm, amenities, partnerships, and terrific school district provide everything needed for a high quality of life. Local elder statesman, Richard D. Latham, coined the phrase, “Everything is possible in Smithville!” and the Chamber works every day in this truth!

Located in central Texas on Highway 71, Smithville is 35 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom airport, 45 minutes from Austin's downtown district, one hour from San Marcos, 90 minutes from San Antonio, two hours from Houston, and three and a half hours from Dallas/Ft Worth, making Smithville very convenient to do business and to visit

Smithville boasts an airport, a recreation center, a historic downtown district with quaint shops and unique dining options, a rich railroad history, the only full service hospital in Bastrop County, some of the finest city parks anywhere, and some of the friendliest people on the planet Buescher State Park is just outside of town, and Bastrop State Park is about 10 miles down Park Road 1C. Smithville is a small town with plenty to do.

Culture and entertainment abounds in Smithville, which is perhaps best known as the home of “Hope Floats,” the 1998 movie starring Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr , and Gena Rowlands It was also the primary location for “Tree of Life,” starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn, filmed in 2008. Most recently, Smithville has been home to major HBO and Netflix programs. In all, over 100 feature films, music videos, commercials, streaming series, and all other sorts of live action productions have been at home in Smithville, which received the very first Texas Film Friendly designation in 2008 In 2013, Smithville was designated a Texas Cultural District because of its thriving music, performing arts, and gallery scenes.

The village of “old Smithville” was laid out on 640 acres within Mexican Land Grants awarded to Thomas J. Gazley and to Lewis Lomas in 1827. The early settlement was located on the Colorado River in the northeast section of present day Smithville. The Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railroad arrived in 1887, and the subsequent population boom made Smithville the largest town in the County, leading to its incorporation in 1895. Today, the City is home to about 4,000 residents, many of whom can be seen driving through town in their golf carts.

Smithville is a very special place. From the award winning Seton Ascension Hospital cafeteria to the two stage concert venue at Riverbend Park to the Workforce Training Center, Smithville embodies excellence and innovation.

Executive Director - Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce -

1908: Smithville Trades Association was founded 1923: Smithville Chamber of Commerce was founded 1947: IRS 501(c)6 designation determined 2003: Name changed to "Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce"

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce works diligently to promote Smithville area businesses and the City of Smithville to local residents and tourists; to facilitate and provide community services with recreational events and committee functions; to provide information to visitors and newcomers; and to promote benefits of Smithville to potential residents and businesses.

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce has a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors who represent the diversity of this community across numerous markers.

Community Hosts volunteer as greeters and provide information for visitors and residents at the newly-built Chamber office, Visitor Center, and Railroad Museum. Many other community volunteers support the Chamber staff and programs throughout the year.

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Events and Activities

Smithville Chamber Marketing/Promotion

Visitor Center/Railroad Museum & Smitty Attraction @ Chamber

FREE WIFI in Railroad Park & Visitor Center

Guinness World Record Gingerbread Man (Smitty)

Smithville Rack Card / Brochures: Film Tour, Historic Tour, Cultural District, Public Art/Mural Tour

Smithville Map, Visitor Guide, and Smithville 78957 Magazine

Chamber Facebook Page: Average 25K visits/mo. Chamber Website (www.smithvilletx.org): Ave. 30K visits/mo.

Visit Smithville Website (www.visitsmithville.org)

Visit Smithville Facebook page & Visit Smithville Video series: Ave 3K visits/mo

Bastrop/Elgin/Smithville TX (BEST) Booths at Conferences

Downtown & Shop Local Events

Festival of Lights, Lighted Parade, and Gingerbread Men

Spring & Holiday Wine Strolls

Music in the Park Series

Music Support grants for local businesses

July 4th Parade & Freedom Run

Smithville Wingfest & Chili Cook A Roo Fall City Wide Garage Sale

KSB 2022 Sustainable Home & Garden Event

Halloween Spooktacular Airing of the Quilts (in partnership w/ Smithville Garden Club)

Keep Smithville Beautiful (KSB)

City/Chamber Façade Grant program

Bi-Annual Clean Up Days, includes downtown Green Expo & Eco/Photo Fest (2016 2021; rebranded as Sustainable Home & Garden Event in 2022)

Weedeat/Mow along Main, 1st & 2nd Streets twice each month & regular clean up/landscaping in Railroad Park

Lighting on Main Street under awnings

Holiday lighting & décor on Main Street/Photos w/ Santa Patriotic décor (Memorial Day to July 4th)

Richard D. Latham Cultural District Support

Youth Banners on Main Sculptures on Main

Main Street Way Finding Signage

Library/Chamber Storybook Trail 17 downtown locations

Investments in the Downtown CBD

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to improve and invest in Smithville’s Central Business District. Over the last seven years, programs and services in the District have grown substantially. Investment in public art, lighting, music and public performance events, wine strolls and holiday events have been either continued or newly implemented, all with a long term focus on changing the consumer habits of residents and visitors alike

Executive Director - Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

about THE position

Executive Director

Reporting to a 15 member Board of Directors, the key responsibility of the Executive Director is to be an engaged and forward thinking representative and advocate for business owners and employers in the Smithville Area. The Executive Director is accountable to Chamber members and must provide excellent programming that supports the business community. In partnership with the City of Smithville, the Executive Director will oversee a busy tourism program and a robust economic development outreach program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Understand and implement the mission of the Chamber of Commerce as a membership and community organization

Manage Chamber finances, prepare and adhere to the annual budget, and maintain all records required by law and Board policy. Work continuously to maintain a healthy operating budget through fundraising, partnerships, grant writing and member sponsorship opportunities Be accountable to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including providing management, input and guidance to the Board and its subcommittees.

Hire, train, motivate and supervise office staff in a workplace conducive to maximum performance and strong employee and member morale

Serve as the Chamber’s spokesperson and representative to the membership, community, governmental entities and officials, and other organizations.

Utilize various media sources including, but not limited to: newspapers, newsletters, social media, public speaking opportunities, public reports and forums, Chamber events and Chamber website. Develop and maintain working relationships with local elected officials and community leaders from a non partisan, business centered mindset

Engage, recruit, and cultivate prospective and current Chamber members to grow and sustain the Chamber’s membership.

Implement a range of services for Chamber members that will meet their current needs as well as advance the community’s business objectives.

Organize and implement programs, activities, and events that allow members to promote their businesses’ products, services, and employment opportunities.

Plan and promote events that provide opportunities for business to business networking, tourism and economic development. Work independently and in partnership with the City of Smithville on economic development activities including events, business retention, and attraction and other duties as needed. Manage the tourism arm of the Chamber including the Smithville Visitor Center, website, and multiple community events and publications. Manage all efforts of the Keep Smithville Beautiful Committee and the We Support Smithville ISD Committee

Recruit and motivate volunteers from the community to participate on various Chamber committees and for Chamber events.

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ideal candidate

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce seeks a visionary, dedicated professional with the experience and imagination necessary to lead the organization into its next chapter. The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional skills in business development and organization; human resources and team management; economic and community development; event coordination; ethics; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. All of these skills are essential for success.

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in managing a Chamber or other non profit, or significant non profit board service.

Experience as a human resources manager with significant skills in employee and volunteer management.

Engaging personality, business acumen, and strong communication skills. Awareness of the community’s trends and challenges; experience in engaging with community members and in community events & meetings. Competent first response business resource.

Proficiency in core accounting principles and experience in managing a large budget; Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, and Chamber website editor (ChamberMaster experience a plus).

Ability to create and implement engaging social media and marketing content to promote Chamber and Community events, member news (ex. monthly newsletter, weekly newspaper article & e blast), and general brand of the Chamber

Ability to learn new technology systems

Compensation and Benefits

Time Management

Posted office hours are Monday Friday, 10am to 4pm, but availability for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and other non traditional meeting times, weekend and evening events are expected and are a normal, regular part of this position The Executive Director is expected to regularly attend City Council meetings and Workshops, and to work closely with community groups as a Board member or engaged volunteer.

The salary range is $45,000 $65,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce offers a comprehensive, generous benefits package, including a health insurance stipend, IRA contributions, end of year bonus, education and training, and sick and vacation time Complete benefit details will be provided upon request.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter and 3 references to: chamber@smithvilletx.org. The initial review of candidates is scheduled for the week of November 22. The position will be open until filled.

Executive Director - Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce -