Careers

February 29, 2024

Our diverse and dynamic team enjoys competitive compensation packages and leadership opportunities for each team member. We seek creative and passionate individuals who will uniquely add to the Chamber’s mission of making the San Diego region the best place to live and work.

If interested in joining our team, please take a look at the following positions and submit your cover letter and resume to Dana Stafford, Executive Director of Operations & Human Resources, at dstafford@sdchamber.org.

PRESIDENT & CEO

Job Summary
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce (SDRCC) is a powerful advocate for business, working to create a thriving economy and a high quality of life for all San Diegans. With a diverse membership of businesses of all sizes, the Chamber plays a critical role in shaping the region’s future. This role is responsible for leading the Chamber’s strategic direction, advocating for business interests, and fostering economic growth within the region. The SDCRCC is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next President & CEO. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the most influential business organizations in the nation.

Please direct resumes and inquiries to Alessandra Lezama at alezama@rghpo.com.

High-Level Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate shall be a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven track record of driving economic growth and community development, poised to lead the Chamber to new heights and make a significant impact on the San Diego region. This role will be dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment and enhancing the quality of life for the residents in the San Diego region advancing the Chambers’s mission to make San Diego the best place to live and work. The CEO shall successfully lead initiatives to attract new businesses, create jobs, and improve infrastructure. The candidate must be a skilled communicator and advocate, effectively representing the interests of the business community before government officials, media, and the public.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the Chamber’s mission and vision.
Oversee all aspects of the Chamber’s operations, including finance, marketing, membership, and government affairs.
Identify emerging trends and opportunities to position the Chamber as a leading voice for business.
Understand and lead bi-national strategies, challenges, and opportunities the Chamber is engaged in or advancing strategies for.

Advocacy:

Represent the Chamber’s membership before government officials, regulatory agencies, media, and the public.
Advocate for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and a business-friendly environment. * Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact the business community and mobilize members to take action
Advocate for the needs of the San Diego business community related to bi-national economic development initiatives, plans, and strategies.

Thought Leadership and Public Speaking:

Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Chamber, delivering compelling narratives about regional economic development.
Develop and articulate thought leadership content through op-eds, speaking engagements, media interviews, and industry conferences.
Establish the Chamber as a respected thought leader by producing white papers, research reports, and policy briefs on critical business and economic issues.
Leverage public speaking platforms to shape regional economic discourse and policy discussions.
Build a strong personal brand that elevates the Chamber’s visibility and influence.

Membership Development:

Recruit and retain a diverse membership base, including small businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Develop and implement innovative membership programs and services that deliver value to members.
Foster a strong sense of community among members through networking events, educational programs, and other initiatives.

Financial Management:

Oversee the Chamber’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and fundraising.
Ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.
Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

Community Engagement:

Collaborate with community partners, elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address regional challenges and opportunities.
Promote the region’s quality of life and attract new businesses and talent.
Support initiatives that enhance the region’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Serve as lead spokesperson for the Chamber at community, governmental and civic events as necessary and/or appropriate.

Crisis Management:

Ability to effectively respond to challenges and opportunities.

Team Leadership:

Lead and inspire a talented team of professionals.
Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing staff.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in business, economics, public policy, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership roles, preferably in a chamber of commerce or economic development organization.
Proven track record of success in achieving strategic goals and driving results.
Strong understanding of business, economic development principles, public policy, and government affairs.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
Passion for community engagement and economic development.
Knowledge and understanding of the cross-border Cali-Baja region.
Demonstrated ability to engage audiences through public speaking and media interactions

Additional Considerations:

Experience in public and private sectors is ideal.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal government.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Total Compensation Range: $250,000 – $350,000

Please direct resumes and inquiries to Alessandra Lezama at alezama@rghpo.com.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Job Summary

The Digital Communications Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Chamber & LEAD San Diego’s overall communications efforts with a primary focus on social media, e-newsletters, website, and general correspondence. Assists with and coordinates various aspects of Marketing, Communications, and Events related activities including email marketing, social media, landing page design, regular website updates, content creation, web design, media relations, guest registration, customer service, etc. Collaborates with others in the organization to achieve brand consistency, coordination of messages, and the highest standards for external communications. Reports to Communications Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for creating, designing, & implementing appealing and creative social media campaigns and the day-to-day management of the company’s social media properties. Including reels, photography, story overlays with Chamber/LEAD branding, post engagement, and post copy.
Work closely with the Directors of Communications, Membership, and Chamber affiliate LEAD San Diego, to define objectives for brand awareness, lead generation, and conversions.
Manage creation/writing, production, and distribution of online communications and social media to support marketing of Chamber and LEAD events and programs including approximately four e-newsletters per month ranging in topic from events promotion to public policy updates
Manage, monitor, and execute day-to-day social media campaigns across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.
Design overlays and lower thirds for live streaming content. Help produce webinars using Streamyard streaming software.
Provide real-time social media content creation during Chamber and LEAD events
Utilize social media budget to implement PPC advertising, A/B testing and create reports on performance and ROI.
Work with communications team and other departments to update and maintain all aspects of Chamber website, including website advertising program.
Assist in the creation and management of digital marketing & communications calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely marketing campaigns.
Working with Comms team, plan and execute Thrive SD Challenge. Recruit members for special offers and weekly webinars. Produce/Host weekly online webinars.
Create and edit content for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and coordinate SEO projects including keyword research, technical audits, link building, onsite content creation, and offsite SEO strategy.
Use Salesforce, Google Analytics, Critical Mention (media monitoring software), Hootsuite, etc. to measure and report performance of all digital marketing and communications activities through real-time dashboards and regular reports.
Produce promotional and marketing materials for Chamber & LEAD programs and initiatives such as event landing pages, flyers, committee/group web pages, sponsorship packages, and other marketing materials.
Stay up to date with the latest social media best practices and technologies
Support Communications Manager in tasks including (but not limited to) coordinating media events, drafting talking points and press releases, creating communications dashboards for Management Council & Board meetings.
Support Marketing & Events team with event support, event marketing (before/during/after) & promotion, and assisting with event troubleshooting.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Journalism, Communications, or related fields preferred
1-3 years of relevant experience strongly preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Thorough technical knowledge and understanding of social media management, metrics and tracking, as well as expertise in engagement across all social platforms
Experience utilizing social media as a marketing medium strongly preferred
Web publishing experience
Ability to write HTML code a plus
Experience managing communications through website planning, management and production
Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), publishing and design software (Canva, Photoshop, Publisher, InDesign), streaming software (Steamyard), audio/video editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Garage Band), web platform (WordPress), email marketing platform (MailChimp), and CRM database similar to Salesforce.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and professionalism in dealing with staff, vendors, customers, and the public.
Ability to write solicitation letters, invitations, marketing materials and business correspondence.
Ability to proofread all printed and electronic material (fliers, invitations, etc.).
Strong project and time management skills to meet event and production deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to effectively work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.

Compensation Range: $21-$27.50 per hour

MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER

Job Summary

The Member Relations Manager (MRM) is responsible for promoting the benefits of membership within the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce in order to recruit new members, cultivate relationships with existing members and increase the level of member engagement to facilitate membership upgrades and sponsorships.

Please send a resume & cover letter to dstafford@sdchamber.org.

Department: Membership Sales

Reports to: Executive Director, Membership

FLSA Status: Exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform active outreach to businesses in the San Diego region to communicate the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce value proposition in order to develop new memberships with the Chamber.
Research prospects for new membership through databases, telephone, electronic and personal contact.
Proactively seek referrals from client base and follow up on all leads that are assigned from web inquiries, call-ins and visits to the Chamber’s offices.
Maintain active relationships with assigned members to encourage participation in Chamber activities in order to maximize the value of their membership and encourage renewal on an annual basis.
Follow up on past due membership collections on existing accounts as well as for accounts assigned by the Executive Director, Membership.
Draft correspondence and prepare and send out Chamber information to potential members and existing members.
Responsible for achieving monthly, quarterly and annual revenue goals.
Heavy emphasis on outbound communication and business development to attract new clients, with weekly and monthly contact goals.
Proactively seek upgrades from current members.
Maintain detailed account records in Salesforce.com for all activity with assigned accounts and ensure that all information related to the account is updated on a regular basis.
Coordinate with various departments as necessary to fulfill membership benefits.
Help to facilitate growth of Business Alliance Groups and other programs through sales process and member follow through.
Join and regularly attend at least one Business Alliance Group monthly.
Attend and participate in Chamber and other events, as requested.
Responsible for abiding by the sales team’s “Standards and Procedures”.
Ensure that new members are accurately included in the 30-day communication cycle.
Participate in weekly membership sales meeting.
Keep membership information current and accurate whenever possible by communicating with members and making appropriate database corrections.
Increase membership retention by improving relationships with customers and facilitating the fulfillment of their membership needs.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3-4 years of sales experience in B2B or membership environment with demonstrated record of achieving assigned sales goals.
Participation in member events and meetings that sometimes occur in the evening.
Proficiency with MS Office and preferred exposure to a relational or customer relation management database.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to include exceptional phone communication skills.
Bilingual in Spanish highly preferred.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and professionalism in dealing with staff and the public.
Perform basic mathematical computations.
Possess strong public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to write business correspondence and other documents.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and project deadlines.

SDRCC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The San Diego Chamber of Commerce offers several unpaid internships within our International Business Affairs, Marketing & Events, Membership, and Public Policy departments on a rolling basis. Candidates must be eligible to earn school credit through their respective universities. For students pursuing a career in these industries, this is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical work experience. Interns should have the ability to conduct independent research and prepare cogent and well-written reports in a timely manner with minimal supervision. If interested, please email Dana Stafford, Executive Director of Operations & Human Resources, at dstafford@sdchamber.org.

External Affairs Intern

Internship Contact Name: Dana Stafford
Contact Title: Executive Director, Operations & Human Resources
Email Address: dstafford@sdchamber.org
Internship Type: Unpaid, college credit required

Organization
The San Diego Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic place to witness the nexus of public policy and commerce. Every month our members take action regarding proposed legislation, regulation and issues that affect business expansion and job creation. The Public Policy Department’s committee structure provides valuable insight and information upon which the Chamber relies to form positions on the important issues of the day.

Chamber Public Policy internships are available that provide insight and experience on public policy issues and the business community. Interns are responsible for tracking committee discussion and actions as well as researching and preparing committee staff and members with the information they need to lead commerce-related public policy in San Diego.

Responsibilities
• Report directly to the Policy & Research Coordinator
• Work closely with other interns and policy department staff
• Research and prepare policy positions on such matters as state and local ballot propositions, taxation, regional transportation, public finance, performance of governmental agencies, and major public works projects
• Draft monthly Chamber Policy Newsletter with relevant information
• Attend public meetings that correspond to policy positions, as directed
• Prepare “clippings” of relevant local, state, and federal policy news and updates
• Draft correspondence to business leaders and elected officials
• Assist in administrative duties
• Compile data and research
• Conduct long term and short term projects
• Make phone calls
• Assist with preparation for policy committees and coordination of meetings and events

Qualifications
• Maintain an orderly workspace
• Ability to attend early morning meetings (arrival time: 7:15 am)
• Ability to successfully interact with governmental and elected offices
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to prepare cogent, well-written reports in a timely manner with minimal supervision
• Possess suitable time-management skills
• Understanding of local issues and policy-making processes a plus
• Must be able to work a minimum of ten to fifteen hours per week for ten to twelve weeks

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Dana Stafford (above). Interview required.

Careers

February 29, 2024

PRESIDENT & CEO

Please direct resumes and inquiries to Alessandra Lezama at alezama@rghpo.com.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the Chamber’s mission and vision.
Oversee all aspects of the Chamber’s operations, including finance, marketing, membership, and government affairs.
Identify emerging trends and opportunities to position the Chamber as a leading voice for business.
Understand and lead bi-national strategies, challenges, and opportunities the Chamber is engaged in or advancing strategies for.

Advocacy:

Represent the Chamber’s membership before government officials, regulatory agencies, media, and the public.
Advocate for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and a business-friendly environment. * Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact the business community and mobilize members to take action
Advocate for the needs of the San Diego business community related to bi-national economic development initiatives, plans, and strategies.

Thought Leadership and Public Speaking:

Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Chamber, delivering compelling narratives about regional economic development.
Develop and articulate thought leadership content through op-eds, speaking engagements, media interviews, and industry conferences.
Establish the Chamber as a respected thought leader by producing white papers, research reports, and policy briefs on critical business and economic issues.
Leverage public speaking platforms to shape regional economic discourse and policy discussions.
Build a strong personal brand that elevates the Chamber’s visibility and influence.

Membership Development:

Recruit and retain a diverse membership base, including small businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Develop and implement innovative membership programs and services that deliver value to members.
Foster a strong sense of community among members through networking events, educational programs, and other initiatives.

Financial Management:

Oversee the Chamber’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and fundraising.
Ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.
Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

Community Engagement:

Collaborate with community partners, elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address regional challenges and opportunities.
Promote the region’s quality of life and attract new businesses and talent.
Support initiatives that enhance the region’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Serve as lead spokesperson for the Chamber at community, governmental and civic events as necessary and/or appropriate.

Crisis Management:

Ability to effectively respond to challenges and opportunities.

Team Leadership:

Lead and inspire a talented team of professionals.
Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing staff.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in business, economics, public policy, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership roles, preferably in a chamber of commerce or economic development organization.
Proven track record of success in achieving strategic goals and driving results.
Strong understanding of business, economic development principles, public policy, and government affairs.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
Passion for community engagement and economic development.
Knowledge and understanding of the cross-border Cali-Baja region.
Demonstrated ability to engage audiences through public speaking and media interactions

Additional Considerations:

Experience in public and private sectors is ideal.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal government.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Total Compensation Range: $250,000 – $350,000

Please direct resumes and inquiries to Alessandra Lezama at alezama@rghpo.com.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Job Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for creating, designing, & implementing appealing and creative social media campaigns and the day-to-day management of the company’s social media properties. Including reels, photography, story overlays with Chamber/LEAD branding, post engagement, and post copy.
Work closely with the Directors of Communications, Membership, and Chamber affiliate LEAD San Diego, to define objectives for brand awareness, lead generation, and conversions.
Manage creation/writing, production, and distribution of online communications and social media to support marketing of Chamber and LEAD events and programs including approximately four e-newsletters per month ranging in topic from events promotion to public policy updates
Manage, monitor, and execute day-to-day social media campaigns across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.
Design overlays and lower thirds for live streaming content. Help produce webinars using Streamyard streaming software.
Provide real-time social media content creation during Chamber and LEAD events
Utilize social media budget to implement PPC advertising, A/B testing and create reports on performance and ROI.
Work with communications team and other departments to update and maintain all aspects of Chamber website, including website advertising program.
Assist in the creation and management of digital marketing & communications calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely marketing campaigns.
Working with Comms team, plan and execute Thrive SD Challenge. Recruit members for special offers and weekly webinars. Produce/Host weekly online webinars.
Create and edit content for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and coordinate SEO projects including keyword research, technical audits, link building, onsite content creation, and offsite SEO strategy.
Use Salesforce, Google Analytics, Critical Mention (media monitoring software), Hootsuite, etc. to measure and report performance of all digital marketing and communications activities through real-time dashboards and regular reports.
Produce promotional and marketing materials for Chamber & LEAD programs and initiatives such as event landing pages, flyers, committee/group web pages, sponsorship packages, and other marketing materials.
Stay up to date with the latest social media best practices and technologies
Support Communications Manager in tasks including (but not limited to) coordinating media events, drafting talking points and press releases, creating communications dashboards for Management Council & Board meetings.
Support Marketing & Events team with event support, event marketing (before/during/after) & promotion, and assisting with event troubleshooting.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Journalism, Communications, or related fields preferred
1-3 years of relevant experience strongly preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Thorough technical knowledge and understanding of social media management, metrics and tracking, as well as expertise in engagement across all social platforms
Experience utilizing social media as a marketing medium strongly preferred
Web publishing experience
Ability to write HTML code a plus
Experience managing communications through website planning, management and production
Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), publishing and design software (Canva, Photoshop, Publisher, InDesign), streaming software (Steamyard), audio/video editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Garage Band), web platform (WordPress), email marketing platform (MailChimp), and CRM database similar to Salesforce.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and professionalism in dealing with staff, vendors, customers, and the public.
Ability to write solicitation letters, invitations, marketing materials and business correspondence.
Ability to proofread all printed and electronic material (fliers, invitations, etc.).
Strong project and time management skills to meet event and production deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to effectively work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.

Compensation Range: $21-$27.50 per hour

MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER

Job Summary

Please send a resume & cover letter to dstafford@sdchamber.org.

Department: Membership Sales

Reports to: Executive Director, Membership

FLSA Status: Exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform active outreach to businesses in the San Diego region to communicate the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce value proposition in order to develop new memberships with the Chamber.
Research prospects for new membership through databases, telephone, electronic and personal contact.
Proactively seek referrals from client base and follow up on all leads that are assigned from web inquiries, call-ins and visits to the Chamber’s offices.
Maintain active relationships with assigned members to encourage participation in Chamber activities in order to maximize the value of their membership and encourage renewal on an annual basis.
Follow up on past due membership collections on existing accounts as well as for accounts assigned by the Executive Director, Membership.
Draft correspondence and prepare and send out Chamber information to potential members and existing members.
Responsible for achieving monthly, quarterly and annual revenue goals.
Heavy emphasis on outbound communication and business development to attract new clients, with weekly and monthly contact goals.
Proactively seek upgrades from current members.
Maintain detailed account records in Salesforce.com for all activity with assigned accounts and ensure that all information related to the account is updated on a regular basis.
Coordinate with various departments as necessary to fulfill membership benefits.
Help to facilitate growth of Business Alliance Groups and other programs through sales process and member follow through.
Join and regularly attend at least one Business Alliance Group monthly.
Attend and participate in Chamber and other events, as requested.
Responsible for abiding by the sales team’s “Standards and Procedures”.
Ensure that new members are accurately included in the 30-day communication cycle.
Participate in weekly membership sales meeting.
Keep membership information current and accurate whenever possible by communicating with members and making appropriate database corrections.
Increase membership retention by improving relationships with customers and facilitating the fulfillment of their membership needs.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3-4 years of sales experience in B2B or membership environment with demonstrated record of achieving assigned sales goals.
Participation in member events and meetings that sometimes occur in the evening.
Proficiency with MS Office and preferred exposure to a relational or customer relation management database.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to include exceptional phone communication skills.
Bilingual in Spanish highly preferred.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and professionalism in dealing with staff and the public.
Perform basic mathematical computations.
Possess strong public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to write business correspondence and other documents.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and project deadlines.

SDRCC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

External Affairs Intern

Internship Contact Name: Dana Stafford
Contact Title: Executive Director, Operations & Human Resources
Email Address: dstafford@sdchamber.org
Internship Type: Unpaid, college credit required

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Dana Stafford (above). Interview required.

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Careers

PRESIDENT & CEO

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER

SDRCC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

External Affairs Intern

Careers

PRESIDENT & CEO

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER

SDRCC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

External Affairs Intern