President & CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce
Reports to: Board of Directors
Compensation: $110,000–$130,000 annually
Overview
The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is a leading voice for business and a catalyst for economic prosperity in one of Ontario's most dynamic communities. Representing businesses of every size, from major employers to independent entrepreneurs, the Chamber champions an environment where businesses can start, compete and grow. Through advocacy, connection and collaboration, we work to remove barriers, influence decisions and create opportunities that contribute to a vibrant and thriving Guelph.
We are seeking an accomplished, commercially minded leader to guide the Chamber's next chapter. Working with the Board of Directors and a dedicated team, the President & CEO will strengthen member value, champion business interests, build influential partnerships and drive ambitious revenue growth.
This opportunity calls for a strategic thinker and natural relationship builder with entrepreneurial energy, strong commercial instincts and a passion for turning opportunities into measurable results.
Responsibilities
Strategic Direction
- Lead the implementation and evolution of the Chamber's strategic plan, advancing its vision, mission and long-term sustainability.
- Identify emerging business trends and opportunities, championing innovation, technology and continuous improvement to strengthen organizational performance, member experience and growth.
- Establish clear organizational priorities, measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with the Board and team.
Board and Executive Committee Relations
- Build strong, transparent and productive relationships with the Board Chair, Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor, supporting effective governance, informed decision-making, organizational accountability and timely reporting.
- Leverage Board expertise and relationships to advance the Chamber's mission, partnerships and strategic objectives.
- Ensure compliance with Chamber bylaws, Board policies and applicable legislation, including appropriate risk management practices.
Finance
- Provide leadership and accountability for the Chamber's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, financial controls and responsible resource allocation.
- Drive ambitious revenue growth through membership, sponsorships, partnerships, events and new commercial opportunities.
- Evaluate program performance, revenue streams and operating costs to strengthen financial sustainability and return on investment.
- Exercise financial and signing authorities as assigned by the Board.
Community Leadership and Membership
- Champion the Chamber as Guelph's leading business association, strengthening its visibility, influence and contribution to the community.
- Build meaningful relationships with members, business leaders, government representatives, educational institutions and community partners.
- Lead a membership strategy focused on acquisition, retention, engagement and delivering measurable member value.
- Ensure events, programs and services respond to evolving business needs, using member feedback and insights to strengthen the Chamber's value proposition and identify opportunities for growth.
- Represent the Chamber on relevant committees and initiatives, advancing the interests of Guelph's business community.
Economic Development
- Advance Guelph's economic prosperity through collaboration with business, government and community stakeholders.
- Oversee the Destination Marketing Guelph (DMG) initiative, including managing the DMG team, budget, and overall strategy.
- Support initiatives that strengthen business attraction, retention, expansion, entrepreneurship and workforce development.
- Foster partnerships that enhance Guelph's competitiveness, economic resilience and reputation as a destination for business, talent and tourism.
Advocacy
- Lead the Chamber's non-partisan advocacy agenda, representing the interests and priorities of Guelph's business community.
- Champion a business-friendly environment by influencing government policy, addressing regulatory barriers and improving processes that enable businesses of every size to establish, operate and grow.
- Serve as the Chamber's primary spokesperson through public speaking, media engagement and community forums.
- Build productive relationships with municipal, provincial and federal government representatives.
- Convene stakeholders around important issues, encouraging constructive dialogue and practical solutions.
Human Resources
- Attract, develop and retain a talented, engaged and high-performing team.
- Establish clear expectations, accountability and opportunities for professional growth.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture grounded in trust, integrity and shared success.
- Lead by example, balancing strategic vision with hands-on leadership and operational effectiveness.
Year One Critical Goals
Working with the Board, the successful candidate will establish measurable objectives focused on four priorities:
- Organizational Performance: Advance the strategic plan, strengthen operational effectiveness and establish clear measures of success.
- Revenue Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities to significantly grow and diversify revenue through membership, sponsorships, partnerships and new commercial initiatives.
- Membership Value: Strengthen member engagement, retention and acquisition through a compelling, measurable value proposition.
- Community Influence: Build trusted relationships and advance the Chamber's visibility, advocacy and economic development priorities.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a confident, collaborative and entrepreneurial leader with the experience, judgment and energy to lead a respected community organization.
The ideal candidate brings:
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including leadership responsibilities, or an MBA supported by relevant leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, organizational performance and translating plans into measurable results.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with a demonstrated passion for business development and a track record of driving revenue growth, creating commercial opportunities and converting relationships into results.
- Proven ability to build partnerships, influence stakeholders and develop productive relationships with Boards, business leaders and government representatives.
- Exceptional communication, public speaking and relationship-building skills.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing teams within a collaborative, results-oriented environment.
- Sound judgment, integrity, adaptability and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving.
- An understanding of business advocacy, economic development and the issues affecting Ontario businesses, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
Experience in a Chamber of Commerce, business association or not-for-profit organization is an asset, but not essential. We welcome accomplished leaders from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
What We Offer
An opportunity to lead an established and respected organization, influence the future of Guelph's business community and make a meaningful contribution to regional prosperity.
- Annual salary of $110,000–$130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Employee benefits program and opportunities for professional development.
- A collaborative team and an engaged Board of Directors.
- Broad exposure to business, government and community leadership.
- The autonomy, visibility and opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Lead with purpose. Build meaningful connections. Help shape what's next for Guelph.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to recruitment@guelphchamber.com.
To ensure a fair, consistent and confidential recruitment process, all applications must be submitted exclusively through this designated email address.
We are committed to a fair and consistent recruitment process for all candidates. To help ensure that all applications are considered through the same process, candidates are asked to direct questions and applications through the formal application process outlined in this posting. Direct contact with Chamber staff or members of the Board of Directors regarding an application or candidacy may result in the candidate being removed from consideration.
As an exception for recruitment firms only, firms wishing to represent qualified candidates may request a discussion with a member of the CEO Search Subcommittee, by emailing recruitment@guelphchamber.com with the subject line “Recruitment Firm Inquiry – CEO Search.” Any engagement terms must be agreed upon in advance, and unsolicited candidate submissions will not be accepted.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
