05/19/2026
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – TAFT DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer and public face of the Taft District Chamber of Commerce, providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to advance the local economy, civic engagement, and overall quality of life in the greater Taft region. Reporting to the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees programs, membership development, community partnerships, fiscal management, and advocacy efforts to support Taft’s 160+ member businesses and the broader community of approximately 9,000 residents.
This position requires a dynamic, collaborative, and community-minded leader who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of a small, rural economy shaped by the historic Oil industry, education, and emerging economic diversification.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement strategic plans ensuring compliance with bylaws and alignment with the Board’s vision.
Economic and Community Development
• Support local entrepreneurship, small business recovery, and economic resilience.
• Identify opportunities to diversify Taft’s economy while honoring its legacy industries and workforce.
• Provide advocacy and promotion of local businesses.
Membership and Revenue
• Drive membership growth and retention, cultivate corporate sponsorship, and identify new revenue sources.
Community Advocacy
• Represent the business community in dealings with government officials, nonprofits, and stakeholders.
Events and Marketing
• Plan, promote, and attend community events, networking opportunities, and maintain the Chamber’s website and social media.
Operational Management
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including personnel, financial management, and office administration.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Leadership and communication
o Exceptional verbal and written communication, leadership, and public representation skills.
• Financial Acumen
o Experience with budgeting, financial, reporting, and fundraising.
• Relationship Management
o Ability to engage with diverse community members, business owners, and volunteers.
o Ability to take direction from board members.
• Education/Experience
o Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or nonprofit management, OR relevant experience.
o Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
SALARY RANGE: $40,000 - $50,000 annually DOE
Chamber will pay for membership into one service club of choice.
Stipends: $100 monthly gas stipend and $50 monthly phone stipend.
The position is a non-exempt position typically expected to work Monday-Friday from 9AM – 3PM (30 hours per week). Schedule is flexible, sometimes requiring evenings or weekends.
Letters of interest and a resume for this position will be accepted until 12:00 PM on May 20, 2026.
A complete job description will be provided to qualified candidates prior to an interview.
Interested parties should send a letter of interest and resume to: [email protected].
