Edgewater Chamber of Commerce - Membership & Events Manager
Position: Membership & Events Manager
Location: In-person
Reports To: Executive Director
Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $50,000 (annual)
About Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1984, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that promotes and supports business in the Edgewater community through marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs. The mission of Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is to create and support a thriving business environment, contributing to a vibrant Edgewater community. In 2020, Edgewater Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit joined forces with Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to further the goals of increasing commercial activity, promoting economic development, and strengthening existing businesses in the Edgewater community. In addition to serving its member businesses, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce administers Special Service Area #26 (SSA #26). Since 2003, this special tax district provides funding for additional services, programs, and improvements in Edgewater’s business corridors on Broadway (from Foster to Devon) and Devon (from Broadway to Glenwood).
Summary of Position
The Membership & Events Manager will oversee Edgewater Chamber’s membership sales, member database, benefits, business outreach, and contact management system while simultaneously facilitating Edgewater Chamber’s events & programs, including (but not limited to) street festivals, networking events, education programs, vendor fairs, and community events. This position will work closely with the Executive Director to design and facilitate programming, partnerships, and initiatives that drive membership, revenue, and engagement in Edgewater Chamber. This position acts as the go-to resource for businesses in the community to engage with Edgewater Chamber and learn about chamber membership, business services, and events.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Business Services / Customer Service
- Serve as initial point of contact for new businesses, chamber members, sponsors, and prospective partners and act as their go-to resource for chamber initiatives, Neighborhood Business Development Center resources, and City of Chicago business programs
- Manage the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) grant program and work plan and track program deliverables
- Attend training offered by the City of Chicago in relation to technical assistance for businesses
- Oversee revenue-generating street banner program
- Oversee “Edge Card” discount program
- Oversee member “ribbon cutting” program
- Develop additional programs that incentivize chamber membership, increase revenue, and/or encourage patronizing local businesses
- Membership
- Solicit new member businesses and work closely with their teams to identify potential board members, committee members, and partnership opportunities
- Manage Edgewater Chamber’s membership database and invoicing system (ChamberMaster)
- Process new membership applications, invoices, and payments
- Oversee and ensure proper delivery of benefits and services to chamber members
- Oversee membership renewal process including invoicing, batching, and follow up with past due accounts
- Encourage and train members to take advantage of online member portal platform and benefits (community events calendar, job postings board, promotional offers, web directory, etc.)
- Deepen engagement with current chamber members and strengthen member retention initiatives
- Create and distribute membership acquisition collateral to new business and potential members
- Create and deliver new member education and onboarding processes
- Events/Programs
- Facilitate/Manage current Edgewater Chamber events/programs including: Happy Hour Networking, Breakfast Networking, Business Information Sessions, Kids Activity Open House, Edgewater Sidewalk Sale, North Side Restaurant Week
- Facilitate vendor/sponsor outreach, engagement, and invoicing for Edgewater Music Fest
- Develop new revenue generating events and programs (i.e. Taste of Edgewater, paid admission events, vendor fairs, Walks/crawls/strolls, Sidewalk Sales, Community Events, etc.)
- Identify and apply for grant funding for eligible for events, programs, and offerings
- Identify and recruit sponsors for events, programs and festivals
- Marketing/Communications
- Facilitate development of new Community Guide & Member Directory (print/digital)
- Take shared ownership of chamber communications channels (e-newsletter, social media, website)
- Create paid advertising opportunities for chamber members and non-members
Qualities
- Highly collaborative and communicative
- Strong customer service skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven, team-oriented environment
- Motivated and autonomous self-starter who takes initiative and employs highly developed problem-solving skills
- Ability to make presentations, speak at public functions, lead meetings, and communicate information professionally and clearly
- Strong spreadsheet and/or database management skills
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend events
- Must respect and embrace diversity in all its forms when interacting with peers, supervisors, community partners, business owners, and residents
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- 2-8 years professional experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Spreadsheets,
- Experience with event management, project management, small business development, community development
- Degree in public administration, not-for-profit management, sales, marketing, communications, business, or related field
- Experience in office setting for not-for-profit, membership organization, chamber of commerce or community organization
- Experience in database management, association management, or CRM software (ChamberMaster, GrowthZone, Razor’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
- Experience running events, markets, festivals
- Experience in membership sales
- Experience generating revenue
- Experience creating and managing budgets
- Strong written and graphic communication skills
- Experience working directly with various City of Chicago departments
- Familiarity with the Edgewater area/far north side of Chicago
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency
Position is located on-site in our office in Chicago, IL. Candidates must be located near Edgewater or within the Chicago area to be considered. While some flexible work arrangements and remote work may be possible, this position will be primarily in-person.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter and resume to info@edgewater.org with the subject line:
“Membership & Events Manager – YOUR NAME”
No phone calls or in-person inquiries, please.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment.
