The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce is a 501 c(6) nonprofit organization guided by a 9 member board of directors. It serves Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County and surrounding communities and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The Chamber is also creating a 501c3 Foundation to assist with the educational and business developmental activities in our community. The Chamber plays a crucial role in the community actively working to promote our businesses, reduce duplication of efforts, and promoting strong community engagement and support.
The Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management to advance the organization’s mission, which is to assist the members of our business community with development opportunities, resources, services, advocacy and education. Their duties include strategic planning, member services, financial and event management, business advocacy, and community outreach. They must possess strong business skills, communication abilities, and the capacity to foster partnerships and drive economic development. The role involves engaging the community, overseeing programs and events, assisting the business community and fundraising. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and manages both the 501c6 and c3 initiatives.
The Executive Director salary is a range from $70,000 – $80,000 based on experience and compensation package negotiated. Compensation package includes two health care offerings, cell phone coverage, mileage reimbursement and other options.
Please direct any questions to Mary Jo Coulehan, Executive Director of the Pagosa Chamber at director@pagosachamber.com or call 970-264-2360. Resumes accepted until March 28, 2025 and may be sent to director@pagosachamber.com.
The Chamber Board of Directors is responsible for developing the strategic plan and priorities for the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing and monitoring the strategic initiatives and policies of the Chamber. This is done by developing, implementing, and monitoring operating plans (business, financial, marketing, and operational plans). The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of management activities: coordination of the planning efforts, organizational structure and procedures, income and expenditures, maintenance of membership, event management, employment, training and supervision of staff, interpretation of policy.
Essential duties and responsibilities
1. Strategic Plan: The Executive Director works with the Chamber Board to monitor community, business, and economic needs in Archuleta County to develop an effective strategic plan. The Chamber Board is responsible for developing the strategic plan and the Executive Director will participate in that process. An effective strategic plan needs to be monitored on a regular basis, typically at the annual board retreat and the Executive Director will continuously evaluate the strategic plan and provide recommendations for change as needed.
2. Business and Operational Plans: The Executive Director is responsible for the development of business, financial, marketing, and operational plans to achieve the Chamber’s current strategic and budgetary initiatives. This involves a continual evaluation of the business and community environment, making adjustments to plans as needed, measuring progress toward attainment, providing resources where needed, and working with staff and volunteers to achieve the goals in the business, financial, marketing, and operational plans.
3. Board Relations: The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining strong relationships, communicate in a professional manner and provide leadership necessary to garner the full engagement of the board members. With the help of the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for fulfilling the directives of the Bylaws to obtain a full slate of board nomination candidates each year. Other board relations duties include preparing an agenda, recording, transcribing and maintaining Board minutes and records, implementing Board plans and programs in accordance with Board direction and established policies, serving as the primary contact with Chamber staff, initiating ideas for consideration by the Board and collaborating with the Board on all matters regarding the current mission, vision and initiatives.
4. Financial Performance: The Executive Director has fiduciary responsibility for the organization and develops the Chamber budget in conjunction with and approval by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall implement and manage the budget which includes providing monthly financial statements.
5. MembershipRelations,Development,&Retention:TheExecutiveDirector provides leadership in membership services to ensure there is a compelling value proposition for current and prospective members. With the Membership Coordinator, the Executive Director will review membership needs, conduct member satisfaction surveys, as well as develop and recommend revisions to increase membership value, engagement, and financial support.
6. Programs: The Executive Director is responsible for managing the operations of programs and events conducted by the Chamber and works with staff and other Chamber committees and volunteers to plan, market, recruit participants, develop content, conduct the events, monitor finances, and evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.
7. Staff: The Executive Director is responsible for all Human Resource functions including but not limited to the hiring, supervision, evaluation, and termination of all staff as required by the Chamber’s Policies and Procedures and Employee Handbook, the Executive Director establishes and maintains appropriate duties, responsibilities, The director will maintain updated employee and policies and procedures manuals. The Chamber will provide for continuing education for employees and provide leadership to maintain an organizational culture of excellence, respect, diversity, and collaboration among teams and individuals.
8. Liaison with the Community: Through developing and maintaining contacts and relationships with key community leaders, the Executive Director helps support the community. The Executive Director is frequently called upon to relate Chamber activities to other groups in the improvement of the commercial and civic life of the community. The Chamber also supports the economic development community, and tourism, town and county efforts in assisting the growth and work done to improve the community. Represents the Chamber in meetings of local, state, and national organizations. Serves as a community leader, a visionary, and alliance builder to ensure a vibrant economic environment, a cohesive community, and high quality of life.
The work environment is dictated by activities of the Chamber. Extended periods of long hours and consistent days during events is expected. The Executive Director shall generally be available during regular operating hours of the Chamber (8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday). The Executive Director shall set her/his own schedule provided the director shall complete all duties, responsibilities, and management functions of the job description in a timely manner. The position is subject to work outside traditional hours and may have extended operating days including weekends for such things as ribbon cuttings and events. Attendance at evening meetings such as Planning, Town or County council meetings may be required. There is some business travel required. This person is responsible for reporting to the Chairperson of the Board any issues, concerns or questions that affect this organization.