Organizational Background
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a stronger regional business community. We steadfastly serve the cities of Eagan, Empire, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul, along with the townships of Castle Rock, Eureka, and Hampton.
Our Mission
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is the regional voice that advocates for the business community, works to improve local and regional business environments, and helps cultivate vibrant communities.
Position: Events & Programs Manager – Full Time - Exempt
The Director of Events & Programs and Member Engagement is responsible for the development and implementation of events and programs for Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. This position implements strategic direction for the general growth and development of non-dues income generated through events and other initiatives. The position reports directly to the President and Chief Mission Officer.
Responsibilities
Event Planning & Delivery
· Development and implementation of large-scale, special events including but not limited to Annual Golf Classic, Women’s Leadership Forum, and Business Excellence Awards & Gala, Annual Meeting, Holiday Luncheon for Nonprofits, and Mayors Cup.
· Develop with the Chamber President and then execute event details related to the series programs: Public Affairs Series (roughly 4-6 times a year) and Critical and non-series one-off programming.
· Actively support and participate in all Chamber events and programs; assigning as necessary around illness or planned absence. Responsible that coverage is always available for events.
· Committees and volunteers:
o Provide event planning skills and expertise to the Chamber’s staff and volunteers by building, developing, leading, and managing various committee/volunteer teams capable of carrying out the necessary and expected strategies and goals.
o Motivation and engagement with volunteers/committee members.
o Performs as staff liaison to various event-based committees and task forces.
· Develop, sell, and implement various networking, educational, and professional development programs, i.e., Coffee Breaks, Meet the Chamber, Let’s Connect Happy Hours, Women’s Lunches, and other programs and events as developed.
· Coordinate speakers and/or panelists (with input from Chamber President) for Chamber events, i.e., Advocacy and Issues Forum, keynote and speakers for Women’s Leadership Forum, etc.
· Develop all marketing emails for events and send out on determined schedule.
· Work with independent contractors for all events, i.e., décor, entertainment, etc.
· Work with President and Chief Mission Officer and Member and Office Administrator in delivering all sponsorship benefits related to the events.
· Completes signage and awards for events by working with vendors. DCR Member vendors are preferred.
· Send all event reminder emails to speakers, sponsors, attendees, etc.
· Send all event detail/logistics emails to vendors, speakers, sponsors, attendees, etc.
· Ribbon Cutting Celebrations: coordinates with new Members to set up the event, put information in ChamberMaster’s calendar, attends all celebrations, submits photos and copy for the e-newsletter, and informs the staff.
Event Management
· Set up event details (description, rates, sponsor logos) in ChamberMaster and on Chamber calendar in a timely matter.
· Achieve budgeted revenue goals in all events including participant fees, other revenue items for each event and managing expenditures.
· Responsible for generation and analysis of organizational data as it relates to events and programs of the Chamber.
· Develop post-event surveys to attendees and sponsors. Provide evaluation summary to staff and post in Benchmarking report.
· Management of various master organizational files including member company logos, event photos, and speakers.
· General office and administrative tasks including, accounts receivables, collections, expense management, related to non-dues income activity.
· Represents the Chamber in a professional manner, keeping confidential information in confidence.
· Perform other job duties as assigned by the President of the organization.
Marketing and Social Media
· Plan, write, design, and send the Weekly Update e-newsletter sent to all members in the database.
· Track and publish ads purchased in the Weekly Update e-newsletter
· Oversee social media channels by working with marketing agency to approve content calendar, proof and approve designs, supply photos and messages to be used.
· Have active role on social channels by engaging with members and non-member accounts including, commenting, liking, sharing, and following.
Knowledge, Experience, and Education Required
· Certification in meeting/event planning, communications and/or two years of professional experience in meeting/event planning.
· Strong interpersonal skills to effectively cultivate relationships with Chamber members, volunteers, vendors, and community stakeholders.
· Ability to organize, plan and prioritize multiple projects at one time.
· Strong attention to detail.
· Strong written communications skills.
· Ability to think creatively and innovatively as well as provide solutions.
· Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team, and also provide quality service and motivation to volunteers.
· Results-oriented and willingness to be accountability to measurable goals.
· Capable of maintaining sensitive/confidential information.
· Must be a team player that works well in fast-paced, changing environment.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Excel, Word.
· A plus, but not required is to have graphic design skills (InDesign, Constant Contact, etc.), website management knowledge, social media experience.
· Knowledge and understanding of the business community in the Dakota County region.
· Must have/maintain a dependable vehicle with proof of license and insurance.
Physical Demands
Standing/sitting for long periods of time and may be requested to lift materials of up to 35 lbs.
Work Environment
The Chamber works as a hybrid work model, spending portions of the week in the Eagan office and the opportunity to work from home during planning portions of the job. Required to attend the staff meetings at the Eagan office on Mondays. Travel and work off-site will be required, as well as occasional work on evenings, early morning breakfast meetings, or weekends. Required to attend all programs and events.
Compensation and Employee Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and is structured with an annual salary and incentive plan. Health and dental insurance are provided through a proportionate cost to the employee. Other benefits include paid holidays, personal time off policy, retirement matching program, reimbursement of business travel, professional development and training. The Chamber strives to provide compensation at market rates when compared to like organizations. The opportunity to earn additional income through commissions for onboarding new Members or for event sponsorships is possible in the future with President approval.
Reasonable Accommodation
It is the policy of the DCR Chamber to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or employees to perform the essential functions of the job. The Chamber is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The DCR Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. The DCR is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, training and promotion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
