Chief Executive Officer
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Job Location:
Seattle, OR - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 250000 - 450000
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Chief Executive Officer
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Location: Seattle WA
Classification: Regular full-time exempt
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Work Environment: Primarily in-person and field-based across King County and the region.
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of CommerceFounded in 1882 the Seattle Metro Chamber is the regions largest and most diverse business advocacy organization. We represent 2500 employers and a regional workforce of 750000. Our vision is an economically vibrant globally competitive region where businesses of all sizes flourish and prosperity is shared. Our mission is to help members thrive and grow in an equitable inclusive regional economy.
Discover the Full Position Profile
Please review the full position description here:View the Full Job Profile (PDF)
Strategic Goals
- Lead regional business advocacy across Seattle King County and Washington State elevating a clear data-grounded public voice for employers of all sizes.
- Strengthening the regional economy and promoting opportunity and equity with visible wins on issues like public safety housing taxation transportation childcare and workforce.
- Deliver measurable member value through programming with clear ROI for small mid-market and enterprise members across the metro region.
- Sustain and grow Chamber operations (membership sponsorships revenue marquee events) to fuel impact.
The Opportunity
The Board seeks a visionary externally oriented advocacy-first CEO who builds durable coalitions unifies the employer community and wins progress on priority issues while empowering a strong senior team to enhance internal infrastructure. The next CEO will be a trusted civic partner who can engage constructively across the political spectrum and with labor where interests align.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy & External Relations
- Lead the Chambers policy agenda and political strategy across city county and state secure tangible outcomes for employers and workers.
- Build and steward coalitions across the political spectrum in King County and Washington State; engage labor community and civic partners where interests align.
- Coordinate closely with peer organizations (e.g. Challenge Seattle AWB Washington Roundtable Bellevue Chamber trade associations) to unite the business voice.
- Function as principal spokesperson who is effective with media and on social platforms. Utilizing responsible data-grounded communications and public opinion research.
- Expand direct voter education and narrative work to clarify the role and value of business and the impacts of policy choices.
Member & Regional Stakeholder Engagement
- Center small and mid-size businesses alongside major employers; ensure listening mechanisms and visible follow-through.
- Deepen regionalism beyond the city core; formalize collaboration with smaller/suburban chambers and community-based partners.
- Ensure marquee events and programs deliver clear ROI and align to advocacy and growth objectives.
Regional & Economic Leadership Development (ADO)
- Elevate the Chambers Associate Development Organization (ADO) role for King County: expand business retention & expansion (BRE) workforce and small-business services.
- Leverage and grow ADO funding (public/private) to build capacity; collaborate with Greater Seattle Partners and King County on regional marketing and expansion.
- Establish goals and dashboards for measurable economic development outcomes.
Affiliate & Partnership Management
- Clarify roles with affiliates/partners; align shared services risk management and brand; strengthen joint impact where missions intersect.
Leadership Governance & Operations
- Empower a strong senior team (e.g. Chief of Staff HR ops/finance) to prove operational excellence.
- Align annual plans and budgets to a 1224-month platform and multi-year strategy; use transparent dashboards for performance and accountability.
- Build a high-trust partnership with the Board along with clear decision rights informed oversight and engaged committees.
Qualifications & Experience
Political Acumen & Advocacy
- Deep productive relationships across the political spectrum in King County and Washington; credible with moderates and progressives.
- Demonstrated success shaping agendas building coalitions and managing complex stakeholder dynamics (electeds labor business civic).
Executive & Organizational Leadership
- 15 years senior leadership (GM/C-suite or policy/advocacy leadership) with fiscal accountability; known for building high-performing teams.
- Record of prioritization and saying no to protect focus and capacity.
Communications & Public Voice
- Compelling communicator and media presence including on social channels; able to demystify complex issues and responsibly interpret public data/polls.
- Aligns with the Chambers role as a strong policy voice representing business interests at city regional state and federal levels.
Culture & People Leadership
- Leads with empathy high EQ integrity and fairness; builds an inclusive culture that reflects the regions diversity and elevates leadership capacity across the team.
Preferred Sector & Contextual Experience
- Business associations economic development/workforce cross-jurisdiction civic coalitions and/or trade associations; experience collaborating with affiliates and regional chambers.
- Private-sector experience (or strong proximity to employer operations) is highly valued.
Compensation & Benefits
Total compensation range of $250000$450000 inclusive of discretionary and performance-based bonuses tied to Board-approved goals (policy outcomes membership/revenue growth program ROI) plus comprehensive benefits. Specific terms discussed with finalists.
Employment Details
Employees participate in Chamber benefit plans. Work is primarily in-person/in-region with flexibility consistent with business needs and community presence.
To Be Considered
Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your leadership journey and fit with the Chambers mission and priorities. Application deadline: November 7 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis).
Search conducted by ND Executive Search.
Contact: Chris Nguyen Managing Partner
Full Job Profile: Employment Opportunity
The Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are recruited selected trained promoted and when necessary disciplined without regard to sex race religion creed marital status age national origin ancestry color sexual orientation gender identity or expression political ideology or activity disability military or veteran status or genetic information. We value a workforce that reflects our community and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Required Experience:
Chief
Key Skills
- Office Manager Experience
- Time Management
- Microsoft Office
- Google Docs
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- QuickBooks
- Personal Assistant Experience
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Administrative Experience
- Google Suite
