Published in the December 25, 2015 edition

MELROSE — After eight years as head of the Chamber of Commerce, Joan Ford Mongeau is ready write the next chapter of her life.
Mongeau will leave as the Chamber’s executive director sometime in the next couple of months after a search is completed for her successor.
“I am going on to the next great adventure,” Mongeau explained this week. “This is a good time of year to leave. We got through all the big stuff. I had my eighth Victorian Fair and my eighth Home for the Holidays. This is the best job on the planet and I have nothing but positive things to take away from it. I just need a new challenge.”
The job description and requirements are found below.
If interested, please send your resume along with a cover letter to chamberjob@melrosechamber.org. Interviews will be scheduled in early January. For questions, please e-mail joan@melrosechamber.org or call 781-665-3033.
Description: The Executive Director is responsible for the programs, projects and services provided by the Melrose Chamber of Commerce to the business community. Reporting to a volunteer governing Board of Directors, the Executive Director proposes, plans and implements all initiatives in support of the Melrose business community.
Requirements: The Candidate must be collaborative, energetic, able to understand the “big picture” with an eye on the details, manage in an environment with continually changing challenges and priorities, juggle a variety of individual interests and expectations, able to recruit and manage a large volunteer base and must be discreet. It is preferable that candidates have experience working with a Board of Directors; the ability to understand financial statements, and a history of working with membership organizations/not for profits.
Salary: High $30,000s to Low $40,000s. Hours are flexible with an average of 30 hours per week.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
Membership:
• Create programs and offer services designed to build membership while maintaining current member levels.
• Review continually and update as needed membership rates, application process and member benefit packages.
• Maintain online directory of members.
Events:
• Organize, manage, promote and host community events including The Victorian Fair, Trick or Treat at Melrose Businesses, The Summer Stroll and Home for the Holidays. Adjust schedule as needed to accommodate new events. Work closely with city government.
• Organize, promote and invite members to monthly networking events typically hosted by a member business. These events could be After Hours or Breakfasts with or without programs or multi-Chamber.
Communication:
• Write, edit and distribute an e-newsletter.
• Design and distribute event invitations and announcements
• Write press releases for local papers and Mayor’s Blog
• Communicate through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and through the website.
• Continually evaluate methods and timing of communication.
Advocacy:
• Work with city and local government to resolve issues around parking, business licensing, compliance issues and other topics relevant to businesses.
• Collaborate with membership and city to facilitate public projects such as flower baskets and holiday wreathes.
Advertising:
• Develop and present advertising/sponsorship opportunities to membership. These opportunities include event, newsletter and website sponsorship.
• Continually review ways to brand the Chamber of Commerce.
Administration:
• Manage, promote and administer the Shop Locally gift certificate program.
• Organize and monitor the work of the Assistant to the Director.
• Prepare, distribute and present materials for monthly Board of Directors meetings.
• Prepare and monitor the Chamber budget and annual plan.
• Convene and manage meetings of Chamber subcommittees on an as needed basis.
• Respond to membership and public requests on an ongoing basis.