Experience Chehalis is seeking a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and community-minded Executive Director to lead our nonprofit downtown revitalization organization. As Chehalis’s representative in the Washington Main Street Program, Experience Chehalis works to strengthen downtown and the broader community through economic development, business support, historic preservation, placemaking, tourism promotion, events, partnerships, and community engagement.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief staff leader, primary community ambassador, and day-to-day manager. Reporting to the Experience Chehalis Board of Directors, and working in partnership with the City of Chehalis, downtown businesses, property owners, volunteers, funders, public agencies, and regional partners. This position advances a vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient downtown while ensuring the organization is well managed, financially sound, and responsive to community needs.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Provide strategic leadership for Experience Chehalis programs, operations, budget, partnerships, staff, contractors, volunteers, and Board-supported priorities.
- Lead downtown revitalization efforts using the Washington Main Street approach, including Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Outreach/Organization.
- Serve as a visible advocate and resource for downtown businesses, property owners, entrepreneurs, residents, visitors, and community stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with the City of Chehalis, Washington Main Street, local businesses, civic organizations, funders, tourism partners, and regional economic development entities.
- Support business retention, recruitment, expansion, facade and placemaking improvements, historic preservation, public-private investment, and downtown planning initiatives, including Imagine Downtown Chehalis.
- Guide marketing, communications, destination promotion, media relations, website and social media content, and campaigns that encourage people to shop, dine, visit, invest in, and experience Chehalis.
- Oversee events, promotions, volunteer engagement, sponsorships, grants, donor stewardship, reporting, contracts, nonprofit compliance, and Chehalis Coworks operations.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Significant leadership experience in nonprofit management, economic development, downtown revitalization, community development, tourism, business development, marketing, or a related field.
- Experience managing multiple programs, projects, partnerships, and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with business owners, elected officials, public agencies, donors, volunteers, and community members.
- Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, grant administration, and budget management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, financial, and project-management abilities.
- Experience with marketing, public relations, social media, and community outreach.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
- Ability to navigate complex community issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.
- A collaborative leadership style and genuine enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and strengthening the community.
This is a full-time, in-person position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is preferred. Initial review of applications will begin on October 19; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For those wanting to apply, please email cover letter and resume to admin@experiencechehalis.com.