Special Projects Director

Job Description

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION :

The Special Projects Director serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the President & CEO and the Senior Vice Presidents at the Greater Omaha Chamber. This position plays a central role in coordinating the Chamber’s governance and compliance functions, supporting the work of the President & CEO and the Board of Directors, and advancing high-impact initiatives that strengthen the organization’s mission to champion a thriving business community. The Special Projects Director will ensure effective management of board activities, provide coordination of various Chamber councils, provide coordination for presidential and public policy events, and lead or support other strategic projects as assigned by the President & CEO.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Special Projects & Executive Initiatives

1. Manage and coordinate special projects and cross-departmental initiatives at the direction of the President & CEO.

2. Oversee timelines, deliverables, and progress tracking for strategic initiatives.

3. Develop presentations, reports, and communication materials for internal and external audiences, including economic development stakeholders, elected and public officials, and Chamber members and investors.

4. Act as a liaison between executive leadership and departmental teams to ensure smooth implementation of high-priority objectives and projects.

5. Assist when asked to support the management of complex calendars and scheduling across the executive leadership, ensuring alignment of priorities and effective time management.

6. Work with the Senior Executive Assisting in organizing and preparing materials, briefings, and logistics for meetings, speaking engagements, and events.

7. Handle phone calls, correspondence, and inquiries with discretion, prioritizing appropriately.

8. Participate in Chamber events and internal committees as requested by the President & CEO.

Board Governance & Compliance :

1. Coordinate all activities related to the Chamber’s Board of Directors, including scheduling and coordinating meeting logistics, maintaining membership, securing facilitates, preparing agenda, compiling board packets, and recording minutes.

2. Work with President & CEO to ensure compliance with Chamber bylaws, governance standards, and reporting requirements.

3. Manage the onboarding and orientation process for new board members to foster engagement and understanding of Chamber programming and initiatives.

4. Partner with the President & CEO and executive team to facilitate timely communication and follow-up with board members.

5. Maintain accurate records of board decisions, all committee and council activities, and governance documentation.

6. Coordinate activities related to the Chamber’s various councils, including scheduling and coordinating meeting logistics, maintaining membership, and preparing materials and packets for meetings.

7. Prepare correspondence, reports, and presentations as requested.

Public Policy & Investor Relations Support

1. Assist the SVP of Public Policy and Public Policy team with the planning and execution of the public policy events and advocacy initiatives.

2. Support coordination and logistics for virtual public policy engagements and forums.

3. Assist the Public Policy department with preparing materials, summaries, and reports related to public policy strategic goals and outcomes.

4. Assist the SVP of Member & Investor Relations with planning and execution of strategic engagements on behalf of the President & CEO.

5. Support the coordination and logistics for Presidential events (i.e., CEO Receptions) and regularly scheduled investor briefings, including managing RSVPs and registrations.

6. Assist the President & CEO and Senior Vice Presidents with internal meeting coordination such as staff briefings, department updates, and cross-divisional meetings.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Attend / work a variety of Chamber events and represent the organization as needed at business and community programs / events.

2. Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with the Chamber’s senior leadership team.

3. Represents the Chamber with professionalism and integrity.

4. Actively participate in Chamber staff activities and training to support a culture of inclusion and belonging.

5. Other duties as assigned.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY :

All expenditures require final approval of the President & CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS :

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed should be representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and related work experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, public administration, marketing, political science, communications, education, or related field preferred.

2. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in project management, executive administration, public policy, or nonprofit / business association operations.

Certifications, Licenses, Designations

Valid Driver’s License

Other Skills and Qualifications

1. Strategic thinker with ability to align projects and initiatives with Chamber strategic goals and community impact.

2. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with proven ability at word processing, spreadsheet, and mail merge skills.

3. Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and judgement.

6. Ability to determine and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, while performing tasks independently.

7. Experience working with boards of directors or senior-level executives preferred.

8. Knowledge of Greater Omaha’s civic, business, and public policy landscape preferred.

9. Must be flexible and willing to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends when necessary.

10. Ability to drive and / or provide own transportation.

Physical Demands

1. Must be able to sit for long periods of time.

2. Must have the ability to filter out distractions in the work environment.

3. Ability to lift, pull, or push up to 15 lbs. to assist with Chamber events.