Director of Programs and Events

   
The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is the fastest growing Chamber in the Lowcountry.  We pride ourselves in connections, promotion, and advocating for Lowcountry businesses.  We provide indispensable opportunities and resources for businesses to connect, grow, and succeed in an ever-changing economy.  At the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, our local businesses are our focus!
 
 
Position: Director of Programs and Events
 
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
 
Direct Reports: None
 
Classification: Exempt
 
Job Location: Chamber office with time at events and member locations
 
 
Position Requirements and Qualifications: Self-motived, self-confident, results oriented individual with the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and work in abstract environments. Must demonstrate success in events management; strong sense of urgency, excellent verbal and written communication skills; exceptional customer service skills and professional, mature attitude with ability to remain calm under pressure.
 
Primary Responsibilities: This position supports the Chamber’s mission and vision which includes the following primary functions:

• Event Oversight: Oversees all chamber events (Networking Socials, Lunch & Learn, Get to Know Your Chamber, etc.), including special events (Golden Oyster Awards, Taste of Bluffton, State of Growth, Women in Business Luncheon) and annual programs (Trellis, Leadership, Business Bootcamp, Emerging Leaders, etc.)
• Resource Allocation: Determines the most efficient use of resources and communication strategies to achieve event objectives.
• Event Execution: Manages all aspects of event planning and execution, from conception to completion, including organization, promotion, budgeting, and logistics.

 
Specific Duties:

• Oversee planning and logistics for all on-site and off-site meetings and events; attend

all chamber events to ensure registration, check-in, payment collection and set up is handled.
Motivate and recruit volunteers to assist you.

• Analyze event schedule and develop short- and long-term strategies for resources and communication;

work closely with sponsors to understand meeting objectives and requirements.  Coordinate meeting logistics to meet these objectives and requirements.

• Establish vendor relationships and preferred vendor pricing for all aspects of event planning; able to

negotiate and persuade business partners and vendors to gain cooperation, make cost effective
decisions and achieve customer objectives. 

• Manage members, sponsor and organization’s expectations with clear and persuasive

communication. 

• Develop and manage event budgets. Meet or exceed established financial goals for all events. 
• Develop sources of non-dues revenue.
• Create projected income/expense reports for each chamber special or annual event.
• Ensure set-up, coordination and execution of all chamber functions.
• Produce invitations, thank you letters or other correspondence to members, donors and volunteers

who support chamber events.

• Provide support for any volunteer committee organized to develop and produce chamber events.
• Proactively benchmark against external events to identify best practices and implement solutions for

continuous improvement. 

• Solicit sponsorships and donation items for chamber events.
• Arrange host business locations for monthly business socials and notify members.
• Take photos at chamber functions for use in chamber materials and media distribution.
• Produce 6-month calendar of chamber events (current and upcoming) for chamber staff, members

and board of directors.

• Collect data for events calendars and for weekly newsletter for chamber events, or other events as

needed.

• Create the initiative to evolve programs and events based on changing business needs and feedback

from business partners, members and vendors. 

• Develop marketing strategies, advertising promotions, printed materials, marketing collateral and

publicity pieces that will effectively promote events to various audiences. 

• Promote the benefits of the Chamber and sell new sponsorships and/or memberships throughout

the community.

• Enter member data and manage the membership database to ensure accuracy. 
• Work with bookkeeping staff to ensure accurate and timely member billing. 

• Other duties as assigned.

 
Requirements: 

• A 4-year degree or equivalent work experience. 
• Preferred 1-2 years event planning experience.
• Outstanding interpersonal and team building skills. Must be customer service focused. 
• High level of creativity and strong problem-solving skills. 
• A demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage numerous projects

simultaneously. 

• Must work well under pressure and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to perform multilevel tasks, troubleshoot, be flexible, think quickly and react decisively. 
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills; including speaking to large groups. 
• Must be dependable, reliable and responsive to members, prospective members & others. 
• Computer Skills: Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Publisher. Ability to learn new

technology and software applications. Database and website experience desirable. Canva
experience is a plus.

• Ability to utilize social media for the benefit and promotion of our members. 
• Strong organization skills; resourceful and proactive; energetic and self-starter. 
• Flexible schedule; able to attend evening and morning events. 
• Non-profit/membership organization experience a plus.
• The ideal candidate must be capable of interacting with Chamber staff, current chamber members, new

prospects, Town/State officials and community.

• Team-player mentality, and willingness to support colleagues even if it is outside of job description.

• Must enjoy working in an ever-changing and high-paced environment – in the office and in the field.

 
 
Physical Requirements

• Able to stand and walk for extended period of times.
• Able to carry up to 30 pounds or more.
• Able to stand, kneel, bend at knee, squat, and handle stairs throughout the day.
• Able to sit at a desk comfortably while working on a computer for extended periods of time.

 
Schedule: Monday through Friday (occasional weekend and evening, depending on event)
 
Compensation and Benefits: Commensurate with experience/qualifications
 
To Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, pay requirements, and 3 professional references to Natalie Osterman, CEO, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce via email to natalie@blufftonchamberofcommerce.org.
 
Deadline – Monday, December 15, 2025