Chief Executive Officer

About the role

The Fairbanks Chamber is seeking a proven executive leader to guide one of Alaska's most influential regional business organizations at an important time for Interior Alaska. This is an opportunity to lead an organization with an engaged membership, a respected advocacy voice, broad community reach, and direct relationships with leaders in business, government, the military, education, Alaska Native organizations, and the nonprofit sector. The President and CEO will strengthen the Chamber's operations, expand member value, advance a pro-business advocacy agenda, develop staff and organizational capacity, and position the Chamber and its members for long-term community growth and impact.

Leadership opportunity

The President and CEO is the Chamber's chief executive, lead advocate, primary spokesperson, and senior relationship builder. Working with the Board of Directors, the CEO translates the Chamber's mission and strategic priorities into results through strong organizational systems, accountability, and financial discipline. The next CEO will join the Chamber during an important period of organizational renewal and growth. The organization benefits from an engaged Board, committed staff, strong community relationships, respected advocacy. The Board is also focused on strengthening internal systems, staff development, financial reporting, strategic execution, member value, and long-term revenue stability.

Leadership profile

The Fairbanks Chamber seeks an accomplished executive who combines strategic vision with disciplined execution. The successful candidate will be a strong staff leader, capable organizational manager, trusted relationship builder, and effective advocate, who can unite diverse stakeholders around shared business and community priorities.

Experience & qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in business, nonprofit, government, public affairs, economic development, membership organizations, or a related field
• Experience working effectively with a governing board and maintaining clear distinctions between governance and management
• Proven success leading staff, setting expectations, developing talent, managing performance, and building a healthy workplace culture
• Experience managing a budget of at least $1 million, including forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, and accountability for results
• Demonstrated success generating revenue through membership, sponsorships, events, partnerships, grants, fundraising, or other earned-income strategies
• Strong relationships with business leaders, elected officials, community partners, media, and diverse constituencies
• Ability to navigate legislative, regulatory, and political processes; direct advocacy or public policy experience is strongly preferred
• Strong written, public speaking, media, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills

Leadership characteristics

• Organized, disciplined, and consistent in follow-through
• Strategic while attentive to operational detail
• Transparent, responsive, and proactive in communication
• Confident and diplomatic across differing viewpoints
• Collaborative, decisive, and willing to address difficult issues
• Politically astute and able to advance a nonpartisan, Board-approved agenda
• Committed to building trust and becoming an active, long-term member of the Fairbanks community

Education

A bachelor's degree in business, public administration, communications, political science, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred. A combination of relevant education, executive leadership experience, and demonstrated achievement may be considered in place of a degree.

Application process

Qualified candidates should complete the online application at fairbankschamber.org/careers and submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience aligned with the position, a current résumé, and contact information for three professional references. Applications received by August 17, 2026, will receive priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled. The Search Committee anticipates beginning interviews in August, with a preferred start date mid-October. Candidate information will be handled with discretion to the extent permitted by applicable law. For a detailed job advertisement, please visit: fairbankschamber.org/careers