The Director of Business Development is responsible for driving membership growth and revenue for the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce. This highly relational, externally focused role is the primary point of contact for prospective members (primarily small-to-midsized businesses) and is central to connecting the business community, shaping growth, and advancing economic vitality in Irvine. The Director works closely with the President/CEO and is a visible ambassador of the Chamber within the broader Orange County business community.
  Business Development & Membership Growth

• Identify, qualify, and pursue prospective members within the small-to-midsized business segment
• Develop and execute a consistent outreach strategy (calls, emails, in-person meetings, events)
• Clearly articulate the value proposition of Chamber membership to business leaders
• Meet or exceed monthly and annual membership sales goals

Relationship Development

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with business owners, executives, and community stakeholders
• Serve as a visible ambassador of the Chamber within the Irvine and Orange County business community
• Maintain ongoing engagement with prospects throughout the decision-making cycle
• Foster long-term relationships through member service and engagement

Pipeline & Performance Management

• Maintain a robust and accurate business development pipeline using the Chamber’s CRM tool
• Track outreach activity, conversion rates, and revenue performance
• Provide regular reporting and forecasting on membership growth to the President/CEO

Networking & Community Engagement

• Actively participate in Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, and community functions
• Leverage networking opportunities to generate leads and strengthen relationships
• Represent the Chamber professionally in all external interactions

Public Speaking & Promotion

• Confidently present the Chamber's mission, programs, and value to groups and individuals
• Deliver brief presentations at events, meetings, and prospect engagements
• Promote Chamber initiatives in a compelling and professional manner

General

• Consistently demonstrates punctuality. Must be available to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to attend Chamber events, networking functions, and community activities.
• Must have reliable personal transportation to attend off-site member visits, community events, ribbon cuttings, and networking functions throughout the Irvine and Orange County area.
• Follows reasonable, job-related instructions and requests from management
• Works effectively both independently and as a collaborative team member
• Understands and follows established work rules and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

  Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred; however, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Candidates must have demonstrated success in business development, membership sales, or a related field, including a strong track record of meeting or exceeding goals. A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience is required.
 

• Proven success in business development, sales, or membership growth roles with demonstrated ability to meet and exceed revenue targets
• Demonstrated experience working with and presenting to small-to-midsized business owners and executives
• Track record of proactive outreach, lead generation, and pipeline development
• Strong CRM discipline and experience maintaining accurate pipeline and activity records
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; confident in networking and public speaking settings
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional customer-service orientation with the ability to manage and resolve relationship challenges diplomatically
• Proficiency in common office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM platforms
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, with interruptions and competing deadlines
• Ability to process information and communicate it clearly in both written and verbal form

 

• Experience in a Chamber of Commerce, trade association, or economic development organization
• Familiarity with the Irvine and/or broader Orange County business community
• Experience with membership-based or subscription business models

  All employees are expected to perform quality work within deadlines, with or without direct supervision; work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments; and communicate and coordinate work efforts proactively with other employees and stakeholders.
 

• Relationship Builder – Quickly establishes credibility and trust with diverse stakeholders
• Results-Oriented – Driven to meet and exceed measurable goals; holds self accountable
• Proactive Hunter – Takes initiative in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
• Strategic Communicator – Effectively tailors messaging and presentations to diverse audiences
• Community-Focused – Passionate about supporting local business and economic vitality
• Customer Service – Responds promptly to member needs; solicits feedback and follows through on commitments
• Professionalism – Maintains confidentiality; models integrity and positive representation of the Chamber

 
  Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift or move materials up to 15 pounds.
Work Environment
This position is office-based at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce offices, with regular off-site activities including member visits, community events, ribbon cuttings, and networking functions throughout the Irvine and Orange County area. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  This position offers a competitive base salary plus commission on closed memberships, allowing top performers to meaningfully exceed the base through new member acquisition. Additional benefits include:
 

• 100% employer-paid health benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Dental and vision coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Direct access to high-impact business and community leaders across Orange County

  This is an opportunity to play a direct role in advancing economic vitality in one of the most dynamic business communities in Southern California. The Director of Business Development is at the center of connecting businesses, shaping growth, and strengthening Irvine's economic future. If you are a relationship-driven professional who thrives on building community and closing meaningful partnerships, we encourage you to apply.
 
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed for this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary