The Chamber Associate plays a key support role in keeping our team running smoothly and our members engaged. This position is a dynamic mix of administrative support, event coordination, relationship-building, and light sales activity. We value someone who is highly responsive, takes ownership of their work, and is committed to seeing tasks and projects through from start to finish, taking pride in strong follow-through and reliability. If you’re organized, people-oriented, and energized by being part of events from idea to execution, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Support
- Provide day-to-day administrative assistance to the chamber team
- Manage calendars, databases, member records, and internal documentation
- Assist with communications, invoices, and general office coordination
- Create and organize event materials, including name tags and attendee lists
- Coordinate ambassadors, members, and guests for events to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience
- CRM management, including maintaining accurate member records, updating data, and supporting timely communication and reporting
Event Planning & Logistics
- Support chamber events from inception through completion
- Help brainstorm and develop event concepts and themes
- Coordinate logistics including vendors, venues, timelines, registrations, and materials
- Attend events to assist with setup, execution, and breakdown
- Serve as an on-site point of contact to ensure events run smoothly
Relationship Building & Member Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with chamber members, sponsors, and community partners
- Act as a friendly, professional representative of the chamber at events and meetings
- Support member retention by staying engaged, responsive, and proactive
Sales & Growth Support
- Assist with membership renewal and event attendee outreach
- Identify opportunities to connect members with chamber programs, events, or sponsorships
- Support sponsorship sales and follow-up, as needed
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
- Comfortable working with a wide range of people and personalities
- Creative mindset with the ability to contribute ideas and concepts
- Willingness to attend events, including occasional evenings or weekends
- Detail-oriented, reliable, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Prior experience in administration, events, customer service, or sales is a must
Why This Role Matters
This role is essential to keeping our operations, communication, and standards of excellence running strong. We’re looking for someone energetic, steady, and detail-oriented someone who shows up accountable and ready to contribute. You’ll be comfortable taking directions while also stepping up to lead when needed, bringing creative problem-solving and strong prioritization to a small, nimble team. This is a role for a high performer who raises the bar and makes the entire team better.
WHY SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN FIRST?
- Competitive Insurance Benefits Package: Our comprehensive insurance package ensures you and your family are covered with health and dental plans that meet your needs.
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance: We prioritize your well-being by providing life insurance coverage at no cost to you, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Employer-Paid HSA (Health Savings Account): Take advantage of our HSA to save on medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, enhancing your financial wellness.
- Employer Contribution Retirement Plan (100% Vested Immediately): Plan for your future with confidence. Our retirement plan includes employer contributions that are fully vested from day one, ensuring your long-term financial security.
- Wellness Reimbursement: We support your commitment to well-being with a reimbursement program for wellness-related expenses, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- 16 Paid Holidays: Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, allowing you to celebrate and recharge throughout the year.
- Half Day Fridays (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Embrace work-life balance with half-day Fridays during the summer months, giving you extra time to relax and enjoy personal pursuits.
- Stocked Kitchen: Fuel your day with our stocked kitchen, providing snacks and beverages to keep you refreshed and productive.
Interested? Apply now! All applications require:
About Southwest Michigan First
Southwest Michigan First is an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Founded in 1999 on the principle that the greatest force for change is a job, the organization works across all industries throughout the seven counties making up the Southwest Michigan region.
Southwest Michigan First provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, Southwest Michigan First complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
