Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce is recruiting for Board of Director positions

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Guidelines

 

Your Role as a Chamber Director

As a Director of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, you play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction, financial stewardship, and overall mission of the organization.  The Board of Directors is responsible for:

• Setting Chamber policy and organizational prioriteis

• Approving the annual budget

• Providing oversight of Chamber operations and leadership

• Representing the collective interests of the business community

Board meetings are closed to the public and Chamber membership.  As a private, nonprofit corporation, we are not a government entity and do not receive public funding of any kind.

The President/CEO, who reports directly to the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Chamber and its staff.  Directors provide guidance, oversight, and support—not direct supervision or management of staff.

 

Chamber Purpose & Membership

We are a membership-driven organization, dedicated to providing ongoing benefits to our members and our local business community.  These benefits include:

• Advertising and marketing opportunities

• Networking and business development

• Community leadership and sponsorship platforms

• Increased visibility and enhanced exposure

Our work plans, programs, events, and policies reflect our values and the unique character of our community.  As a Director, your focus should be on maximizing value for all members, not individual business interests.

 

Political Policy & Advocacy

The Chamber does not endorse political candidates.

We may take positions on ballot measures or issues that directly impact our members, the business community, local economy, infrastructure, or environment.  These positions are vetted by the business and policy committee and determined collectively by the Board and represent the Board's voice—nor necessarily that of the full membership.

The President/CEO serves as the official liaison with the Sunnyvale City Council and City Manager and is responsible for all formal communication on policy matters.

 

Scope of Responsibility

As a Chamber Director, you are expected to:

• Approve the Chamber's program of work and budget

• Empower the President/CEO to implement goals and strategies

• Provide recommendations to enhance Chamber activities and outreach

• Participate in a sub committee as assigned by the Board Chair

• Represent the interests of the full membership

• Respect the collective decisions of the Board

• Attend monthly Board meetings and Chamber events

• Participate in signature events such as the Art & Wine Festival

• Help recruit new members and encourage engagement

• Ensure the Chamber remains financially sound

• Maintain confidentiality when requested

• Abide by bylaws and all adopted policies and procedure

• Support, not override, the authority of the President/CEO

• Understand that all decisions rest with the full Board, not individual members

 

What a Director Shall Not Do

A Director must refrain from actions that exceed their authority or compromise the integrity of the organization.  A Director shall not:

• Commit the Chamber to any action or policy without Board approval

• Sign contracts or verbally obligate the Chamber in any way

• Represent the Chamber in public or politiccal settings without authorization

• Use the Chamber for personal or business gain

• Challenge approved work plans or set policy independently

• Plan or host events outside the approved Chamber calendar

• Direct, supervise, or make requests of staff

• Create or convene committees without approval from the Board or President/CEO

• Vote on issues where there is a conflict of interest

• Represent another organization, political group, or personal agenda using the Chamber name

 

Attributes of an Effective Board Member

The strength of our Board depends on the qualities of its members.  Effective Chamber Directors demonstrate:

• Integrity and a strong sense of duty to the business community

• Constructive collaboration with fellow Board members and staff

• Commitment to consensus-building and shared decision-making

• Willingness to support Board decisions, even if in the minority

• Dedication to mission over personal or business interests

 

Thank you for your commitment to the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce.  Your leadership helps shape the future of our business community.