Chief Operations Officer

Full Time, 40 hours per week, Mon–Fri

Start Date:

TBD

About Sonoma County GO LOCAL Cooperative

Sonoma County GO LOCAL is a community alliance of locally owned, independent businesses and organizations working together to strengthen our local economy. Through shared brand promotion, targeted advertising, and a Rewards Program, GO LOCAL drives economic development marketing that keeps more money circulating locally—creating a resilient, thriving community.

Our mission is to shift consumer and commercial purchasing to locally owned, independent businesses to lift our local economy and quality of life.

As Chief Operations Officer, you'll play a pivotal leadership role ensuring that our mission is executed effectively across all programs, media, and partnerships. You'll manage day-to-day operations, direct sales and marketing initiatives, and oversee membership engagement, communications, and business development. This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and believes deeply in the power of local.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & SKILL SETS

• Demonstrated understanding of and enthusiasm for the local economy and independent business community of Sonoma County.
• Highly organized with attention to detail, follow-through, and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to turn plans into effective systems and measurable results.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable, and values-driven.
• Analytical mindset: able to interpret data, evaluate processes, and recommend improvements.
• Tech-savvy with experience in CRMs, project management tools, and marketing platforms (Salesforce, Asana, Trello, Constant Contact, Canva, Google Suite, etc.).
• Proven operational leadership, preferably in marketing or media.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills across business, government, and community sectors.
• Supervisory experience with staff, contractors, and cross-functional teams.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily operations across departments including communications, sales, membership, and business development.
• Conduct monthly all-team meetings and regular check-ins with staff and contractors.
• Support all staff and contractors with clear communication, documentation, and process management.
• Review and continually improve membership materials, renewal processes, and onboarding communications.
• Initiate tech development requests and oversee bug tracking and website updates , ).
• Negotiate and manage contracts with members, vendors, designers, photographers, and service providers.
• Ensure operational excellence, compliance, and budget accountability in coordination with the CEO, Administration,  and Finance team.

Membership & Community Engagement

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts with current and prospective business members.
• Conduct or schedule drop-in visits and check-ins with members to maintain strong relationships and identify opportunities.
• Monitor and track all membership and media trades.
• Manage "Discounts for Members by Members" program; negotiate new offers and commissions.
• Oversee Refer Local program: host lunches, schedule locations, confirm hosts and speakers, track RSVPs, and maintain consistent communication.
• Design and implement annual business and consumer surveys to guide strategy and report results.

Sales & Business Development

• Oversee all media sales, ad fulfillment, and sponsorship programs in collaboration with sales staff.
• Design and deliver annual programs such as:
• Top Sponsor Program

– recruit sponsors, oversee contracts, billing, and media fulfillment.
- Gift Membership Program

• recruit nominations, select recipients with support of Top Sponsors, meet with recipients.
• Local Business Recovery Fund

– coordinate sponsors, promote applications, select and manage recipients, and oversee contracts and accounting.
- Negotiate annual printing rates and media buys for Made Local Magazine (MLM), the GO LOCAL Pocket Guide (PG), Outdoor board, and other publications.
- Initiate and maintain partnerships with media outlets (e.g., Bohemian, radio, outdoor) and business development organizations.
- Represent GO LOCAL in speaking engagements with organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, schools, and business groups.
- Manage proposals, contracts, and agreements for advertisers and contractors, particularly during peak annual cycles (Sep–Jan).
- Strategically participate in business networking events and partnerships (e.g., BNI, Los Cien, EDC).

Marketing, Communications & Publications

• Direct e-newsletter planning and content strategy for multiple audiences (consumer, member, prospective member, rewards).
• Oversee content development for Made Local Magazine, Pocket Guide, holiday campaign, and other digital and print assets, including photo and video collection from member businesses.
• Convene Made Local Magazine planning and proofing meetings twice per issue; coordinate designers, writers, and photographers.
• Maintain consistent branding and communications across all GO LOCAL channels.
• Audit and report on ad fulfillment and campaign results to members.
• Review analytics and recommend improvements for communications and outreach strategies.

Strategic Planning & Evaluation

• Collaborate with the CEO on long-term strategy, organizational development, and annual goal-setting.
• Design and execute surveys, reports, and evaluations to track progress and outcomes.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue, membership growth, and partnerships that advance GO LOCAL's mission.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A mission-driven, collaborative, and supportive work environment where your leadership makes a measurable community impact.
• Professional development and mentorship in entrepreneurship, marketing, and local economic development.
• Flexible schedule and hybrid work opportunities.
• Comfortable office space in Rohnert Park with free parking and nearby amenities.
• Salary range:
  $70,000–$85,000

, depending on experience.
- 10 paid holidays.
- Paid Time Off beginning after 90 days:
- 0–4 years: 10 days per year (max 20)
- 5–14 years: 15 days per year (max 30)
- 15+ years: 20 days per year (max 40)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Sonoma County GO LOCAL complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination against employees and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

TO APPLY

Email
Merith Weisman

at

with the subject line
"Chief Operations Officer Job Opening."

Attach your résumé and a cover letter describing your experience and interest in advancing the GO LOCAL mission.

• No calls or drop-ins, please.