The Lawrence chamber of commerce is looking for a new leader with the ability to formulate and execute a strong vision for the organization, according to an advertisement for the organization’s CEO/president position.

Michele Hammann, chair of the organization’s board of directors, said Monday the advertisement was recently posted on the chamber’s website and would be posted on outside job websites this week.

The organization is in the process of finding a new leader after current CEO/President Larry McElwain announced in May his intention to retire.

“I just feel like it is a good time for some new leadership,” McElwain said at the time. “I think we are poised for someone to step in and take it to the next level, and I’m all about that.”

Hammann previously said the board of directors plans to begin interviewing candidates by the end of October and to hire its next CEO/president by the end of December. The timeline would allow the incoming leader to work alongside McElwain, who is set to retire at the end of January, for a month.

“I think our timeline is pretty aggressive, but I think it’s completely doable,” Hammann said at the time.

In the advertisement, the board asks prospective CEO/president candidates to be able to create a process and develop strategic priorities for the next three to five years. Additionally, the new leader must have an action plan to fulfill the priorities.

The vision must also embrace the Lawrence community’s history and traditions and provide a path for future success.

The new leader will also be expected to engage with community partners and key leaders in the area, advocate for specific issues that benefit the business community, develop and maintain the organization’s staff, and ensure the organization is fiscally sound.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a track record in managing and leading a nonprofit organization, among other requirements.