Association Executive/Chief Executive Officer Job Description 

The Association Executive (AE)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for all administration and management of the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® and the Real Estate Information Systems of Southwestern Michigan (REIS), based on member needs, with some focus on community and real estate industry issues. The AE/CEO manages the organizations with parameters set by the volunteers and based on volunteers' determination of the future direction of the organizations. The AE/CEO along with the President are the spokespersons for the Association and REIS.

Governance of Association and REIS Structures and Organizational Operations 

• Implements programs and events as directed by volunteers. Creates and manages the internal organization of the association. 
• Collaborates with leadership on the development of the strategic vision and works with the volunteers to implement it. 
• Manages the operations of the organization based on the parameters set by the Board of Directors. Prepares policies and procedures based on models from other organizations.
• Provides administrative support to Association committees. 
• Updates governing documents and policies on a routine basis, to match the Association's mission and manage goals.
• Develops and implements programs and events that are in line with the strategic vision of the organization. 
• Will be the Corporate Secretary of the Association and REIS, maintaining all files in accordance with the approved retention policies, historic documents, and membership and mailing lists. Is responsible for answering all correspondence and inquiries. 

Physical and Financial Resources 

• Maintains a dedicated office location with up-to-date office equipment that is analyzed or updated on a routine basis. 
• Ensures strong financial position and revenue sources to operate the Association at optimum and future levels with suitable funding available to act quickly on opportunities, threats, and new initiatives.
• Develops a comprehensive budget with volunteer input and approval. 
• Ensures that sufficient financial reserves are maintained. 
• Is responsible for the collection of all monies paid to the Corporation, maintains all membership records and accounts, approves all administrative expenditures, and renders a monthly statement of income and expenses to the Corporations. Ensures that an independent audit is conducted annually for both the Association and the REIS. 

Staff Competencies 

• Has a comprehensive knowledge of office management skills and is able to delegate or outsource as necessary. 
• Provides the necessary liaison and staff support to all committees and provides liaison between the committees, the Board of Directors and Officers of both the Association and REIS. 
• Is responsible for all administration and management of the Association, based on member needs. 
• Is a visionary leader that can spot trends and their impact on the industry. Plays a proactive role in analyzing, addressing, and impacting legal and regulatory issues. Develops and manages a high level of political-action activities, including special fundraising efforts and candidate development. 
• Ensures that leadership-oriented professional development opportunities that enhance leadership skills and knowledge of industry issues and trends are funded by the Association and REIS for all staff levels. 

Member Services 

• Maintains targeted internal and external communications systems and delivery vehicles focused on current industry information and discussion of future trends.
• Manages new-member recruitment and retention programs with volunteer participation, including one orientation model for all. Collaborates with the Education Committee to develop and implement new member orientation classes including subject items and supporting materials. 
• Provides strong skills in professional standards enforcement and is a certified professional standards administrator. 
• Offers and provides access to required and optional education programs (may outsource when necessary). 
• Is knowledgeable about various marketing services and provides access to related services and business tools developed by others. 
• Works with volunteer committees and staff to identify and analyze trends from which member service decisions are made and industry issue initiatives are implemented. 
• Plans and manages, with volunteers, networking and social opportunities to enhance members' career success and future needs. 

Internal and External Relations 

• Collaborates with the elected Leaders to identify and recruit volunteer leaders.
• Works with a CPA firm and an attorney to support Association and REIS operations and alert leadership to new and emerging issues. 
• Participates with volunteer leaders in effective relationships with local government leaders and legislators; service providers, vendors, consultants and contractors; influential and market-share members/industry leaders and allied real estate groups; media and community groups. 
• Develops and implements special political-action fundraising efforts and grassroots mobilization efforts. 
• Implements political awareness and fundraising plans developed in collaboration with volunteer leadership and staff. 
• Serves as a visionary leader of the association; delegates day-today operations to other staff. Develops and maintains an environment in which staff take initiative and are able to make management decisions.
• Maintains an organizational culture that builds strong partnerships between staff and volunteers. 
• Actively participates in affecting positive and collaborative relationships with local, state and national associations while participating in state and national meetings. 
• Analyzes, addresses, and impacts legal and regulatory issues and proactively frames the regulatory environment. 
• Positions the Association and REIS as a recognized leader in governmental advocacy in the local community and in partnership with the state and/or national associations. 
• Shall strive continually to protect the rights of property ownership and the concepts of free enterprise, and shall seek in every way to improve the image of the REALTOR® and to advance the professional stature of the members of his own Association and the entire industry. 

Please email your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: DevonJohnsonRealtor@gmail.com 

About Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors

Located in St. Joseph, Michigan and serving a membership of 750 (1,000+ including affiliates and secondary memberships), the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® seeks an experienced manager to supervise a staff of three, to execute the day to day operations of our organization and to assist the Board of Directors and the association Committee’s in in their work to develop and implement the short and long-term plans of the organization. The ideal candidate is a hands-on/self-starter with demonstrated experience in budgeting and budget management, negotiating vendor contracts, excellent organizational skills and strong interpersonal skills. Successful strategic planning experience is a plus. Real estate experience and/or association management experience is a plus, but is not required. Some travel required. No selling required. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

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