Association Executive/Chief Association Executive

Association Executive/Chief Association Executive

San Diego Association of REALTORS®

Job Description

Position Summary

The Association Executive/Chief Association Executive (AE/CAE) is the chief staff executive responsible for assisting the association in achieving the leadership, vision, administration, and operational excellence of the San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR)—a not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation organized under Section 501(c)(6). As the sole employee of the Board of Directors, the AE/CAE is responsible for partnering with the Board to advance the association’s strategic priorities.

The AE/CAE ensures SDAR remains a member-focused, financially stable, and community-engaged organization—one that advances the professionalism of REALTORS®, protects private property rights, and strengthens the San Diego County real estate industry. In this role, the AE/CAE is the Board’s strategic advisor, the staff’s leader, a community ambassador, and the liaison to local, state, and national REALTOR® organizations. As a working executive, the AE/CAE wears many hats, strategist, operator, diplomat, and peacekeeper, doing whatever the moment requires to keep the organization running smoothly and its members well served.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic goals and priorities.

• Coordinate strategic planning sessions and track plan execution across departments.

• Regularly review and recommend updates to policies, bylaws, and organizational documents.

• Help identify and recruit volunteer leaders and work with volunteers to forge strong partnerships.

• Act as association spokesperson when appropriate.

• Collaborate with local, state, and national associations.

Financial Oversight

• Develop, with input from staff, the annual budget aligned to strategic initiatives with volunteer input.

• Ensure accurate financial reporting and oversee CPA and audit functions.

• Explore new non-dues revenue opportunities through programs and partnerships.

• Work closely with the CPA, accounting staff, Treasurer, and investment advisor to ensure sound financial oversight, and present quarterly financial reports and analysis to the Board.

• Maintain a strong financial position built on diversified revenue and adequate reserves.

• Lead the annual budgeting process around the local dues cycle and present a draft budget and financial outlook at the October Board meeting.

• Ensure timely annual tax filings for both SDAR and SDMLS.

• Oversee operational procedures, technology systems, and office infrastructure to deliver modern, member-focused service, while ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and nonprofit governance requirements.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead a staff of twenty to twenty-five, building a team that reflects SDAR’s values.

• Coordinate with HR for hiring, supervision, coaching, and—when necessary—termination, with annual performance reviews and ongoing professional development planning.

• Coordinate and work directly with the Membership Manager to manage SDAR’s dues cycles ensuring dues collection and broker compliance throughout the year.

• Cultivate a collaborative, high-performance culture centered on service excellence, innovation, and responsiveness.

• Delegate operational responsibilities effectively while retaining accountability for outcomes and keep staff compensation aligned with statewide benchmarks and budget realities.

4. Member Services, Communications & Education

• Ensure members receive timely, relevant information and high-quality programs and education throughout the year.

• Oversee all member communications—newsletters, alerts, event messaging, and industry updates—keeping members informed as markets, laws, and industry needs evolve.

• Work with the Membership Manager on new-member recruitment, orientation, retention, and ongoing dues and broker compliance.

Government Affairs, Advocacy & Industry Relations

• Serve as a leading political and industry voice for REALTORS® in San Diego County.

• Maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community partners, and acts as SDAR’s primary spokesperson with the press in line with Board-approved positions.

• Work with the government affairs director to monitor, analyze, and influence local policy affecting real estate and private property rights.

• Represent SDAR at local, regional, state, and national meetings, including Region 24 coordination and monthly MLS Board meetings, and collaborate with brokers—often on short notice—on urgent industry issues.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Represent SDAR as an ambassador across San Diego County and Nationwide.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business leaders, community organizations, allied real estate groups, and culturally diverse communities.

• Position SDAR as a respected leader in housing, economic development, and community issues.

• Ensure leading brokers and industry influencers view SDAR as a trusted resource and partner.

Strategic Planning & Industry Foresight

• Keep SDAR agile, innovative, and prepared for what’s next.

• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in real estate and advise the Board accordingly.

• Develop new initiatives, services, and tools grounded in member needs and future market conditions.

• Maintain a politically aware, strategically forward-thinking organizational culture.

Events, Meetings & Member Engagement

• Ensure SDAR events are well planned, well executed, and true to the organization’s mission and annual budget.

• Attend identified SDAR events requiring the Association Executive/Chief Association Executive attendance.

• Coordinate annual and ongoing calendaring with Region 24 associations and MLS partners.

Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of REALTOR® association management experience.

• Proven ability to supervise staff and manage complex operations.

• Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and program execution.

• Knowledge of NAR Core Standards, governance structures, Brokers Compliance (BCT) and REALTOR® association operations.

• Have a basic understanding of California Employment Law

• Bachelor's degree or CAE designation preferred or commitment to earn within 3 years.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.

Position Details:

Job Title: Association Executive/Chief Association Executive

Reports To: Board of Directors

Classification: Exempt

Schedule: Full-Time

Compensation: $300,000 - $350,000 per year