Sample Job Descriptions by Association Model

Purpose and Origin

These sample job descriptions correspond to the Administrative, Management, and Leadership models found in the REALTORS® Association Models Planning Tool. They are based on the detailed characteristics outlined in the REALTORS® Association Models Chart and the Assessment Questionnaire, which were developed to help associations assess and align their internal operations, governance, staffing, and strategic direction.

Each job description is designed to reflect the typical roles, responsibilities, and qualifications that align with the organizational scope, complexity, and strategic orientation of associations operating within each model.

Suggested Use

These job descriptions are optional resources. They are not required, and there is no implication that associations must follow them. They are offered as flexible templates that associations may use or adapt as they see fit.

Associations might consider using these job descriptions:

As a starting point when hiring or evaluating a chief staff executive
To guide role development during strategic planning or organizational restructuring
For internal benchmarking or performance review frameworks
To communicate expectations with staff or the board

They are grounded in common practices and industry norms but are not definitive or prescriptive. Every association is unique, and these examples should be adjusted to fit local needs, culture, and resources.

Disclaimer

These job descriptions are:

Not mandated by NAR or any governing authority
Not requirements for compliance with Core Standards
Not intended to define what a CEO, AE, or executive must do

They are purely recommendations, not standards, and should only be used if helpful to your association’s planning efforts.

Naming Your Chief Staff Executive

Each association has the flexibility to determine its own title for its chief staff executive. Common titles include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Association Executive (AE)
Executive Director
President & CEO
Chief Staff Officer (CSO)
Executive Vice President (EVP)
Executive Officer (EO)

When choosing a title, the board should consider:

The expectations and scope of the position
How the title aligns with industry peers or regional associations
The professional presence the title conveys to external partners and members
Internal clarity among staff and volunteers
The association’s bylaws and governing documents

There is no single correct title. The title should reflect the role’s function and status within your organization and be consistent with your association’s culture and size.

Board Role in Title Selection

Ultimately, the Board of Directors has the authority to determine:

The chief staff executive’s title
The job description and reporting structure
Whether the association needs a CEO-level role, an AE, or a more operations-focused manager

Boards are encouraged to make these decisions collaboratively with input from current staff, stakeholders, and strategic advisors as appropriate.

The sample job descriptions provided in this tool are intended to coincide with the three models of association's discovered through this tool. These are only samples. Each association should evaluate its own needs in adopting job descriptions.

Administrative Model

Job Title: As determined by the Board of Directors

Reports To: Board of Directors

Supervisory Responsibilities: Part-time staff and volunteers

Position Type: Full-time

Position Summary:

The <INSERT JOB TITLE> serves as the chief staff administrator responsible for carrying out board directives, ensuring compliance with NAR Core Standards, and managing day-to-day operations with limited strategic authority. This role is primarily administrative and execution-focused, supporting volunteer-led programs and maintaining basic operational infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Operations

Implement goals as directed by the Board of Directors
Manage meeting logistics, minutes, and record-keeping
Maintain and ensure compliance with NAR bylaws requirements and Core Standards
Support volunteer-led committees with logistical and administrative needs
Prepare and distribute reports and documentation as needed
Administers basic functions of the association, maintains policies and procedures

Financial & Office Administration

Works with volunteer leadership to develop the annual budget based on prior-year expenses
Maintain accounting records and process payments with CPA support as needed
Oversee payroll, benefits (if applicable), and basic HR practices
Ensures sufficient revenue is generated to administer association operations

Member Services

Disseminate communication and announcements and updates through email, websites, and other communication platforms as applicable
Promote externally developed CE courses and orientation materials
Process membership applications and maintain membership database
Supports leaders in new member recruitment and administration
Implements member activities and committee projects for membership
Administers networking and social opportunities that are planned

Technology & Facilities

Maintain basic technology systems with vendor support
Coordinate all association vendor communication and support

Compliance & Professional Standards

Facilitate professional standards complaints and ethics procedures as required by NAR, often via state or regional support

Advocacy & Public Affairs

Share advocacy updates from state and national levels
Include RPAC contributions in dues billing; minimal local fundraising
Support volunteer leadership as they foster effective relationships with local government leaders and media
Supports efforts to impact legal and regulatory issues
Provides administrative support for fundraising efforts

Qualifications

Minimum __________ years of administrative or nonprofit association experience
Demonstrated ability to support volunteer leadership and work with a board
Proficiency in office software (Word, Excel, email systems, membership databases)
Familiarity with NAR structure and REALTOR® association operations preferred
Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Management Model

Job Title: As determined by the Board of Directors

Reports To: Board of Directors

Supervisory Responsibilities: Full and part-time staff, vendors, contractors

Position Type: Full-time

Position Summary:

The <INSERT JOB TITLE> serves as both operational leader and strategic collaborator. This role involves managing association staff and programs, supporting board-led strategic initiatives, and improving internal systems and member-facing services. The <INSERT JOB TITLE> provides leadership in aligning operations with mission-driven goals and ensures policy and financial stewardship.

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
Updates governing documents and policies on a routine basis and managing goals
Helps identify and recruit volunteer leaders and work with volunteers to forge strong partnerships
Acts as association spokesperson when appropriate
Collaborates with local, state, and national associations

Financial Oversight

Develop and manage 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

Staff Management & HR

Supervise and support a team of mid-level or administrative staff
Define job descriptions and evaluation processes
Offer professional development opportunities and maintain an updated org chart
Responsible for all administration and management of the association

Member Services & Programs

Lead development and delivery of member services including CE, ethics, business tools, and orientation
Oversee consistent implementation of member communications through web, email, and social media
Administer professional standards procedures in coordination with certified staff or regional partnerships
Works with committees and staff to identify member initiatives and activities
Plans and manages, with volunteers and staff, networking and social opportunities for members

Technology & Infrastructure

Maintain up-to-date systems and virtual meeting capabilities
Work with vendors to ensure technology meets member and operational needs

Public Affairs & Advocacy

Engage in local Calls to Action and support state and national advocacy
Participate in RPAC messaging and support fundraising efforts
Build relationships with community stakeholders and elected officials

Qualifications:

Minimum _________ years of association or nonprofit 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, and REALTOR® association operations
Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field required; CAE designation preferred or commitment to earn within 3 years
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills

Leadership Model

Job Title: As determined by the Board of Directors

Reports To: Board of Directors

Supervisory Responsibilities : Senior leadership team, managers, and full staff

Position Type: Full-time

Position Summary:

The <INSERT JOB TITLE> is responsible for the strategic and visionary leader of the organization. This executive leads transformational change, integrates cross-departmental strategy, drives innovation, and represents the association publicly. The <INSERT JOB TITLE> shapes culture and aligns people and systems to mission and member impact and builds strong internal and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning

Co-develop and lead a dynamic strategic plan in collaboration with the board and volunteers
Lead organizational innovation, identifying trends and opportunities for growth
Align budget, staffing, and technology around long-term strategic objectives
Works with leadership to recruit, develop, and nurture volunteer leaders according to a comprehensive leadership plan
Actively participates in affecting positive and collaborative relationships with local, state, and national associations

Staff Leadership & Culture

Manage and develop a high-performing senior team with clear succession plans
Create and maintain a performance-driven, inclusive staff culture
Implement HR systems for hiring, training, evaluations, and compensation

Program Development & Member Services

Oversee strategic delivery of education, member engagement, business tools, and specialty services
Guide digital transformation and member data analytics strategies
Ensure proactive, trend-responsive services that deliver member value

Communications & Public Engagement

Act as a key public spokesperson and media representative
Co-lead messaging strategies with volunteer leadership
Integrate digital engagement tools across all communications
Oversee member communications and engagement to ensure a high level of association and brand awareness

Advocacy & Government Relations

Lead public policy development and local, state, and national advocacy initiatives
Build coalitions, represent the association to policymakers, and drive RPAC fundraising
Influence legislative and regulatory outcomes affecting the industry

Financial Resources, Revenue Diversification & Strategic Investment

Ensures strong financial position and revenue sources, with funding available to operate quickly and respond to new opportunities and threats
Develop a comprehensive budget based on strategic outcomes
Oversee diversified revenue streams (subsidiaries, investments, sponsorships)
Guide use of reserves and capitalization of innovation opportunities

Qualifications:

Minimum __________ years senior executive leadership, preferably within a REALTOR® association or comparable nonprofit
Proven strategic planning, innovation leadership, and change management experience
Expertise in policy development, media relations, and public affairs
Skilled at managing large budgets and complex organizational structures
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or CAE designation strongly preferred
Exceptional interpersonal, visionary leadership, and decision-making skills
Demonstrated success in talent development, governance, and stakeholder engagement