Understanding the Three Association Management Models

Model Overviews

The REALTOR® Association Models Planning Tool helps associations evaluate their current operations and plan for growth. It’s built around three models that reflect different ways an association might operate:

Administrative Model
Management Model
Leadership Model

Each model outlines common practices and the expected level of staff and volunteer skills. There’s no “best” model—just the one that best fits your association’s size, resources, and goals. Many associations may use a blend of all three depending on the area of operation.

Administrative Association

This model works well for associations with limited staff and resources.

What it looks like:

Often just one part-time AE or up to three full-time staff
Volunteers are deeply involved in daily operations and decision-making
Focus on member support, networking, and basic services
Technology and facilities are modest and primarily meet NAR Core Standards

Staff Characteristics:

The AE performs many administrative tasks
Basic office and tech skills are expected (email, spreadsheets, bookkeeping)
Compensation is locally competitive
Professional development is minimal

Leadership Style:

Board and officers make nearly all decisions
Staff mostly carry out tasks and keep records
Volunteers lead committees and recruit new leaders

Management Association

This model represents a mid-sized, well-organized operation with more defined staff roles.

What it looks like:

Staff of 3 to 12, often including specialists
The AE leads operations and manages a team
Volunteers focus on setting vision, while staff handle most day-to-day tasks
Strategic planning and budgeting are coordinated and actively tracked

Staff Characteristics:

Staff include a mix of exempt and non-exempt employees
AE hires and manages teams, sets salaries, and creates job descriptions
Compensation is regionally competitive, often based on surveys
Staff development is offered to AE and some other roles

Leadership Style:

Volunteers set direction and goals
Committees are aligned with strategic priorities
AE has clear authority to manage operations within board-set limits

Leadership Association

This is a high-performing model designed for large, complex associations with a strategic focus.

What it looks like:

Senior staff team manages departments and operations
AE serves as a visionary leader and strategic partner to the board
Services and programs are innovative and tailored to members' evolving needs
Technology, facilities, and communications are cutting-edge

Staff Characteristics:

AE and department heads lead a high-performing team
Compensation is nationally competitive with full benefits
Staff training and development are ongoing and prioritized
In-house HR handles all employee needs

Leadership Style:

Staff and board co-create strategy
AE has decision-making authority over operations
Policies allow AE to act independently during emergencies
Leadership pipelines and succession planning are formalized

Association Models Chart

The three models presented—Administrative, Management, and Leadership—represent different stages or approaches to association operations. Learn more.

Association Model Progression Chart

The Association Model Progression Chart shows how associations can grow from Administrative to Management to Leadership across four key areas.