Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Association Executive

District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® (DCAR)
Location: Washington, DC
Status: Full-time

Position Overview

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), also known as the Association Executive (AE), serves as the chief staff leader and strategic partner to the Board of Directors, working collaboratively with volunteer leadership, staff, members, management partners, and external stakeholders to advance the mission and priorities of the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® (DCAR).

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, operations, advocacy coordination, financial stewardship, and organizational performance of the Association in alignment with the strategic direction established jointly with the Board. The CEO facilitates shared governance between volunteer leadership and professional staff and ensures the Association operates as a responsive, forward-looking, member-centered organization.

As a collaborative and visionary executive, the CEO strengthens relationships across the REALTOR® family, government partners, industry stakeholders, allied organizations, and the broader community while positioning the Association as a trusted voice on real estate issues affecting Washington, DC.

The CEO fosters a culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and service excellence across staff and volunteer leadership to advance the professional success of members and the impact of the Association.

The CEO serves as the primary liaison with the Association’s management company and collaborates closely with the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR) leadership and department heads to ensure effective coordination of operations, communications, finance, member services, legal services, government affairs, and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Organizational Leadership

The CEO serves as the Board’s strategic partner and chief implementer of its vision.

Responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership to develop, refine, and implement the Association’s strategic plan

  • Translating Board priorities into actionable programs, initiatives, and operational plans

  • Advising leadership on governance best practices and organizational effectiveness

  • Supporting Board and committee structures to ensure productive, mission-aligned engagement

  • Providing leadership continuity between volunteer transitions

  • Ensuring governing documents remain current, aligned with best practices, and reflective of strategic priorities

  • Serving as a trusted counselor to elected leadership on emerging opportunities and risks

  • Strengthening leadership development pathways for future volunteer leaders

  • Planning, developing, and implementing innovative programs and ideas that increase member involvement and organizational effectiveness

  • Conferring regularly with committee leaders, Officers, and Directors to evaluate services and recommend improvements

The CEO ensures governance functions operate as a shared leadership partnership between volunteers and professional staff.

Organizational Operations & Program Execution

The CEO leads implementation of programs and services that advance the Association’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities include:

  • Directing day-to-day operations of the Association within Board-established policies and priorities

  • Ensuring effective coordination across staff teams, volunteer committees, and management partners

  • Creating internal systems that promote collaboration, accountability, and efficiency

  • Monitoring program outcomes and aligning services with member needs

  • Strengthening cross-functional teamwork across departments and committees

  • Leading continuous improvement of processes and service delivery

  • Directing and coordinating Association functions and signature programs including:

    • Annual Installation

    • RPAC events and fundraising activities

    • Leadership Academy

    • Designation and professional development courses

    • Broker Council initiatives

    • Calls to Action and grassroots mobilization efforts

    • Government affairs coordination

    • Collaborative initiatives with GCAAR and REALTOR® partners

  • Providing information and technical assistance to members, clients of members, and the public relating to industry practices and Association operations

The CEO ensures staff, management partners, and volunteers operate as one integrated leadership team serving members.

Financial Stewardship and Resource Development

The CEO serves as chief steward of the Association’s financial sustainability.

Responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with volunteer leadership to develop and manage the annual budget

  • Ensuring transparent financial reporting and responsible fiscal oversight

  • Maintaining appropriate operating reserves and long-term financial stability

  • Identifying diversified and reliable revenue sources to support strategic initiatives

  • Supporting RPAC and political fundraising efforts in coordination with volunteer leadership

  • Recommending investments that strengthen member value and organizational capacity

  • Ensuring responsible oversight of vendors, contracts, and financial partners

  • Overseeing membership accounting, financial operations, and human resources functions in coordination with management partners and department leadership

The CEO works closely with Finance Committee leadership to ensure shared ownership of financial strategy and accountability.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

The CEO builds and leads a high-performing staff and management partnership aligned with the Association’s mission and values.

Responsibilities include:

  • Providing strategic direction and leadership to staff and contracted management partners

  • Fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture

  • Supporting professional development and leadership growth for staff

  • Ensuring competitive compensation and retention strategies

  • Delegating responsibilities appropriately while maintaining accountability

  • Encouraging cross-team coordination and shared ownership of outcomes

  • Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and employment requirements

  • Promoting a workplace culture grounded in teamwork, transparency, innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and service excellence

Commitment to Diversity

The CEO demonstrates leadership in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity by:

  • Showing respect and sensitivity for cultural differences

  • Educating others on the value of diversity and inclusion

  • Promoting a harassment-free environment

  • Supporting equitable and inclusive workplace practices

  • Building and sustaining a diverse workforce and leadership pipeline

Member Engagement and Service Strategy

The CEO ensures the Association delivers high-value services that support member success.

Responsibilities include:

  • Partnering with volunteer committees and staff to design responsive member programs

  • Supporting recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies

  • Overseeing member communications through newsletters, publications, news releases, digital communications, and public relations initiatives

  • Directing preparation of communication materials for presentation to members, industry stakeholders, and the public

  • Supporting professional standards enforcement and compliance services

  • Ensuring access to required and optional education programs

  • Facilitating networking and professional development opportunities

  • Identifying trends shaping member needs and adapting services accordingly

  • Strengthening member pathways for leadership involvement

  • Visiting member offices to maintain goodwill and encourage participation in Association activities

The CEO ensures member services are shaped through ongoing collaboration between staff expertise and volunteer insight.

External Relations and Strategic Partnerships

The CEO serves as the Association’s primary organizational ambassador and relationship builder.

Responsibilities include:

  • Strengthening partnerships across local, state, regional, and national REALTOR® organizations

  • Representing the Association at industry events, leadership meetings, and public forums

  • Attending and participating in meetings of the National Association of REALTORS®, regional MLS organizations, GCAAR, and affiliated industry groups as a representative of DCAR

  • Collaborating with government officials, regulators, and policymakers

  • Supporting advocacy priorities in partnership with volunteer leadership

  • Building relationships with brokers, allied organizations, and community stakeholders

  • Working with legal, financial, communications, and policy advisors to anticipate emerging issues

  • Supporting grassroots mobilization and political engagement initiatives

  • Elevating the Association’s visibility and credibility within the region

The CEO ensures the Association operates as a respected convening voice across the real estate ecosystem.

Advocacy and Public Policy Leadership

The CEO supports the Association’s role as a trusted advocate for real estate professionals and property owners.

Responsibilities include:

  • Partnering with volunteer leadership to advance legislative and regulatory priorities

  • Supporting implementation of advocacy strategies and public policy campaigns

  • Coordinating political awareness, RPAC fundraising and management, and grassroots engagement initiatives

  • Facilitating member engagement in advocacy efforts

  • Strengthening relationships with policymakers, agencies, and regulatory bodies

  • Collaborating with state and national REALTOR® partners on shared policy goals

  • Overseeing government affairs coordination and public policy initiatives on the Local, State and National Levels

  • Serving as liaison to lobbying teams, regulatory advisors, and government affairs staff

The CEO helps position the Association as a coordinated advocacy leader within the REALTOR® family.

Departmental Oversight and Management Responsibilities

The CEO is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, evaluation, and management oversight of Association functions, independently and through collaboration with the GCAAR CEO, management company leadership, and department managers.

Areas of oversight include:

Management Company Liaison

  • Serving as the primary conduit between DCAR leadership and the management company

  • Communicating and implementing directives established by the DCAR Officers and Board of Directors

  • Coordinating activities in accordance with established policies and procedures

  • Collaborating with GCAAR department heads in communications, accounting, legal services, member services, and operations

Leadership Philosophy and Expectations

The CEO is expected to lead through:

  • Collaboration with volunteer leadership

  • Strategic alignment with Board priorities

  • Transparent communication

  • Staff empowerment and accountability

  • Member-centered decision-making

  • Cross-organizational partnership building

  • Innovation and continuous improvement

  • Adaptability and responsiveness to change

  • Professionalism, dependability, and sound judgment

Success in this role depends on the CEO’s ability to serve as a connector, facilitator, strategist, relationship builder, and operational leader across staff, volunteers, members, management partners, policymakers, and stakeholders.

The CEO must demonstrate adaptability in managing competing priorities, responding to changing environments, and navigating complex organizational and political dynamics. The position requires attendance at meetings and events outside normal business hours, travel to state and national REALTOR® meetings throughout the year, and the ability to work effectively under pressure when necessary to meet organizational objectives.


Qualifications

A minimum of 5 years senior executive leadership experience, preferably within a trade association, nonprofit, or similarly complex member-based organization.

  • Demonstrated success working with boards and volunteer governance structures.

  • Association management or REALTOR® organization experience is strongly preferred.

  • Proven experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, or government relations strongly preferred.

  • Ability to travel regularly for industry meetings and conferences.

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or RCE or CAE designation desirable.

  • Resides close enough to be on site/in person at the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® office in Washington, D.C. to carry out the duties of the organization.  Relocation assistance is available.  

Compensation

Annual Base Salary $200,000 with available benefits. 

To Apply

Candidates interested in this exceptional career opportunity must submit a detailed resume, cover letter, and three professional references electronically to:   phippsmalta@gmail.com

District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.