Chief Executive Officer Job Posting

The San Francisco Association of REALTORS® (SFAR) is seeking a visionary, people-first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organization into its next chapter. Located in one of the most dynamic and complex housing markets in the world, SFAR plays a critical role in advancing real estate professionalism, equity, and innovation.

SFAR’s CEO is responsible for guiding SFAR, SFARMLS, and working in close partnership with an external nonprofit focused on housing access and community support.   The CEO must understand the evolving needs of REALTORS®, the policy and tech landscapes shaping the industry, and the importance of cultivating strong internal and external relationships.  This role requires exceptional leadership, emotional intelligence, financial acumen, political and regulatory insight, and a strong commitment to member service, innovation, and ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities


Strategic Leadership & Governance

  • Develop and implement long-range strategic plans in collaboration with the SFAR and MLS Boards.

  • Provide visionary leadership that anticipates market trends, member needs, and industry shifts.

  • Foster a transparent, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.

  • Ensure alignment between the Association, SFARMLS, and affiliated entities to deliver cohesive value to members.

Financial Stewardship

  • Oversee the financial health of SFAR and SFARMLS, ensuring prudent fiscal management and long-term sustainability.

  • Review and interpret financial reports, including balance sheets, profit and loss (P&L) statements, and cash flow analyses.

  • Present accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting to the Boards.

  • Work with staff and finance committees to develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets and ensure resource alignment with strategic priorities.

  • Identify financial risks and implement effective controls and accountability systems.

Government Affairs & Public Policy Advocacy

  • Serve as a visionary and proactive leader in shaping housing, land use, and economic development policies that promote housing access, equity, sustainability, and vibrant communities.

  • Champion SFAR’s role as a thought leader in addressing San Francisco’s complex housing challenges, including affordability, displacement, homelessness, zoning reform, and equitable development.

  • Build and lead strategic coalitions with community-based organizations, industry partners, housing advocates, and public agencies to advance shared policy goals and foster inclusive dialogue.

  • Lead the development and execution of SFAR’s policy platform, grounded in data-driven analysis and member priorities, and responsive to local, state, and federal legislative developments.

  • Establish SFAR as a credible, solutions-oriented stakeholder in policy discussions with city leadership, planning departments, and regulatory bodies.

  • Represent SFAR in public forums, task forces, and hearings, effectively articulating the real estate industry's contributions to economic growth and social stability.

  • Develop strategic campaigns that educate the public and policymakers on the role of REALTORS® in advancing fair housing, climate-resilient development, and responsible homeownership.

  • Partner with C.A.R. and NAR to align advocacy efforts while maintaining a distinctly local perspective informed by San Francisco’s unique political and social landscape.

  • Coordinate closely with the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to align on state and federal advocacy strategies.

  • Empower and activate SFAR members through training, briefings, and opportunities to participate in political engagement, including candidate endorsements, issue campaigns, and RPAC fundraising.

  • Monitor, analyze, and respond to evolving legislation, ballot initiatives, administrative rulemaking, and regulatory trends with agility and foresight.

  • Engage and mobilize members in grassroots advocacy, issue awareness, and political action efforts.

MLS Oversight

  • Ensure the SFARMLS remains a cutting-edge, compliant, and customer-centric platform for subscribers.

  • Guide MLS product strategy, vendor relationships, and system performance to deliver optimal value and user experience.

  • Monitor emerging technologies and Industry trends to position the MLS for growth and relevance.

  • Oversee SFARMLS, including integration and modernization initiatives across the Bay Area and statewide.

  • Ensure MLS operations are accurate, responsive, and indispensable to member success.

Foundation Oversight (501(c)(3))

  • Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to the SFAR Foundation, supporting its charitable mission and community engagement.

  • Ensure legal and fiduciary compliance with all 501(c)(3) regulations, including fundraising, grant making, and reporting.

  • Support the Foundation Board in developing initiatives that expand housing opportunity, education, and public awareness of REALTOR® values.

  • Promote philanthropic visibility and impact among members and the public.

Member & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Actively engage with members to understand evolving needs, deliver exceptional services, and strengthen the value proposition of membership.

  • Communicate regularly and transparently with members, building trust and credibility across diverse constituencies.

  • Represent SFAR at industry events, community forums, and professional gatherings.

Operational Management & Team Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a talented professional staff, fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture.

  • Oversee all operational, legal, HR, and risk management functions to ensure organizational integrity and performance.

  • Maintain and enhance a modern, member-focused technology and communications infrastructure.

Ideal Attributes

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and adapt to change.

  • Emotionally intelligent and collaborative leader who inspires trust and confidence.

  • Politically astute and persuasive advocate for the real estate profession.

  • Passionate about community, housing, and REALTOR® values.

  • Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of senior leadership in association management, MLS, brokerage, or proptech.

  • Deep understanding of housing policy, MLS technology, and the Bay Area real estate landscape.

  • Experience leading diverse teams and working collaboratively with boards and volunteer leaders.

  • Strategic, emotionally intelligent, and capable of building consensus across complex stakeholder groups.

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree, CAE, RCE, or MBA preferred.

  • Resides close enough to be on site/in person at the SFAR office in San Francisco, California to carry out the duties of the organization.  Relocation assistance is available.  

Compensation

Base Salary of $300,000 - $325,000.  SFAR additionally offers a robust benefits package, including health insurance and a variety of other 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 

SFAR is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.