The California Association of REALTORS® is one of the country’s most influential statewide trade associations dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. Today, the California Association of REALTORS® includes more than 98 local member Associations and more than 200,000 REALTORS®, REALTOR®-associates and affiliate members who abide by a rigid code of professional ethics. The Association emphasizes the development and distribution of products, programs and services which assist members to achieve success in their individual real estate businesses, while continuing to be the premiere representative of private property rights and of real estate professionals in the public policy arena.

C.A.R. Mission Statement
Shape, promote and protect an environment for the entire real estate industry, one in which California
REALTORS® can succeed in meeting the real property needs of consumers.

C.A.R. Vision Statement
C.A.R. drives innovation and opportunity in the real estate profession and market.

C.A.R. Operating Values

Property Ownership. We believe property ownership builds financial security and thriving, sustainable communities. We strive to make property ownership attainable for all who are committed to working toward it.

Property Rights. We believe that the freedom to buy, sell, maintain and improve real property is a fundamental right.

Inclusion. We believe that a conscious, persistent effort to further diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within our community and our organization will drive greater success and innovation through the contribution of different perspectives and ideas.

The REALTOR® Difference. We believe that REALTOR® signifies:
• Professionalism: a commitment to the highest ethical standards in the real estate profession.
• Competence: a commitment to lifelong learning and a high level of knowledge and expertise in the ever-changing profession of real estate.
• Trust: reliable, credible real estate guidance and accurate, comprehensive data.
• Community: belief in the power of community and the commitment to engage, contribute, educate and lead.

Collaboration and Trust. We believe we are stronger when we collaborate and form relationships based on mutual goals, open communication, fairness and transparency. 

Key C.A.R. Programs and Services

• Legal services: Provides summaries of legislation and real estate cases, as well as a Legal Hotline for transaction questions.
• Political advocacy: C.A.R. advocates for REALTOR® issues in Sacramento and Washington D.C. and works with local associations to advocate for property rights.
• Transaction support: Development and continuous updating of standard forms available to members.
• Education: Develops and supports a wide array of real estate educational courses and certifications.
• Meetings and events: Virtual and in-person educational and networking events, including the annual REimagine! Real Estate Conference & Expo and Woman Up!
• Knowledge center: Centralized information on California’s housing market, economy, and issues impacting the industry.
• MLS and professional standards: Guidelines about MLS rules and professional standards.
• Community and foundation programs: A range of programs in which C.A.R. members may participate, including Californians for Homeownership, the Scholarship Foundation, and Diversity and Inclusion Programs.
• Marketing tools and resources: Develops and partners with third parties to provide materials to educate consumers about the intricacies of buying and selling a home and the value of using a REALTOR® as well as tools to help members personalize their own marketing.

FURTHER INFORMATION
The California Association of REALTORS® is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with a staff of 146 and an annual budget of approximately $45 million. For further information, please visit https://www.car.org/.
 
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Executive Officer of the California Association of REALTORS® is the chief staff officer of the organization, responsible for managing and implementing all administrative, financial and program activities of C.A.R. in accordance with the Board’s policy and direction. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, and in partnership with a strong staff team, this CEO has a vital role in developing, maintaining, and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders, from members to local associations to state legislators and beyond. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, it is the role of the CEO to assess and act upon immediate and long- term strategic goals; develop and deliver innovative programs, products and services that members value; strategically advance C.A.R.’s advocacy agenda; preserve C.A.R.’s member-driven culture; and manage, lead and build consensus among a volunteer Board of Directors.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to Board of Directors

Direct reports
Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Business Services 
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Lobbyist
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Economist
Senior Vice President, Leadership Development

 
Other key relationships
Current and potential C.A.R. members
National Association of REALTORS® and other related associations
Relevant legislators and regulators

DESIRED OUTCOMES
• Build and deliver on a vision for C.A.R. going forward that will build upon the association’s value proposition, position the organization to continue to positively impact the members’ businesses, deliver and continue to advocate for and protect members on all fronts (e.g., financial, legal, legislative, technological).
•Develop a "bench” of staff talent for the future.
• Ensure continued commercial innovation and financial stability.
•Enhance and retain the strength of C.A.R.’s advocacy in the face of a challenging legislative environment, including through upcoming hot-button election issues.
• Steward strong relationships with the staff/team, Board, members, and local associations.
• Upgrade technology in the organization and increase organizational agility in an increasingly dynamic environment.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
The next CEO of the California Association of REALTORS® will be an energetic, inspirational, and visionary leader.  The CEO will have a strategic vision to drive engagement with the C.A.R. membership and ensure the organization’s continued relevance and impact.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Real estate industry background
Possess a sophisticated and informed view of major issues that impact the industry and its future.

Demonstrated senior leadership experience and business acumen
Direct accountability for driving the success and financial sustainability of an organization of comparable scale, scope, and complexity; leadership experience in a membership organization context preferred.

Experience with the California political system
Ideally, existing relationships with relevant legislators and regulators in Sacramento; at minimum, strong political acumen and the ability to quickly come up to speed on the California political landscape.

Experience serving as the "face and voice" for an industry or organization
Effectively and credibly communicate to a range of external stakeholders, including relevant policymakers and regulators, the board, members, peer associations, and the media.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic Thinking
• Works with the C.A.R. board to create a strategic plan based on current and future market realities, providing a “big picture” perspective informed by a clear understanding of the most pressing issues for the membership.
• Maintains an awareness of the challenges and opportunities for members and the broader industry and collects and analyzes data on the membership to help determine their ongoing needs. Adjusts the association’s actions and approach as appropriate in order to help C.A.R. members navigate the changing industry context. Remains current on emerging technologies that are relevant for the industry and the association.
• Thinks 3-5 years ahead beyond the current defined strategy.

Collaborating and Influencing
• Quickly engages and develops trusted relationships with a complex and diverse membership to build alignment on C.A.R.'s agenda.
• Ensures that C.A.R. promotes an effective, bipartisan advocacy agenda that tells the real estate industry's story to legislators and regulators in California to promote and protect the interests of the industry and private property rights.
• Articulates C.A.R.'s value proposition effectively and serves as a compelling and credible spokesperson to a range of stakeholders, including existing and prospective members, California policymakers and regulators, other related trade associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs with a focus on private property rights), and the public.

Leading People
• Engages, inspires, and empowers a motivated and high-performing team, bringing out each team member’s personal best while modeling passion for C.A.R.’s mission.
• Effectively communicates the organization’s long-term direction to all relevant stakeholders and collaborates with the team on how to reach it.
• Delegates strategic objectives to the whole team with clear and explicit intent and calls upon team members to contribute to the best of their ability; focuses on the team’s growth and development as a group and as individuals.
• Defines measurable goals and regularly collects data to track where the organization stands on its equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Continues to promote a healthy organizational culture with independent and open communication among team members, the Board, and other stakeholders.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next CEO of the California Association of REALTORS®, please email: [email protected]

All applications must be received by July 05, 2024.