Chief Executive Officer, Fresno Association of REALTORS®

Overview

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Fresno Association of REALTORS®

Lead. Innovate. Advocate. Build the Future.

Approximately 4,500 Members | Fresno, California

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Fresno Association of REALTORS® (F.A.R.) is seeking an accomplished, strategic, collaborative, and relationship-oriented executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead an established and respected professional association representing approximately 4,500 REALTOR® and industry members throughout the Fresno region.

The CEO will provide executive leadership for the Association and its broad range of member services and operations, including oversight of the F.A.R. Multiple Listing Service and leadership and support of the Fresno Association of REALTORS® & Affiliates Charitable Foundation.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as the Association's chief staff executive, strategic leader, and primary ambassador. The CEO will work closely with elected volunteer leadership to translate the Association's mission, vision, and strategic priorities into effective programs, services, operations, and measurable results.

This is a multifaceted executive position requiring a leader who can successfully navigate the intersection of association management, MLS technology and services, advocacy, financial stewardship, staff leadership, member engagement, and community impact.

The next CEO will have the opportunity to build upon F.A.R.'s existing strengths while identifying new opportunities to increase member value, strengthen organizational performance, embrace innovation, develop staff, expand strategic relationships, and position the Association for long-term success.

This position requires approximately 6–8 weeks of travel annually (approximately 12–15% of working time), including travel for National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and California Association of REALTORS®(C.A.R.) meetings, leadership development opportunities, and other industry and Association events. The CEO will also be expected to participate in Association events and activities that occur during evenings and weekends. While the role offers reasonable flexibility related to travel and after-hours responsibilities, this is not intended to be a fully remote position; the expectation is that the CEO maintain a strong, consistent presence in the office and be physically present at the Association as much as practical.

WHY FRESNO. WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY.

The Fresno Association of REALTORS® offers an opportunity to lead an established professional organization at an important time for both the real estate industry and the Fresno region.

With approximately 4,500 members, F.A.R. represents a significant community of real estate professionals and plays an important role in the region's housing and real estate landscape.

The CEO's responsibilities extend well beyond traditional association administration. The position encompasses executive leadership of the Association, oversight of its Multiple Listing Service, and leadership and support of its Charitable Foundation.

That breadth creates an unusually diverse leadership opportunity.

A Meaningful Role in the Community

Fresno is a major regional center for business, agriculture, healthcare, education, government, and commerce. The region is experiencing important conversations surrounding housing, affordability, development, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and the future of the Central Valley.

The CEO will have an opportunity to build strong relationships across Fresno's business, civic, governmental, nonprofit, and community organizations and help position F.A.R. as a thoughtful, credible, and constructive voice on issues affecting housing, homeownership, property rights, and the real estate profession.

An Opportunity to Shape the Future

The real estate profession is changing rapidly.

Technology, artificial intelligence, changing consumer expectations, evolving business models, housing affordability, regulatory changes, and shifts in how real estate professionals access and use information are reshaping the industry.

The next CEO will have the opportunity to help F.A.R. anticipate these changes rather than simply react to them.

The successful candidate will ask:

What will our members need five years from now—and how do we prepare F.A.R. today to deliver it?

That means evaluating member services, MLS technology, education, advocacy, communications, partnerships, staffing, and organizational strategy with a forward-looking perspective.

A Strong Platform for Leadership

F.A.R. provides the next CEO with an established platform from which to lead, innovate, and build.

The opportunity is not simply to maintain an organization that is already successful. It is to build on its strengths, identify new opportunities, strengthen its impact, and help define what the Association becomes next.

For the right leader, this is an opportunity to make a measurable difference in the success of approximately 4,500 members, the effectiveness of the Association's MLS, the organization's advocacy and community presence, the development of its professional staff, and the charitable impact of the Foundation.

KEY PRIORITIES

The next CEO will be expected to:

• Provide strategic leadership and a compelling vision for the Association's future.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership.
• Strengthen the value F.A.R. delivers to its approximately 4,500 members.
• Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing professional staff.
• Foster a positive organizational culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and service.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship, effective budgeting, and long-term organizational sustainability.
• Strengthen membership engagement, retention, recruitment, and participation.
• Provide executive oversight of the F.A.R. Multiple Listing Service and ensure that its technology, data, services, and operations continue to meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.
• Provide leadership and organizational support to the Fresno Association of REALTORS® & Affiliates Charitable Foundation.
• Serve as a highly visible ambassador for F.A.R. with REALTORS®, brokers, industry partners, elected officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Support and advance the Association's government affairs, advocacy, housing, and public-policy priorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), neighboring REALTOR® associations, MLS organizations, and other industry partners.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, technology, strategic partnerships, and new sources of member and organizational value.
• Ensure that the Association operates with integrity, accountability, professionalism, and sound judgment.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Governance

The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the Association's strategic direction and ensure that Board-approved priorities are translated into meaningful organizational outcomes.

The CEO will provide the Board with timely, accurate, and meaningful information necessary for effective governance and decision-making while maintaining a clear distinction between volunteer governance and professional staff management.

The CEO will facilitate alignment among Board members, volunteer leaders, committees, and staff and will help create a culture in which strategic priorities are clearly understood and consistently executed.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

The CEO will lead the Association's professional staff, establishing clear expectations, accountability, communication, and performance standards.

The successful candidate will attract, develop, coach, empower, and retain talented employees while creating an environment in which staff members understand their responsibilities and work collaboratively toward common goals.

The CEO will continuously evaluate the Association's organizational structure, staffing, systems, and processes to ensure F.A.R. is positioned to meet the evolving needs of its members.

Financial Leadership

The CEO will serve as a responsible steward of F.A.R.'s financial resources.

Responsibilities include oversight of annual budgeting, financial performance, revenue development, expenditures, investments, risk management, and long-term financial sustainability.

The CEO will ensure that the Board receives timely and understandable financial information, together with recommendations regarding priorities, risks, opportunities, and resource allocation.

Member Value & Engagement

The CEO will maintain a strong understanding of the evolving needs of REALTORS®, brokers, affiliates, and other members.

The successful candidate will continually evaluate F.A.R.'s programs and services and identify opportunities to increase member engagement, participation, retention, recruitment, and perceived value.

The CEO will be visible and accessible to members and will develop meaningful relationships with brokers, agents, affiliate members, and volunteer leaders throughout the Association.

MLS Leadership

The CEO will provide executive oversight of the Fresno Multiple Listing Service as an integral component of F.A.R.'s member value proposition and the broader real estate marketplace.

The CEO will ensure that the MLS remains responsive to the evolving technology, data, service, and business needs of its users while evaluating opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

The CEO will work collaboratively with brokers, agents, MLS users, technology providers, and industry partners to ensure that the MLS remains a valuable and competitive resource.

Government Affairs & External Relations

The CEO will work collaboratively with volunteer leadership and the Government Affairs Director to advance F.A.R.'s advocacy priorities, strengthen relationships with elected and appointed officials, and support the Association's government affairs program.

Organized real estate has a significant presence in public-policy and political advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. The CEO will help ensure that F.A.R. is represented with credibility, professionalism, and strategic focus in these relationships and public-policy discussions.

The CEO will oversee the Association's PAC funding, budgeting, and compliance, working closely with the Government Affairs Director and appropriate professional advisors to ensure adherence to applicable requirements.

The CEO will serve as an effective representative of the Association on issues affecting housing, homeownership, property rights, the real estate profession, and the Fresno community.

The CEO will also represent F.A.R. with business, civic, community, and industry organizations and serve as a highly visible ambassador for the Association.

Charitable Foundation

The CEO will provide appropriate executive leadership and organizational support to the Fresno Association of REALTORS® & Affiliates Charitable Foundation.

The CEO will work with Foundation volunteer leadership to support fundraising, community partnerships, charitable initiatives, and opportunities to expand the Foundation's positive impact throughout the Fresno community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

F.A.R. is seeking a leader who combines strategic thinking with strong execution, financial discipline with entrepreneurial thinking, and executive presence with genuine accessibility.

The successful candidate will be:

• A strategic and forward-thinking leader.
• An exceptional communicator and relationship builder.
• Comfortable working with a Board and volunteer leadership structure.
• Politically astute and capable of navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
• Financially sophisticated and accountable.
• An effective coach and developer of people.
• Collaborative without being indecisive.
• Decisive while remaining open to differing perspectives.
• Approachable, credible, and comfortable interacting with members at every level.
• Adaptable and capable of leading through change.
• Passionate about member service and organizational excellence.
• Personally committed to integrity, transparency, professionalism, and accountability.

Most importantly, F.A.R. is looking for a leader who can bring people together around a common vision and create momentum for the Association's future.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum of five years of progressive senior-level leadership experience, preferably within a REALTOR® association, trade association, nonprofit, professional association, MLS organization, or comparable member-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with a Board of Directors and volunteer leadership.
• Proven success leading, developing, and managing professional staff.
• Ability to hold senior staff accountable and develop an effective organizational leadership team.
• Demonstrated financial management, budgeting, and organizational stewardship experience.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with members, volunteers, government officials, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Understanding of the REALTOR® association structure and real estate industry is preferred, but not required.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree is preferred.
• REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE) and/or Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation is preferred but not required.

Exceptional candidates whose experience does not precisely match every qualification are encouraged to apply.

WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE

During the first 12–24 months, the successful CEO will be expected to:

• Establish strong, trusting relationships with the Board, volunteer leaders, staff, and membership.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of F.A.R.'s organizational strengths, challenges, opportunities, and priorities.
• Establish clear organizational goals and accountability measures.
• Strengthen communication between the Board, staff, and membership.
• Assess staffing, organizational structure, and operational effectiveness.
• Strengthen financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
• Enhance member engagement and demonstrate measurable member value.
• Ensure that the MLS continues to evolve with technology and the changing needs of the real estate marketplace.
• Build strong relationships with key community and governmental stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, technology, partnerships, and organizational growth.
• Strengthen the Foundation's community presence and impact.
• Establish a compelling strategic direction for F.A.R.'s next chapter.

ABOUT FRESNO

Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, Fresno offers the opportunity to live and work in a growing metropolitan community while enjoying an exceptional and affordable quality of life that is difficult to find in many of California's larger markets.

Fresno serves as an important regional center for business, agriculture, healthcare, education, government, and commerce. The community combines the energy and diversity of a growing metropolitan area with a strong sense of community and connection.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Fresno provides exceptional access to some of California's most remarkable natural destinations, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park. The Sierra Nevada offers year-round opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, cycling, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Fresno also offers a comparatively accessible cost of living within California, making it an attractive location for an executive seeking the professional opportunities of California without the cost structure of many coastal metropolitan areas.

For the next CEO of the Fresno Association of REALTORS®, Fresno provides something equally important: an opportunity to have a meaningful and lasting impact on a growing community.

COMPENSATION

The Fresno Association of REALTORS® offers a competitive executive compensation package with a salary range of:

$175,000 – $200,000 annually

The final salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated executive leadership capability.

The CEO will also be eligible for a performance incentive tied to mutually established organizational and executive performance objectives.

A competitive benefits package will be provided as part of the Association's overall executive compensation package.

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates should submit:

Résumé

Cover letter

Three professional references

The cover letter should address the candidate's interest in serving as CEO of the Fresno Association of REALTORS® and highlight relevant experience leading a membership-based organization, working with volunteer governance, developing staff, managing organizational resources, and advancing strategic initiatives.

Application materials should be submitted electronically through the designated CEO search application portal.

The search will remain open until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Fresno Association of REALTORS® is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages qualified candidates from diverse professional backgrounds and experiences to apply. Fresno Association of REALTORS® will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.

The application period for the Chief Executive Officer position will close on October 30, 2026. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2026, to be considered.