Executive Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Executive Officer provides strategic leadership for all association operations, including advocacy, membership engagement, communications, financial stewardship, workforce development, governance, and organizational management. The Executive Officer serves as the organization's primary spokesperson while fostering productive relationships with members, elected officials, regulatory agencies, local home builder associations, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and industry partners.

The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team while helping shape public policy that supports attainable housing and a healthy residential construction industry.

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Officer will:

• Provide strategic leadership and execute the vision established by the Board of Directors.
• Direct all association operations, programs, staff, and financial management.
• Lead implementation of the association's strategic plan and annual operating plan.
• Collaborate with volunteer leadership to establish organizational priorities.
• Manage and develop professional staff while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the association with members, media, government officials, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts in partnership with contract lobbyists and volunteer leaders.
• Develop strong working relationships with state elected officials, regulatory agencies, and coalition partners.
• Maintain productive partnerships with Iowa's local home builder associations and the National Association of Home Builders.
• Oversee communications, publications, meetings, conferences, and member engagement initiatives.
• Ensure sound financial management, budget oversight, governance compliance, and organizational transparency.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen membership growth and expand non-dues revenue.
• Promote workforce development initiatives that strengthen Iowa's residential construction industry.

Desired Qualifications

Successful candidates will possess many of the following qualifications:

• Executive leadership experience in an association, nonprofit, governmental, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational management, and financial oversight.
• Strong knowledge of legislative affairs, government relations, advocacy, or public policy.
• Outstanding communication, public speaking, and media relations skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships with volunteer leaders, elected officials, members, and stakeholders.
• Experience leading professional staff and working with volunteer boards.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CAE designation preferred.
• Commitment to obtaining and maintaining the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential if not already held.

Leadership Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be:

• A collaborative and trusted leader
• Politically astute and relationship-oriented
• Strategic, innovative, and forward-thinking
• Financially disciplined
• An exceptional communicator
• Member-focused and service-driven
• Ethical, transparent, and accountable
• Passionate about advancing housing opportunities across Iowa