Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Flex HR is partnering with MAAR for a new role! The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) is one of Tennessee's largest local REALTOR® associations, encompassing Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, Hardin, Hardeman and McNairy Counties. MAAR's focus is serving and representing real estate professionals as well as providing real estate information to the public. We have a mission to work in cooperation with REALTORS® to create a favorable environment for real estate commerce through legislative advocacy, standards enforcement, database management, communication and professional development.

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on executive leader to serve as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO is a key member of the executive leadership team and works closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to ensure the organization operates efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with its strategic priorities. This leader will oversee internal operations, financial coordination, facilities management, technology partnerships, administrative functions, and staff supervision.

The ideal candidate brings strong operational and financial experience within a nonprofit or association environment, is comfortable wearing multiple hats, and demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, and a solutions-driven mindset. This role requires a collaborative leader who can translate strategy into action while maintaining strong internal systems and a culture of service excellence.

The COO reports directly to the CEO and works in partnership with Board committees, vendors, and external partners.

Operational Leadership & Administration

• Oversee daily internal operations to ensure alignment with the organization's mission, strategic goals, and member service priorities.
• Provide leadership and supervision to designated departmental managers and administrative staff.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and internal controls appropriate for a small trade association.
• Oversee facilities management, including maintenance planning and coordination of service providers.
• Maintain and manage vendor relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the organization's outsourced IT provider to ensure technology systems effectively support staff and member needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, and service delivery to enhance overall organizational effectiveness.

Financial Coordination & Compliance

• Serve as the primary operational liaison with the organization's off-site bookkeeping firm, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Partner with the CEO and external professionals to coordinate the annual audit process.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required annual government filings and association reporting requirements.
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual operating budget.
• Ensure departments operate within approved fiscal parameters and in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Promote sound financial stewardship and long-term sustainability through thoughtful resource management.

Organizational Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise designated staff and departmental managers (supervision structure to be finalized in collaboration with the CEO).
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support to assigned team members.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee development processes.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-focused culture that values accountability, transparency, and service excellence.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, recognition, and corrective action.

Board Support & Executive Partnership

• Serve as staff liaison to the Budget and Finance Committee.
• Prepare materials, provide operational insight, and ensure follow-through on committee actions.
• Support additional Board committees or workgroups as assigned.
• Assist the CEO in preparing materials for Board meetings and ensuring operational follow-through.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO to translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable objectives.
• Support long-term organizational sustainability through strategic operational planning.

General Responsibilities

• May require national travel up to 25% of job time, including occasional overnight travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization's mission and operations.

Core Competencies & Expectations: All employees are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Customer Focus: Prioritize internal colleagues and external stakeholders. Manage challenging situations professionally and seek creative solutions to meet member needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with diverse individuals and groups. Resolve conflicts calmly and constructively while demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and take accountability for results. Offer support and contribute ideas that advance team success.
• Accountability & Reliability: Take ownership of decisions and outcomes. Deliver on commitments with minimal supervision while adapting to changing priorities.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensure accuracy, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of quality. Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to policies and regulations.
• Initiative & Problem Solving: Act proactively, identify issues early, and pursue thoughtful solutions. Exercise sound judgment in determining when to act independently and when to seek guidance.
• Communication Skills (Verbal & Written): Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally. Effectively conduct meetings, prepare reports, and interpret regulatory or professional documentation.
• Adaptability & Self-Awareness: Remain focused under pressure, respond positively to change, accept constructive feedback, and demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
• Engagement: Demonstrate passion for the organization's mission, inspire others, and build collaborative internal and external relationships that strengthen impact.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, preferably within a nonprofit or association environment.
• Experience coordinating audits, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Board members, committees, and external partners.
• Comfort working in a hands-on environment where leaders manage multiple functional areas.
• Detail-oriented, solution-driven, adaptable, and highly organized.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in finance, operations, or a related field within a nonprofit or association environment.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a leadership role with supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting with appropriate equipment provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Occasional travel, including overnight travel, may be required.