Position Summary
The Real Estate Association of Developers (READ) seeks its first-ever Executive Director to lead READ’s defined organizational impact and growth strategies. The Executive Director is responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors to provide executive leadership to READ as it enters its next growth stage.
About the Organization
READ was founded in the spring of 2018 with a mission to cultivate, connect and advocate for experienced and aspiring black real estate developers in the Detroit region.
We intend to increase market share for developers of color, establish a legacy pipeline, and leverage the power of our allies and the development community's collective resources to create a more coordinated and equitable development ecosystem for our community.
Financial Management
Oversee the general finances of READ
With approval of the Finance Committee of the board, develop an annual budget for READ’s operations that delineates projected revenues and expenses and a projected net profit as appropriate.
Lead, direct and develop READ’s fund-raising strategies and capital campaigns.
Monitor READ’s fiscal condition
Review, approve and pay vendor invoices
Manage grant funding and other financial reporting requirements
Oversee and manage bookkeeping contract
Work with accountants to prepare end of year statements, tax returns and ancillary filings
Personnel Management:
Oversee the management of READ staff including hiring, firing, performance reviews, salary and benefits administration, policy and general supervision
Coach and develop the internal leadership team to attain consistent, highly effective performance
Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives, create better business practices and an organizational structure that will optimize performance and operating results. Create internal management system of key performance indicators (KPI’s) to monitor staff activity and performance against goals with continued supervision
Promote a working environment of excellence, external and internal collaboration and professional standards for the organization. Build accountability into the culture
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the day-to-day operations of READ, including management of programs, staffing, membership and marketing efforts
Work with the President to prepare agendas and materials for Board and Executive Committee meetings
Lead and manage monthly general body events. Coordinate appropriate meeting materials
Manage committee meeting minutes and coordinate follow up action items
Develop goals and objectives for recommendation to the Board
Serve as the principal spokesperson and ambassador for READ
Represent READ at business and community events, meetings, etc.
Build partnerships with other organizations
Support the officers of READ
Direct the annual and long-term planning process
Fulfill the officer and committee responsibilities assigned to the President in the READ by- laws
Attend READ Board committee meetings and provide staff support to committee efforts
Support the activities of READ’s Developer Leadership Committee
Participate in higher level membership and sponsorship sales
Identify and develop revenue generation programs and events
Oversee organization of READ’s Annual Bus Tours & Events
Operate within and advance the polices of READ
Maintain open communication with the Board, and work with the Board in the governance of READ; bring issues to the Board in a timely fashion
Implement a marketing plan for READ to assure a positive community image.
Develop and maintain a positive and helpful relationship with city and county governmental agencies
Develop goals and long range plans of READ
Manage legal requirements for READ to maintain its 501c3 status
Any additional duties as assigned by the Board of Directors
Skills & Abilities
Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills
Effective written communication skills
Strong customer service skills
Outstanding time management and event planning skills
Strong ability to foster teamwork and collaboration between/among Board members, staff, READ members, community leaders, elected officials and strategic committees and organizations.
Strong Executive and supervisory skills, including ability to plan, organize, lead, delegate, and monitor
Passion for collaboration and networking
Excellent skills in community consensus building
Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage a budget, to analyze organization performance and to project financial performance.
Ability to perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed ideas, projects and events.
Ability to work a wide and flexible range of business hours, including overnight travel on an occasional basis.
Ability to motivate others to be champions of READ initiatives
Strong commitment to personal growth
Commitment to the best business practices for READ
Professional Experience and Education
Minimum of 5-10 years management/executive level experience in a Real estate-related field or other leadership position, including supervision of professional staff and oversight of finances.
Previous management experience preferred.
Working knowledge of local, regional and state-level political systems and experience in developing collaborative relationships in these areas
Minimum of 3 years P&L responsibility
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; or comparable professional training and experience attained through military, industry or association service.
Please submit resumes to:
CeCe Thomas
Subject line entitled: "READ Executive Director | Resume Attached | [INSERT YOUR NAME]
Our mission is to cultivate, connect and advocate for experienced and aspiring black real estate developers.
Our intent is to increase market share for developers of color, establish a legacy pipeline, and to leverage the power of our allies and the development community’s collective resources to create a more coordinated and equitable development eco system for our community.