Trade Association Ceo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T3 Sixty has a client who is seeking an Association CEO in Albquerque, New Mexico.

The CEO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Association’s day-to-day operations, including staff administration and development, budget preparation assistance, membership support, purchasing, and compliance with industry regulations. As the face of the organization, the CEO needs to be personable and able to maintain positive interactions with members, staff, and the public, collaborating regularly with the Board of Directors to achieve the organization's mission and objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to develop, refine, and monitor association strategy and goals, while upholding governance best practices through transparent communication, timely reporting, and ensuring volunteer leaders have the information, context, and analysis needed to make well-informed strategic decisions.
2. Facilitate implementation of objectives and operations through collaboration with the Board of Directors to determine the association’s vision, strategic outcomes and innovation strategy.
3. In partnership with the CFO, ensure the long-term financial health of the organization by setting strategic direction for non-dues revenue growth, operational efficiency, and multi-year financial planning.
4. Build and sustain a high-performing staff culture grounded in clear expectations, accountability, and measurable results
5. Develop staff positions based on envisioned real estate industry needs, and oversee performance management, leadership development, and succession planning to ensure organizational continuity and long-term retention of top talent.
6. Work with the MLS Director to maintain the MLS as the leading source of real estate data and technology services in New Mexico, while continuing to identify opportunities for innovation and improved member value.
7. Serve as a primary leadership bridge between the Association and Southwest MLS, fostering a productive and aligned relationship through consistent communication, shared strategic priorities, and collaborative decision-making that advances the interests of both organizations and the members they serve.
8. Build strong relationships with the leadership of the local, state and national association, association staff, and appropriate government officials in the community.
9. Maximize the Event Center as a strategic asset by driving utilization, profitability, and member value, with accountability for performance reporting and long-term revenue contribution.
10. Oversee the University Pointe property as a strategic organizational asset, managing lease obligations, tenant relations, and facility requests while ensuring the building's performance supports the financial health and long-term interests of the association.
11. Operate within the approve budget and ensure all funds, physical assets and other Association property are safeguarded.
12. Support member recruitment, retention and orientation.
13. Attend board of director meetings.
14. Attend state and national meetings.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years senior executive leadership experience, with association, MLS, trade association, or membership organization experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required, and CPA and/or a graduate degree are desirable
• Demonstrated understanding of association industry dynamics, including market trends and regulatory landscape
• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, decision-making, problem-solving, budgeting and communication
• Proven experience in managing budgets, revenue streams, and financial planning
• Demonstrated experience with the use of technology to accomplish the goals and mission of an organization.
• Skilled in organizational development and personnel management
• Proven ability to lead and manage staff
• The ability to multitask and pivot quickly with the rapidly changing industry

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an empathetic, approachable leader who combines proven executive leadership with the communication skills and personal warmth to bring members along through change. Someone who not only navigates change effectively but communicates it clearly, proactively and in a way that respects members' time, livelihoods and intelligence. This role demands a CEO who can both support and elevate the organization through positive, proactive leadership. The Association has built meaningful momentum, and the next CEO must sustain and accelerate it.

This person is a visible, engaged presence, not a background operator. They lead from the front, inspire rather than manage, and bring staff and members with them rather than leaving them to absorb decisions after the fact. They understand that how change is communicated is as important as the change itself, and they have a demonstrated ability to build consensus and manage transitions with transparency and care.

The right candidate brings deep knowledge of advocacy-based work, association governance and the complexity of serving a volunteer leadership structure. They foster a culture of inclusion across both staff and membership, have a track record of strong employee retention and understand that a high-functioning board and a high-functioning CEO office move in partnership. Someone who will honor the trust of volunteer leaders, elevate the Association's standing and ensure the progress already underway does not skip a beat.