THE ORGANIZATION

The Residential Real Estate Council (RRC), formerly known as the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), was established in 1976 to provide real estate brokers with shared knowledge and tools. Recognizing the need for advanced education, the Council developed training courses for sales agents and established the Certified Residential Specialist Designation. 

Headquartered in downtown Chicago, the RRC is recognized as the leading provider of real estate education and networking for residential real estate agents, and the CRS Designation is considered the most prestigious designations a real estate agent can achieve.

With an annual operating budget of over $9M, the organization is led by a dynamic CEO and an engaged senior leadership team who share a vision to be the premier Education, Business and Networking resource to all Realtors® and International Real Estate Professionals.

THE POSITION

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a respected and engaged leader, responsible for much of the revenue that sustains the organization including membership dues, education, advertising, subscriptions and sponsorships. The CMO plays a critical role on the senior leadership team, participating in crafting growth strategies and implementing plans. The CMO will supervise a staff of 7 skilled individuals. The CMO will lead by example: demonstrating expert knowledge of the field; utilizing professional communications and management skills that will empower and motivate; providing support and direction; and establishing strong and effective working relationships among all staff, senior management, trustees, members, stakeholders and various partner organizations. This person will continue to foster the inclusive and flexible culture established by RRC leadership.

The CMO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The CMO directs, develops, and guides the marketing and communication activities of the RRC. Working collaboratively with a diverse team, the CMO creates and manages cross-organizational, integrated marketing strategies. The CMO develops positive relationships with partners, vendors and other organizations, focuses on developing and promoting new products and services; develops and maintains budgets for all marketing, communication, business and product development activities.

Specific objectives of this position include:

• Implementation of programs that will advance the educational and membership goals of the organization.
• Development of strategic direction of the marketing and communications department and marketing and communication activities of the Council.
• Development and maintenance of a strategic perspective – based on marketplace and members needs and satisfaction – in organizational direction, programs and services and decision making to ensure the overall health and vitality of the Council.

As a member of the senior management team, the CMO will play a pivotal role in further defining the organization within the residential real estate industry. The CMO interacts with Council leadership at the highest level, including providing reports to the Board of Directors and key committees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, the CMO will have responsibilities in the areas of:

Operations:

• Responsible for the implementation of RRC’s Strategic Plan as it pertains to Marketing and Communications department.
• Responsible for developing short- and long-term plans and budget for the department, monitor progress and assure adherence.
• Responsible for reviewing activities, costs and operations to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives.
• Responsible for setting and reviewing performance expectations for the Marketing and Communications team.
• Responsible for creating an environment conducive to development of effective team.
• Responsible for staffing Mastermind Division providing Council members an opportunity to advise Board of Directors around best practices.
• Help formulate and administer policies to ensure the integrity of the Council.

 Leadership:

• Manage in a matrix environment to create a high functioning team.
• Demonstrate flexibility and curiosity enabling an adaptable work environment.
• Manage, motivate, challenge and delegate to others.
• Maintain a positive workplace environment and a highly motivated staff through effective leadership and empowerment of employees.
• Provide for the proper staffing and leadership of marketing, communications, business and product development, which provides shared services for other CRS departments.
• Represent the RRC, as directed by the CEO at Council’s events and other external and internal audiences.

Marketing, Communications and Public Relations:

• Create, implement and measure all marketing, communications and public relations programs that will grow membership and grow revenue, enhance the Council’s image and position within the marketplace, and facilitate all Council’s marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, etc.
• Build on a RRC’s already strong brand identity, and ensure the Council’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout the Council, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies
• Identify new opportunities to further extend and define the Council’s brand to significantly increase Council’s membership nationally and internationally.

Business and Product Development:

• Identify new partnerships and revenue, sources such as sponsorship, advertising or exhibits to support development of new products and services.
• Generate new business through both internal and external marketing and communication campaigns.