Opportunity
The American Real Estate Society (ARES) is seeking an Executive Director with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. ARES is at an inflection point in its organizational development and is actively evaluating alternative operating models for this role, including both a traditional volunteer service model and a more professionalized structure. The applicant pool and proposals received will inform the final structure of the position.
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Society, with responsibility for all non-academic aspects of its operation, including day-to-day management, financial oversight, conference coordination, member services, fundraising, legal matters, and marketing. The role also carries a strategic dimension: ARES expects the incoming Executive Director to bring a clear vision for the Society's future and a concrete plan for how to advance it.
Role Structure & Compensation
ARES is open to different structures for this role, with an initial term of 3 to 5 years. Candidates are invited to propose an approach aligned with one of the following pathways:
Path A — Service-Based Executive Director (Volunteer or Partially Compensated):
Historically fulfilled by a senior academic on a volunteer basis. The time commitment will depend significantly on the administrative support structure the candidate proposes. ARES recognizes that prior estimates of 20 to 30 hours per week reflected limited administrative support, and expects that an appropriately resourced Executive Director can operate more efficiently.
Path B — Professional Executive Director (Full-Time or Near Full-Time):
Market-based compensation with incentive components tied to fundraising and growth. Greater emphasis on revenue generation, sponsorship development, and proactive organizational leadership.
Candidates under either path are encouraged to propose the administrative support structure they believe necessary to fulfill the role effectively, including supporting administrative, financial, marketing, and IT functions. The Society currently employs an Assistant Director for IT & Member Services Support, Lucas Strevig, who provides criticaloperational and member-facing support; the Society is highly satisfied with Mr. Strevig and intends to retain this position.
For full consideration proposals are due by May 15, 2026. Please email your proposals to George Cashman, chair of the search committee, at George.Cashman@marquette.edu. If you have any questions, you can contact George at 806-789-8326.
Key Responsibilities
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Day-to-day operational management, including oversight of the ARES website, member management system, and appointed officer coordination
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Financial oversight: annual budget development, expenditure approval, and coordination with the Treasurer
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Conference management: spring and fall meetings, including coordination with the Program Chair and meeting planner
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Fundraising and development: cultivation and stewardship of corporate sponsorships and major gifts at the Sponsors, Regents, and President's Council levels
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Legal and governance: contract execution and maintenance of organizational documents
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Marketing and communications: website, newsletter, e-announcements, and event dissemination
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Succession and onboarding: identification and onboarding of appointed officers, committee members, and industry board seats
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Strategic leadership: advancing ARES's visibility, membership growth, and long-term organizational effectiveness
Qualifications
ARES welcomes candidates from academic and professional backgrounds. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Experience in fundraising, sponsorship development, or external relations
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Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder organizations or programs
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Familiarity with academic associations, scholarly publishing, or professional societies
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Background in real estate, finance, or the built environment (preferred)
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Strong operational, communication, and relationship management skills
Application Process
ARES invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest. Applicants should submit a current CV, a cover letter, and a proposal of no more than five pages addressing:

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Relevant experience and qualifications
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Proposed operating model (Path A or Path B) and administrative support structure
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A strategic vision for ARES, including the candidate’s assessment of the Society’s current position and the meaningful steps needed to advance it
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Projected cost estimate, including any proposed compensation and resource plan
While our preference is for the duties to be fulfilled by a single person, we will seriously consider proposals from independent contractors to fulfill all or parts of these duties. Nominations, applications, and expressions of interest should be directed to George Cashman, Chair of the ARES Search Committee, at:
http://www.ares.org/page/ARESPositions
About ARES
The American Real Estate Society (ARES), founded in 1985, is the leading global real estate research and education organization, dedicated to producing and disseminating knowledge related to real estate decision making and market functioning. ARES serves over 1,400 members drawn from academia and the profession, publishes six peer-reviewed journals, and hosts an annual meeting featuring over 200 paper presentations, 18 panel sessions, a Doctoral Seminar, and a Critical Issues Seminar organized in partnership with major industry trade associations. ARES also supports seven affiliate regional societies representing every continent, with a combined membership of approximately 3,000.