Area Director – Illinois & Cedar Rapids

About the role

Reporting to the Sr. Director, US Core, the Area Director (AD) is critical to the success of Members and Chapters of BNI®. The AD is actively engaged in team building, training, education, goal setting and attainment, and leading the Area Team to ensure business growth for members and the area. The AD sets the vision for the Area and develops a professional and positive culture, while focusing on ensuring that Members and Directors achieve their own business goals and have a positive impact on the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Support and Launch Teams within the Area.
• Actively identify, observe, and invite qualified candidates to learn more about the Ambassador and Director Programs, supporting the interview process to ensure candidates are coachable, compatible, and complementary to the Area and Regional teams.
• Ensure all Directors participate in and complete required training or orientation within their first 60 days on the team.
• Support each Leadership Development Coordinator (LDC) to achieve their goals efficiently and provide necessary resources.
• Conduct Weekly Success Calls with Chapter Leaders to discuss progress, training, and resources needed.
• Handle all questions and challenges from Directors and Ambassadors in a timely manner.
• Conduct Regional Team meetings focused on team bonding, education, coaching, and discussion of current topics.
• Manage LDCs in your region, including coordinating with the Regional Development Team or Regional Director to develop a market growth plan, recruit LDCs, and ensure they are trained and supported.
• Support launch initiatives and activities.
• Collaborate with your Member Success Concierge to ensure processes are followed, Member issues are resolved, and retention is addressed.
• Increase and retain Chapter memberships by ensuring every Chapter has a Goal Plan in place and providing resources and training.
• Plan and execute socials, trainings, and growth events within budget.
• Execute an annual Member/Chapter Recognition event and other national events as necessary.
• Provide additional first-year support and training for new Chapters.
• Prospect by attending networking events and developing a regional pipeline.
• Identify opportunities to improve retention and develop strategies to increase it.
• Ensure overall area success through a growth strategy consistent with ethical business practices.
• Participate in Weekly Success Calls with the Regional Director for education, training, and progress evaluation.
• Schedule, plan, and execute all required regional and area trainings and events.
• Plan and execute Chapter Success Trainings in September and Goal Planning Sessions in January.
• Schedule, plan, and execute monthly Leadership Team Roundtables focused on education, area reports, and best practices.
• Analyze summary reports and Traffic Lights reports in BNI Connect® monthly to assess and support Chapters.
• Conduct an annual goal planning/strategic planning session with your Regional Director and Regional Development Manager.
• Engage with the Member Relations Coordinator to address Member issues and develop training opportunities.
• Work with the Operations team to ensure administrative and operational duties are handled accurately and timely.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a people manager position.
• Experience in developing profitable strategies and implementing vision.
• Strong understanding of performance management principles.
• Familiarity with diverse business functions such as marketing and budgeting.
• Self-starter with outstanding organizational and leadership skills.
• Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and coach team members to reach their full potential.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• BNI Director for at least 1 year.
• Demonstrated success launching BNI Chapters.

Skills

• Communication: Convey information, ideas, and emotions clearly and professionally across different contexts and audiences.
• Leadership: Guide and motivate others, manage performance, set clear expectations, and foster a positive work environment.
• Creativity/Innovation: Think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, adapt to change, and engage in continuous learning.
• Conflict Resolution: Identify, address, and manage conflicts constructively through collaboration and problem-solving.
• Customer Service: Support and engage with customers to meet their needs, resolve issues, and foster positive relationships.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships to create trust and support.
• Business Acumen: Understand and apply business principles to make effective decisions and drive organizational success.
• Initiative: Assess and initiate tasks independently, take proactive action, and drive progress without constant direction.
• Accountability & Integrity: Take responsibility for actions and outcomes, meet commitments, and uphold strong moral principles.
• Performance Management: Oversee, evaluate, and enhance employee performance to align with organizational goals.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $70,000 to $75,000 plus a $25,000 Incentive Plan.

Schedule

This is a full-time position.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
• Repetitive motion involving substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.