Area Director – Illinois & Cedar Rapids
Position Summary
The Area Director (AD) plays a critical role in the success of BNI® Members and Chapters. The AD is responsible for team building, training, education, goal setting, and leading the Area Team to ensure business growth.
Roles and Responsibilities
Develop and lead the Support and Launch Teams within the Area
Identify, observe, and invite qualified candidates to learn more about the Ambassador and Director Programs
Support the interview process and ensure candidates are coachable, compatible, and a good fit for the Area and Regional teams
Ensure all Directors participate in and complete required training or orientation within their first 60 days on the team
Conduct a Weekly Success Call with Chapter Leaders to discuss progress, training, and resources needed
Conduct Regional Team meetings to create a strong team bond and provide necessary education, coaching, and discussion of current topics
Manage the LDCs in your regions, including coordinating with the Regional Development Team or Regional Director to develop a market growth plan, recruit LDCs, ensure they are trained and supported to achieve their goals
Support launch initiatives and activities
Collaborate with Member Success Concierge to ensure processes are followed and effective, provide necessary first-year Member support, assist with growth and training initiatives, and address retention issues
Increase and retain Chapter memberships to grow the Area
Ensure every Chapter in the area has a Goal Plan in place and support the plan by providing resources and training
Understand the training needs of Chapters and provide appropriate training as needed
Execute an annual Member/Chapter Recognition event and other recognition or national events as necessary
Prospect by attending other networking events and developing a regional pipeline
Identify opportunities to improve retention and develop and execute a strategy to increase it
Ensure overall area success through a growth strategy consistent with ethical business practices
Develop and maintain a professional and positive culture in your area
Participate in a Weekly Success Call with the Regional Director to educate, train, evaluate progress, and answer questions
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
Analyze the respective summary reports and Traffic Lights reports in BNI Connect® monthly to assess needed support for all Chapters in your area
Communicate the region’s goals during a Regional Team Meeting
Engage with Member Relations Coordinator regularly to ensure Member issues are appropriately addressed, identify and develop internal and external training and process opportunities to reduce the number of issues in the area
Work with the Operations team to ensure administrative and operational duties are handled in a timely and accurate manner
Demonstrated Competencies
Communication – Capacity to convey information, ideas, and emotions in a clear, professional, and engaging manner across different contexts, audiences, and mediums. Focuses include listening actively, adapting tone and style, and understanding the social and emotional dynamics involved.
Leadership – Guiding and motivating others, performance management, setting clear expectations, and fostering a positive work environment. Making sound decisions and developing buy-in through trust and vision.
Creativity/Innovation – Capacity to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas. Adapting to change and engaging in continuous learning and critical thinking to promote the growth of the individual and the organization.
Conflict Resolution – Ability to identify, address, and manage conflicts constructively. This often involves fostering collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Customer Service – Ability to effectively support and engage with customers to meet their needs, resolve issues, and foster positive relationships. Focuses on blending interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Relationship Building – Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
Business Acumen – Ability to understand and apply business principles and concepts to make effective decisions and drive organization success, essentially how a business operates, makes money, and how individuals within that business contribute to its overall success.
Initiative – Ability to assess and initiate things independently. Takes proactive action, drives progress without needing constant direction, self-motivated. Has resourcefulness and a willingness to go beyond assigned tasks.
Accountability & Integrity – Ability to take responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes, ensuring commitments are met, and learning from mistakes. Honest and having strong moral principles.
Performance Management – Ability to effectively oversee, evaluate, and enhance employee performance to align with organization goals. Setting expectations, providing feedback, and fostering continuous improvement.
Required 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 each team member 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