The International Facility Management Association is the world's largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals, supporting over 24,000 members in more than 100 countries. Since its founding in 1980, IFMA has guided facility management through its evolution from an underdefined and unrepresented occupation to a respected global industry. IFMA’s journey is comprised of groundbreaking achievements.
Through online and in-person education and training, three credential programs, industry research and benchmarking, the Knowledge Library, career and job resources, networking and knowledge-sharing, industry-leading publications, awards, and global events, IFMA is the ultimate resource for facility management professionals, as well as the leader in promoting excellence in the management of the work environment.
IFMA provides training and credentialing options based on the 11 core competencies of facility management. The organization is an ANAB Accredited Certificate Issuer under ANSI/ASTM 2659-18, an ANAB Accredited Personnel Certification Body under ISO/IEC 17024 and an IACET Accredited Provider since 2008.IFMA’s training and credential options are available to both members and nonmembers worldwide and are also recognized and made available through the U.S. Federal Government U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) procurement schedule. The credentials include:
The Facility Management Professional (FMP) is the foundational certificate designed for facility professionals looking to strengthen their hard and soft skills in facility management.
The Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) certificate is the leading credential for FMs to meet the increased needs for sustainable facility operations and support their organization’s environmental responsibility.
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is the globally recognized certification that experienced FMs can use to showcase their mastery of skills and knowledge across the entire FM body of knowledge.
IFMA has a dedicated staff who support the professional needs of its members. In addition to IFMA's headquarters located in Houston, TX, IFMA has another office in Washington, D.C. Together with the IFMA Foundation, the association brings educational, informational, and networking resources directly to members across the globe.
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for leadership, strategic direction and overall management of the organization toward the achievement of IFMA’s annual goals and objectives. The CEO serves as the primary liaison to the Global Board of Directors, and provides board representation for Global FM, the IFMA Foundation, and IFMA EMEA. Additionally, the CEO is responsible for recruiting, retaining, and motivating a high-performing, geographically dispersed staff of 65 while managing the organization’s resources, including a $15+ million annual budget, long-term investment portfolio, employee 401k program, and overall operations according to best business practices.
U.S. residency will be required for the CEO, with regular travel expected in the role.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to
IFMA Global Board of Directors
Direct reports
Chief Operating Officer Executive Administrative Services Officer Chief Financial Officer Executive Director, Business Development Executive Director, Government Affairs Executive Director, IFMA Foundation Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Senior Director, Professional Development Managing Director, IFMA EMEA
Other key relationships
Current and prospective members of IFMA IFMA Foundation Other related trade associations and nonprofit organizations Relevant legislative and regulatory bodies at the state and federal level International industry organizations
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Work with the Board to develop and lead the team to execute a clear and compelling global strategy that aligns with IFMA’s mission and leverages and responds to the needs of the organization's member network.
Global Industry Representation: Serve as a global spokesperson for IFMA and elevate IFMA’s reputation and brand globally.
Advance the IFMA Culture: Lead a diverse global team, committed to achieving organization-wide goals. Nurture a collaborative environment, embracing different perspectives, and enhancing member and employee engagement while ensuring accountability at all levels.
Technology Management: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital transformation, to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge; internally, ensure implementation of technology solutions remains current and efficient. Ensures IFMA’s digital infrastructure is secure, reliable, and scalable, with robust systems in place for data management, privacy, and cybersecurity.
Financial Management: Focus on strategic growth to ensure financial sustainability while expanding IFMA's global presence and impact. Drive profitability and ensure accountability with financial rigor, leveraging the Board for strategic input.
Stakeholder Engagement: Listen and learn proactively from diverse stakeholders to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration both within and beyond IFMA's membership. Serve as a connector of knowledge, ideas, and networks.
Board Relations: Partner with the Global Board of Directors collaboratively, by cultivating trusting relationships and ensuring consistent communications toward achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Clarity and alignment with the Board of Directors on IFMA’s strategic plan and vision to ensure IFMA is a modern, attractive association that helps members advance personally and professionally through career development, learning, networking opportunity, and leadership development.
Engaged and expanded membership, with significant market share growth globally.
Diversified revenue streams that support the organization’s long-term financial stability and relevance in a dynamic industry.
A healthy organizational culture that continues the recruitment and retention of a high-performing team, providing inspiration, guidance, and ongoing professional development opportunities for all.
Greater awareness of the IFMA brand globally as the go-to resource for facilities management expertise for the media, legislators and regulators, related nonprofit organizations, and current and prospective members.
Investment in innovative approaches to enhance training and credentialing programs.
Improved technology-enabled solutions to enhance member experiences, deliver value-added services, and facilitate knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
Enhanced integration and collaboration between the association and the foundation.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
IFMA seeks a dynamic and visionary leader who will steer IFMA towards future global growth and increased impact. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional strategic planning abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven record of successful leadership within a membership-driven organization. Working collaboratively with IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, the President and CEO will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of the association's operations, driving growth, innovation, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for its members and stakeholders.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
Executive-level management experience Experience leading and managing a global membership-driven organization of similar size, scope and complexity, with diverse constituencies; experience managing budgets and ensuring financial sustainability.
Experience driving growth and impact Has developed and implemented innovative initiatives that result in increased revenue and member value.
Experience serving as the face and voice of an organization A strong communicator with the ability to articulate a compelling vision for digital innovation and engage diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of the built environment Experience working within a field related to facility management; at minimum, a proven ability to quickly come up to speed on a new industry and issue set.
Education and credentials Bachelor's degree in business administration, association management, or related field required; advanced degree and/or CAE credential preferred.
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Acting Strategically
Works closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a forward-looking strategic vision that drives IFMA’s growth.
Leverages business models by anticipating and addressing industry trends and challenges, including those related to technology and digital disruption.
Adapts to effectively communicate with different target markets – geopolitically and at different strata in the industry.
Understands the evolution of the facility management industry and ensures IFMA products and services evolve and grow at the same pace.
Collaborating and Influencing
Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with members, sponsors, and other stakeholders, leveraging digital communication channels and platforms to enhance engagement and collaboration.
Takes advantage of opportunities to build strategic and productive partnerships with other national and international organizations.
Effectively tells the story of the facility management industry and advocates on behalf of the profession.
Engages others in open dialogue and adapts own influence approach to different stakeholders in ways that address their interests or concerns.
Leading People
Inspires a high-performing and collegial team and drives effective execution against IFMA’s short-and long-term goals.
Models and supports a strong member-focused, collaborative culture throughout the organization.
Maintains adaptability and resilience in the face of industry changes and uncertainties.
COMPENSATION
The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $300,000 - $350,000.
Actual base salary and incentives will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
THE SEARCH PROCESS
IFMA has retained Spencer Stuart and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. If you wish to submit your application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer, please send an email message with supporting materials to: IFMACEO@spencerstuart.com.
IFMA is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages workplace diversity. IFMA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
About International Facility Management Association
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world's largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals, supporting over 24,000 members in more than 100 countries. Since its founding in 1980, IFMA has guided facility management through its evolution from an underdefined and unrepresented occupation to a respected global industry.