Becoming a Community Association Manager

Are you curious about how to start a career as a community association manager (CAM)? Property management careers offer a lucrative path, and the demand for community association managers is steadily increasing. Discover the core duties involved and determine if a CAM role aligns with your career goals.

The All-Encompassing Role

If you thrive in a dynamic work environment where every day presents new challenges, a position as a CAM may be ideal for you. Community association managers are entrusted with the leadership and management of either a single building or community (as a site manager) or several communities (as a portfolio manager). This role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities focused on the community's daily operations, offering abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Unlike the typical 9-to-5 office job, a CAM engages in diverse activities such as managing association operations, overseeing maintenance of systems and equipment, handling finance and budgeting, delivering excellent customer service, and ensuring compliance. The role involves close collaboration with board members, community leaders, and homeowners, conducting inspections, hiring and supervising vendors, and managing budgets. Additionally, a CAM oversees maintenance, responds to emergencies, approves architectural changes, and ensures the seamless operation of the community. The essence of being a CAM is enhancing residents' lifestyles and overall quality of life, with no two days mirroring each other.

Curious about the training or educational background required? Interestingly, there are no specific educational qualifications needed to pursue this career.

No Degree Necessary

Community association managers are indeed versatile professionals, with no specific academic path required to enter the field. While many careers demand defined degrees or professional tracks, CAM roles and positions in property management do not impose such prerequisites.

Candidates often bring diverse backgrounds from industries such as retail, hospitality, or service sectors. What matters most are skills, capabilities, and a positive attitude, rather than specific previous job experiences.

Skills That Make a Difference

Key attributes for success in this field include strong leadership qualities, prompt responsiveness, effective listening, organizational and computer skills, and a focus on customer service. Ideal candidates excel in team-building, fostering relationships, and possess proactive, helpful, and empathetic dispositions. A strong drive and commitment to tasks are essential traits for effective CAMs.

Professional Certifications

While not a strict requirement to begin, many CAMs opt for professional certifications as they advance. Recognized organizations like the Community Associations Institute (CAI), Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and National Associated Builders and Owners (NABO) offer valuable credentials.

For example, CAI provides the CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) certification, necessary in certain states like Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. As experience grows, CAMs can earn additional certifications such as AMS (Association Management Specialist), PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager), and LSM (Large-Scale Manager).

IREM offers courses leading to CPM (Certified Property Manager) designations for large portfolio managers and ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) certification for those with smaller residential portfolios. NABO also provides certification for managing apartments, condominiums, or cooperative properties as a RAM (Registered in Apartment Management).

Achieving such certifications reflects adherence to high standards of training, skills, and ethics, enhancing professional value for both clients and employers.

Expanding Opportunities

Though not all may be well-versed in property and community management roles, this industry is rapidly expanding, creating numerous opportunities. With the steady growth in the development of residential communities across the U.S. and Canada, the need for proficient managers is soaring.

CAMs recognized for delivering exceptional service and performance enjoy job stability and are highly valued by board members and homeowners. The potential for career growth is significant, whether pursuing leadership roles within larger, more complex communities or transitioning to higher-level positions. Additionally, the role offers portability, enabling CAMs to explore new opportunities across urban and suburban areas in North America.

For those seeking a rewarding career filled with diversity, challenges, stability, and ample growth potential, a position as a property or community association manager may be the ideal fit.