Description

ELK RIVER PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Banner Elk, North Carolina

General Manager Search

 Operating under the mantra “Excellence Elevated” Elk River is a very unique beautiful gated community of homes, condominiums, cottages and homesites in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Elk River is a Seasonal Community, thus the population can fluctuate substantially from season to season. Located six miles from the Tennessee border, Elk River is just outside the town of Banner Elk and a short distance from the Beech Mountain Ski Resort. Beech Mountain is the highest ski resort in Eastern North America with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet. Elk River was designed beginning in 1982 “to create an environment for enjoying the abundance of life”. Elk River is located in a beautiful, but somewhat remote area of North Carolina. Perspective candidates need to acknowledge this factor when deciding to apply for this position.

Elk River Club: 

The Elk River Club sits within the gated community and has the following amenities: 

        Dining and Special Events

        Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Golf Course and Pro Shop

        Practice Range and Bear’s Den Golf Learning Center

        Thirty stall equestrian center with forty acres of pastures and paddocks and 140 acres of riding preserve

        Six Har-Tru Tennis Courts

        Swimming Pool and Wellness Center with Spa Services

Note: The Association has no oversight of the Club, but a close and healthy working relationship with the Club’s management is important. While Club Membership is not mandatory for Property Owners, all but about fifty Property Owners belong to the Club. 

Position History: 

The current General Manager, Bob Littleton, is retiring after more than eighteen years of service to the Community. During his service to Elk River, Bob has created an outstanding community culture. The new General Manager will be an energetic and experienced Association Management Professional that will have the opportunity to build on the solid foundation developed by Bob. The current General Manager will be available during 2026 to assist with the transition and on-going capital projects, many as the result of the significant damage inflicted on the Elk River Community by Hurricane Helene in 2024. 

Community Association Facts

Ownership:                                          Member Owned and Controlled 

Board Size:                                         Nine (9)

Committees:                                        Airport

                                                            Amenities

                                                            Architectural Review

                                                            Buildings and Grounds

                                                            Condo and Real Estate

                                                            Finance

                                                            Long Range Planning

                                                            Nominating

Total Acres:                                         Approximately 1,350

Total Properties:                                  362; 190 Homes, 97 Condos, 75 Undeveloped Lots

2025 Operating Budget:                     $3,478,877

Team Members:                                   16 Full Time; 15-20 Part Time/Seasonal         

Miles of Private Roadway:                   18

Security:                                              Gatehouse and Roving Patrol (unarmed)

Home Services:                                   Association provides a variety of individual services to Property Owners on a charge-back system        

Architectural Review:                         The Association has a robust Architectural Review Process. There are currently eleven houses under construction. The goal of                                                             the Architectural Review Process is to find a balance between community development and the landscape that surrounds it. 

Trash Pickup:                                      Provided at the house by the Association

Websites:                                             elkriverpoa.com

                                                            elkriverclubnc.com

Community Association Facilities: 

Airport:           

         Private, for Member and Guest Use Only 

        4,600 foot runway

        Private Hangers

        Daylight Use Only  

  River: 

        Mile of the Pristine Elk River

        Catch and Release Fly Fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout

 Trio of Parks:

        One for viewing the mountains

        One for children and grandchildren

        One for dogs 
      

Pickleball:

       Three courts 

Hiking/Biking Trails:    

       Diverse hiking and biking trail system

The Position:

The General Manager of the Elk River Property Owners Association is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association, working with a nine member Board of Directors that sets policy for the Association. They will have a passion for Association Management and have experience with shaping and enhancing association operations. The ideal candidate will understand and strive for superior service and exceptional standards of quality to deliver excellent Property Owner experiences. An eye for detail is critical, as is an eye for the future. 

A hands-on approach, visibility in the Community, along with building relationships are key attributes for the General Manager. The General Manager will often represent the Association in the community and will exhibit the highest level of personal and professional conduct both within and outside the Association. 

Preferred Qualifications for the New General Manager:

        Five plus years of community association management experience.

        Active Professional Community Association Management (PCAM and/or MCM) credentials. 

        Experience with community services, staffing and staff management,  roads and drainage, ice and snow management, architectural review process, access controls, insurance, strategic planning, replacement reserve plans, records management/retention and applicable legal services. 

        Ability to work on a high level with the utility companies servicing the community. 

        Solid track record with leadership in financial planning, budgeting, cost and efficiency management, resource/vendor management, contract negotiation and reserves management. 

        Demonstrated “hands-on” experience in managing community infrastructure and facilities. 

        Understanding of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

        Demonstrated track record of owner relations.

        Experience working and coordinating with local government officials. 

        Experience with contract management and building relationships with essential Contractors.

        Brings a track record of achieving goals and has a “can do” positive attitude. 

        Has a solid work ethic and high integrity, follows through on commitments, has common sense and does not take things personally. 

        Responsive rather than reactive. 

        Can positively guide the Board and Committees in a professional and respectful manner. 

 Key Characteristics Desired for the New General Manager:

        Strong, energized, respectful, competent, approachable dynamic leader. 

        Passion for the position with a positive, thoughtful demeanor.  

        Has an inclusive and participatory style that concludes with clear and concise direction to Team Members and Contractors and is followed-up by establishing goals/timelines and holding Team Members and Contractors accountable for performance.

        Will effectively represent the Association to public agencies and other external entities.

        Is a good listener and facilitator; is diplomatic and has a calming effect on people; can say “no” without offending.

        Understands the value of effective communication and has the ability to oversee a proactive approach to communicating with the membership. Must also have experience in training staff on the importance of timely communication and conflict resolution. 

        Radiates personal warmth, sincerity, empathy and caring towards residents and guests.

 Initial Priorities for the New Community Manager: 

        Gain a working knowledge of the Association’s governing documents. 

        Get a firm grasp on the Association budget and financials.

        Get to know Key Association Members and Team Members as quickly as possible, engaging them in a sincere and enthusiastic manner. 

        Get up-to-speed on all of the ongoing Association capital projects. 

        Begin to develop a working relationship with the Club. 

        Meet with Government Officials to establish channels of communication. 

 Additional Candidate Qualifications and Experience:

The expectation is that the integrity of the General Manager is foremost and that they will provide innovative, visionary and strategic leadership to the Board of Directors, Committees, Association Members and Team Members. They will be capable of recognizing and proactively anticipating trends and relevant impacts to the Association. 

The successful candidate will ensure that the Association is consistently striving to provide the best programs and service in the area, continually enhancing Elk River’s overall position in the High Country Region of North Carolina. 

Requirements

A college degree and certification as a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) and/or Master Community Manager (MCM) are preferred with five plus years’ experience in association management or an equivalent field. Elk River will offer a very competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Association will provide typical CAI/CMIA benefits and offers an excellent benefit package. The Board will consider entering into a multiple year Employment Agreement with the successful candidate. Prospective General Manager Candidates should email a resume and a detailed cover letter addressed to the Search Committee outlining how they align with the above noted qualifications and expectations for the position to the following:      

Jeffrey M. Evans

Management Matters, LLC

6302 Route 191, PO Box 529

Mountainhome, PA 18342

KaylaMgmtMatters@yahoo.com (Email)

570.350.3550 (Phone)

Note:   Kindly respond no later than February 3, 2026. A decision is expected by February 27, 2026. Target date for the New Community Manager to be on-site is March 30, 2026.