A community association manager, also known as a CAM, is a professional who is responsible for managing the operations of a community association. A community association is typically a group of property owners who live in a common area and share common amenities, such as a pool, clubhouse, or park. This could include planned communities, condominiums, and cooperatives. A community association manager serves as the liaison between the property owners and the board of directors, ensuring that the community association functions smoothly and effectively.
One of the primary responsibilities of a community association manager is overseeing the maintenance of the property. This includes managing vendors and contractors who perform maintenance services, ensuring that the common areas are clean and well-maintained, and addressing any maintenance issues that arise. A community association manager is also responsible for ensuring that the property complies with all applicable laws and regulations, such as safety codes, building codes, and environmental regulations.
Another key responsibility of a community association manager is enforcing the rules and regulations of the association. Community associations typically have a set of bylaws and regulations that govern how the community is managed, and the community association manager is responsible for enforcing these rules. This could include issuing warnings or fines to property owners who violate the rules, as well as working with the board of directors to revise the rules as needed.
Managing the finances of the community association is another critical responsibility of the community association manager. This includes developing and managing the annual budget, collecting dues and fees from property owners, and ensuring that the association's financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The community association manager must also work with the board of directors to identify potential revenue streams and cost-saving measures that can help the association operate more efficiently.
In addition to these primary responsibilities, a community association manager may also be responsible for other tasks, such as organizing community events, maintaining records of association meetings, and working with insurance providers to ensure that the association has adequate coverage.
To become a community association manager, an individual typically needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with some experience in property management or a related field. Many community association managers also have a bachelor's degree in business, real estate, or a related field. In some states, community association managers are required to be licensed or certified, which typically involves completing a training program and passing an exam.
In summary, a community association manager plays a critical role in managing the daily operations of a community association. They are responsible for overseeing maintenance, enforcing rules and regulations, and managing finances. By ensuring that the community association functions smoothly and effectively, a community association manager helps to create a positive living environment for property owners and contributes to the overall success of the community.