Cultivating the Next General of Leadership in Illinois REALTORS®

The Advanced Leadership Development Program is an immersive, next-level experience designed for Illinois REALTORS® members who have demonstrated a commitment to association service and are ready to expand their leadership impact. Through in-depth learning, interactive experiences and practical application, participants will strengthen their self-awareness, communication, strategic thinking, financial stewardship, crisis leadership and ability to build trust and influence others. The program also offers opportunities to gain a broader perspective on local, state and national association leadership, connect with accomplished peers and apply new skills to real-world challenges—preparing participants to take on greater responsibility and help shape the future of Illinois REALTORS®.

Eligibility Requirements

Are You Ready to Lead?

  • Committee Participation: Applicants must have actively served on at least three different state committees or forums within the last three years, demonstrating a commitment to Illinois REALTORS® and its initiatives;
  • Leadership Experience: Candidates should have held the position of chair for at least one Illinois REALTORS® committee or forum within the past five years, showcasing their leadership abilities and experience in guiding teams.
  • Event Participation: Applicants must have attended a minimum of two Illinois REALTORS® marquee events each year over the past two years, reflecting ongoing engagement with the association and its members. Marquee events include Winter, Spring and Fall Conferences, and Capitol Conference.
  • National Involvement: Candidates should have served on a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) committee for each of the past two years, highlighting their active involvement at the national level.
  • RPAC Investment: Applicants must have been a REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Major Investor for the past two years, demonstrating a commitment to advocacy and the real estate profession.

Preferred Criteria

  • Program Completion: Successful completion of the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Program is preferred, indicating foundational leadership training, however, is not specifically required. By meeting these requirements, candidates

Ineligible: Generally, the Advanced Leadership Development Program is designed to help train the state association’s next generation of leaders. As such, the state association’s most experienced volunteers are not considered ideal candidates for the program. Accordingly, Past Presidents and those IR Board of Directors members who have served more than one full (3-year) term are considered ineligible.

By meeting these requirements, candidates will be well-prepared to contribute to and benefit from the Advanced Leadership Development Program, fostering a new generation of leaders within Illinois REALTORS®.

Explore the Modules

The Advanced Leadership Development Program will include more than 30 hours of learning. Participants will strengthen the skills advanced association leadership requires. They will gain greater self-awareness, understand how their behavior and motivations affect others, and learn to communicate and build trust across different leadership styles.

Modules 1 & 2

Thurs., Jan. 21, 2027 | 11a.m. – 3 p.m

REengage Winter Conference
Bloomington-Normal Marriott

Selected Leadership Book Discussion

Complementing this experience, participants will engage with a selected leadership book to deepen their understanding of key concepts and reflect on their personal leadership style. Each participant will share key takeaways, insights, and practical applications from their reading with the class, fostering peer learning and meaningful discussion. Together, the capstone and leadership book components reinforce the integration of theory and practice while strengthening communication and thought leadership skills.

Leadership Development Kickoff

This foundational session introduces participants to the leadership development program and explores what effective leadership looks like within Illinois REALTORS®. Participants will discuss the importance of trust and receive an introduction to the DISC, Motivators, and Emotional Intelligence sections of their TriMetrix HD assessment.

Commitments

Participants Need to Know

  • Attendance: Participants are required to confirm their availability for all modules when they apply for the program. Any approved participant that misses more than one module during the program will be removed from the program without a refund.

  • Tuition: The Advanced Leadership Development Program: Next Level Series requires a registration fee of $800. If selected, participants will be required to pay the tuition fee upon acceptance.

  • Travel Reimbursement: The Advanced Leadership Development Program: Next Level Series requires participants to travel throughout Illinois. Hotel accommodation will be provided by Illinois REALTORS® to program participants for those days associated with program modules, however, no other travel reimbursement will be provided.

  • Application: The application questions matter. Applicants are asked to provide thorough, thoughtful responses, not simply to complete a form, but to help us understand your leadership experience, your goals, what you have learned from challenges, and why you are ready for this opportunity. Give the selection committee a clear picture of who you are as a leader and where you want to grow.

  • References: Every applicant must submit three letters of reference. One must come from a member of your local association. The second must come from a member of another local association or from another state. The third must come from a member who served with you on a committee or forum that you chaired.

    Letters of Reference are another great opportunity for applicants to set themselves apart. Encourage those writing on your behalf to provide substantive examples of your leadership qualities that they have personally experienced.

Step Forward

Do not wait for someone else to take the next step.

Apply before Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.

It is important that applicants provide thorough responses to questions contained in the application. The number of spots available are limited so applicants should use every opportunity to set themselves apart by giving thoughtful, substantive answers when called for.

Letters of Reference: All candidates must submit three endorsement letters: 1) one from a member of your local association; 2) one from a member of another local association or different state; 3) one from a member who has served with you on a committee or forum you have chaired.

Letters of Reference are another great opportunity for applicants to set themselves apart. Encourage those writing on your behalf to provide substantive examples of your leadership qualities that they have personally experienced.