The Role of the HOA Vice President
A set of board members governs every homeowner's association. While the structure of the HOA board can vary from community to community, the positions more or less remain the same across a majority of them. Generally, the HOA board is headed by the president, followed by the vice president. If you intend to run for the position of vice president, it is imperative to know what the job entails. Read on to learn the roles of the HOA vice president.
1. When the President is Out, the VP is In
The primary duty of the vice president is to stand in as the president when the latter is absent or unable to tend to their tasks. As such, the responsibilities of the HOA vice president are similar to those of the president.
When the president is unavailable, the vice president takes over tasks such as overseeing board meetings and annual meetings, heading the preparation of the annual budget, and approving large expenditures. It can also include signing checks and contracts or other vital documents requiring the president's signature.
If you have an HOA management company, the vice president must also act as the liaison between them and the association when the president is not around. The day-to-day operational tasks that the president is usually in charge of fall under the vice president's area of responsibility.
Given how important the president's job is, it is good for the VP to shadow the president for some time which will help the vice president familiarize themselves with the specifics of the position. In many cases, the HOA management company assumes control over the association's day-to-day operations, which relieves much of the burden from the president's shoulders.
2. The VP Heads the HOA Committees
Because the VP's primary job is to fill in for the president, there is some level of uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the position.
The vice president acts primarily as support, though many associations specify that the VP is responsible for heading and liaising with committees which give committees some direction and adds help.
For instance, Architectural Review Committees (ARC) tend to receive countless requests in larger communities. The vice president can serve as the middleman of sorts between the board and the ARC for when these applications need approval. The vice president can also double-check the committee's recommendation and make sure it complies with the HOA's governing documents.
3. The VP Performs Delegated Tasks
The HOA president often has a lot on their plate, thereby needing an extra set of eyes and hands, which is where the VP comes in. The vice president will carry out any tasks delegated to them by the president, which may involve organizing social events, overseeing maintenance, securing bids from vendors, and coordinating with third parties. If your association has employees, the vice president may also be in charge of managing them.
Qualities of an Effective HOA Board Vice President
Because the vice president essentially acts as a substitute for the president, the person in this position must possess the same qualities as a good president. What are these qualities?
A good VP must know how to lead and delegate tasks. Thus, they must possess excellent leadership skills. Consistency is another important quality in a VP, especially regarding rule enforcement. When the president is absent, the vice president takes over.
Communication is equally vital, not just for the VP but for every board member.
Homeowners associations are also vulnerable to disputes. As such, the vice president must know how to mediate between parties, weigh out cases objectively, and make impartial decisions.
Because the VP can also sign checks and give go signals for large expenditures when the president is out, another essential quality is honesty and integrity in all financial matters.
An effective HOA vice president is willing to learn, knows how to cooperate, is not afraid to ask for help, and always puts the community's best interests first. If you want to run for the position of HOA vice president, it is essential to work on these qualities.
Contact Condominium Associates Today!
While there is some confusion concerning the role of the HOA vice president, it nevertheless remains an important job. Unfortunately, many HOA boards find it hard to juggle their duties with their responsibilities, and this is where an HOA management company can help.
Your board can delegate most of its tasks to an experienced management team with professional services. Your board will still retain the sole ability to make significant decisions. Contact Condominium Associates today for more information.