Description

FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (FIPOA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager (GM) to lead this distinguished Lowcountry community in Saint Helena, South Carolina. With its natural beauty, resort-style amenities, and strong community atmosphere, Fripp Island provides an excellent environment for a proactive, service-oriented leader. The General Manager will oversee daily operations, including overseeing finances, leading staff, and maintaining homeowner relations, all while working closely with the Board to execute strategic plans. This presents a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, established community (since 1983) that values professionalism, innovation, and hospitality.

ABOUT FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (FIPOA)
AND COMMUNITY
Fripp Island is a 6.5 square mile barrier island located on the Atlantic coast within the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Fripp is approximately 21 miles from Beaufort, 96 miles south of Charleston, and 65 miles north of Savannah, Georgia. Our 3,000-acre gated community is a designated wildlife sanctuary that combines scenic coastal nature and beach access with an appealing array of real estate options, resort services, and recreational amenities. The island currently consists of more than 2,000 properties.
Fripp Island provides a diverse and active lifestyle backed by a committed association that maintains the community’s beauty, safety, and quality of life.

The Fripp Island Property Owners Association (FIPOA) is a non-profit entity governed by a Board of Directors (BOD) in accordance with the Association Covenants, Bylaws, Resolutions and relevant government (Federal, State, and local) requirements.

FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION BY THE NUMBERS
Approximately 2000 total lots with 90% build out of homes and condominiums.
Association fees $1390 per year for all property owners.
Approximately 20% of properties (600 members) are occupied year-round.
Approximately 900 properties are short term rentals for vacationing families.
There are 10 board members serving staggered three-year terms.
The average age of members is 55 years.
The Fripp Island Public Service District (FIPSD), created in 1962, is the local government entity responsible for essential infrastructure on Fripp Island, SC, including water supply, wastewater treatment, fire protection, erosion control, and maintenance of the Fripp Inlet Bridge.
Committees include:
   Architectural Review Board (ARB); 
   Finance
   Elections
   Appeals
   Roads, Bridges, & Drainage
   Shoreline
   Wildlife, Environment, & Grounds
   Legal
Direct reports include:
   Chief of Security
   Assistant GM/ARB Coordinator
   Operations Manager
   Administrative Assistant
   Communications Assistant

FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (FIPOA) WEBSITE
https://www.frippislandliving.com

GENERAL MANAGER – POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors through the Association President, the GM is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and daily operations of the Association. This includes managing core POA functions such as financial oversight, member services, covenant enforcement, infrastructure/common area maintenance, security, staff leadership, and support for the Board and committees.
Although the golf course, food and beverage operations, and tennis facility are operated
independently by the Fripp Island Resort, the GM plays a vital coordinating role, maintaining strong relationships with these providers to ensure alignment with community standards, responsiveness to resident feedback, and an integrated approach to delivering a high-quality living experience.

The GM must be a visible and approachable leader within the community – friendly, diplomatic, and attentive to the needs of residents, staff, and stakeholders. Building trust through consistent communication, prompt follow-up, and transparency will be crucial. The GM is expected to foster a collaborative team environment among staff, support
effective governance with the Board and committees, and oversee the implementation of policies, projects, and long-term plans that preserve and enhance Fripp Island’s unique character.

This role requires strong administrative, organizational, and financial management skills, along with a hands-on approach to operational excellence. The GM will oversee budget development and forecasting, manage contracts and vendors, lead staff, guide reserve planning and capital projects, and ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable laws. The ideal candidate will also have a forward-thinking mindset – leveraging technology and process improvements to enhance service delivery, communication, and community engagement. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential. The GM will represent the POA professionally and
credibly, engaging comfortably with a wide range of individuals – from members to contractors to government agencies. In partnership with the Board, the GM will help define and execute a clear strategic vision for Fripp Island’s future, balancing operational excellence with the evolving needs of a vibrant and diverse community.

INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
The following priorities have been identified for likely initial focus:

Establish Strong Relationships
Build trust and open lines of communication with the Board of Directors, staff, members, Fripp Island Resort, and key vendors.
Conduct introductory meetings with community stakeholders to understand current
dynamics and expectations.

Review Governance and Operational Documents
Familiarize yourself with the community’s governing documents, rules and regulations, strategic plans, and past Board decisions.
Ensure compliance with state laws, association policies, and best practices in POA management.

Assess Facilities and Infrastructure
Evaluate the condition, usage, and operational efficiency of all amenities and property, including the playgrounds, roads, bridges, basketball court, common areas, etc.
Identify any immediate maintenance or safety concerns and begin planning for short- and long-term improvements.

Review Financial Health and Budgeting Processes
Analyze current budgets, financial statements, reserve funds, and contracts.
Begin preparing for the next budget cycle with a focus on transparency, sustainability, and proactive reserve funding.

Evaluate Staffing and Operational Structure
Assess team structure, staff performance, and service delivery models to ensure alignment with the community’s needs.
Address any immediate staffing needs or efficiency improvements.

Enhance Resident Communication and Engagement
Review current communication tools and strategies; identify opportunities for improvement.
Create a welcoming presence in the community and respond proactively to homeowner concerns and feedback.

Key Projects and Strategic Initiatives
Identify and prioritize any ongoing or upcoming capital projects, operational transitions, or committee-led initiatives.
Begin planning updates to the reserve study and ensure follow-up on any recommendations from engineering or facility inspections.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 8+ years of progressive executive leadership experience, preferably within a private, member-governed residential community, large-scale POA, or a comparable resort/hospitality environment with complex, multi-faceted operations. Experience managing or having direct knowledge of managing large capital projects, roads and bridges, beach accesses, common areas, playgrounds and security. Demonstrated success operating within a strong General Manager model – marked by a high level of personal ownership, accountability, and strategic leadership is essential. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, service-minded professional with a track record of delivering operational excellence while fostering strong relationships with the Board of Directors, staff,
Residents, vendors and Fripp Island Resort.

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally with a concentration in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Substantial large-scale POA or community association experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Industry certifications:
CMCA – required
AMS – required completion within 1 year
PCAM – required completion within 2 years 
LSM – Strong preference for LSM designation or verifiable large-scale community operations experience.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
In compliance with federal law, all hired employees must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The FIPOA offers an excellent performance bonus and benefits package.

Requirements

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 8+ years of progressive executive leadership experience, preferably within a private, member-governed residential community, large-scale POA, or a comparable resort/hospitality environment with complex, multi-faceted operations. Experience managing or having direct knowledge of managing large capital projects, roads and bridges, beach accesses, common areas, playgrounds and security. Demonstrated success operating within a strong General Manager model – marked by a high level of personal ownership, accountability, and strategic leadership is essential. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, service-minded professional with a track record of delivering operational excellence while fostering strong relationships with the Board of Directors, staff,

Residents, vendors and Fripp Island Resort.

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally with a concentration in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Substantial large-scale POA or community association experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Industry certifications:

CMCA – required

AMS – required completion within 1 year

PCAM – required completion within 2 years 

LSM – Strong preference for LSM designation or verifiable large-scale community operations experience.