Government Affairs Director

Reports To CEO

FLSA Exempt - Full Time

Bend, OR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Government Affairs Director leads a comprehensive government affairs program representing Cascades East Association of REALTORS® 2,200 members across large portions of central and eastern Oregon. The position encompasses direct lobbying, grassroots advocacy, member mobilization, and support to RPAC.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Affairs

• Serve as liaison to the Government Affairs Committee (GAC)

• Per the GAC’s direction, craft positions and letters on proposals and policy impacting the local real estate

industry

• Testify on housing, land use, and private property rights issues before the county and city government and

committees

• Provide regular updates to the association’s board of directors

• Manage/supervise the RPAC and Grassroots Advocacy Manager position

• Work closely with local and state elected officials and staff to craft and influence policy

• Identify grant opportunities through NAR’s Community Outreach Grant program and submit and manage grant applications

• Represent the association on various stakeholder committees, boards, workgroups, and coalitions throughout the region

• Provide updates and teach classes to members on the association’s government affairs efforts and advocacy agenda

• Speak and provide updates at area brokerages upon request

• Plan and organize regular meetings between REALTORS® and the city and county community development department staff

• Plan and manage member “get out the vote” (GOTV) and voter registration initiatives

• Directly lobby local elected officials and staff throughout the region on key REALTOR® issues

• Develop and manage grassroots advocacy efforts in support of the association’s positions, including calls for action

• In coordination with the Communications Director, provide interviews, quotes, and comments to local media on the association’s positions and issues impacting the industry

• Ensure government affairs and advocacy activities remain in compliance with NAR’s Core Standards

• Support Oregon REALTORS® and NAR issues and efforts by educating and engaging members

• Develop newsletter content, including updates on issues and other key developments

• Create FAQs and other resources on issues impacting real estate practice

• Craft campaign strategy and submit applications to NAR for independent expenditures/in-kind contributions in support of PAC-supported candidates

• Planning and logistics for REALTOR® Day the Capitol

• Develop and manage annual government affairs budget

• Provide additional support to PAC and updates to trustees on advocacy efforts

• Plan and facilitate debates and community candidate forums

• Organize REALTOR® Party events and activities

• Develop initiatives to increase participation in calls for action, such as increasing awareness of/enrollment in REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts

• Foster and maintain relationships with elected officials and other key decision makers

• Organize Candidate Training Academy and other programs to help identify and prepare potential REALTOR®

Champions for elected office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• 5-7 years’ experience in lobbying, campaigns, fundraising, or public affairs.

• Excellent computer skills (PC or Mac) experience with standard Microsoft business applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email systems, social media applications, Google, Database and/or CRM software, Canva, and a willingness to learn new software as needed.

• Accurate and precise attention to detail.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.

• Self-motivated and willing to support our small team.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours and attend association events throughout the year.

• Highly organized.

• Experience managing volunteers and reporting to boards and/or committees.

• Ability to set personal political preferences aside from the political direction of the organization.

• Candidate cannot have an active real estate license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of local politics and policy issues in Oregon

• Public Speaking Experience

• Event Planning Experience

• General understanding of the home buying/selling process

• Understanding of Political Action Committees and campaign finance laws

BENEFITS & SALARY

• Salary DOE

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

• 401K Plan with 7% company match

• Generous PTO Policy along with all Federal Holidays off

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to tyler@cascadeseastrealtors.com.

Cascades East Association of REALTORS®

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Director of Government Affairs