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.
