The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors® (HGAR), the second largest local Realtor® association in New York, seeks a highly professional, collaborative, and passionate Government Affairs Director to advance the association's advocacy and government affairs initiatives in the Bronx and Manhattan. Chartered in 1916, HGAR serves more than 13,000 members in all aspects of the real estate profession in the Hudson Valley, the Bronx, and NYC.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The GAD is responsible for managing and administering local governmental affairs activities and special events for the association, in support of the membership and the real estate industry. This position includes coordination with both the National Association of REALTORS® and New York State Association of REALTORS®.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Committee Liaison: Staff liaison to the Bronx Advisory Council and related committees and work groups. Legislative and Realtor Political Action committees and other related work groups. Works with the chair to set agendas, inform the committee, and develop minutes. Works with the Hudson Valley GAD to identify issue priorities, action strategies, and develop minutes. Updates the committee on federal and state collaborative efforts. Coordinates ballot initiatives when needed.
Lead Advocate: Based on issue priorities, leads advocacy efforts on behalf of the association on a local level and works with lawmakers and regulators to monitor issues and educate them on association positions.
National/State Connection: Collaborates with NAR on both federal candidates and issues. Collaborates with the state association on both state candidates and issues.
REALTOR® Party Efforts: Supports Calls for Action, writes grants to utilize Realtor Party initiatives. Encourages participation in the Broker Involvement program, and uses the Land Use Initiative to review local ordinances.
REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC): Works with staff liaison to the RPAC Committee. Develops a plan for reaching RPAC investment goals. Executes plan and insures compliance with state and federal law. Works with the staff liaison to the Legislative committee to identify candidates for support and funding. Attends fundraisers and other events.
Coalitions: Builds local relationships to assist in furthering issue priorities.
Education: Writes articles for the newsletter, blog, and uses other communication vehicles to educate the association membership about advocacy efforts, supported candidates, and ballot initiatives. Develops creative ways to highlight RPAC wins and keeps CEO, leaders, and members informed on local, state, and national issues.
Branding: Coordinates with the marketing and communications department to secure earned media for advocacy related issues. Builds positive relationships with local media contacts.
Administration: Assists CEO with budget for governmental affairs, and related activities. Maintains department files, and serves as key contact for association staff relating to government affairs activities in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Special Events: Plans, creates, and manages special events, including but not limited to Major Investor Events, Bowling Event, Golf Outing, Holiday Party, etc. Presents information sessions and webinars on government affairs issues and other industry-related topics.
Core Standards: Assists CEO to insure related NAR Core Standards are achieved annually.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Master's degree a plus.
3-5 years' experience in governmental affairs
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work hours as noted in the Policy Manual, with the exception of occasional evening and weekend activities. Travel out of town as needed. In addition:
Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Competitive benefits package includes paid time off and holidays, health insurance, 401K with employer contribution, discounted vision and dental insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
Location: HGAR Bronx Office (In person)
Contact: Send resume to Lynda Fernandez at lynda.fernandez@hgar.com.