The Cascades East Association of REALTORS® is seeking a Government Affairs Director to lead a comprehensive government affairs program representing the association's 2,200 members across large portions of central and eastern Oregon. The position is based in Bend, Oregon and encompasses direct lobbying, grassroots advocacy, member mobilization, and support of the organization's political action committee (RPAC). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 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 association on various stakeholder committees, boards, workgroups and coalitions throughout the region
• Provide updates and teach classes to members on 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 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 association’s positions, including calls for action
• In coordination with the Communications Director, provide interviews, quotes and comments to local media on 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.

Benefits and 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.

• 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