Regional Government Affairs Director (Panhandle)

Florida Realtors, the state's largest trade association, boasts a rich dedicated history of serving our members, the real estate community, and Florida homeowners for over a century. We stand as a key business partner for Realtors statewide, providing value-adding programs and services, outstanding business contacts and networking opportunities, engaging educational opportunities, up-to-the-minute industry data and research, and powerful legislative representation. The association headquarters is located in Orlando, and the Office of Public Policy is located two blocks from the state capital in Tallahassee. We work tirelessly to advocate for our members, for homeownership for all, and to elevate the real estate industry in the Sunshine State.

Who We’re Seeking

We seek an experienced public policy professional who is comfortable functioning independently and remotely for the role of Regional Government Affairs Director.

This position works with the Florida Realtors VP of Government & Political Affairs to maintain a strong and effective government affairs program. Under their supervision, this position is tasked to create, promote, and facilitate an extensive and efficient political affairs and advocacy program within their regional territory, assisting in the promotion and education of the Florida Realtors Political Action Committee (PAC) and PAC duties within the association. In support of the VP of Government & Political Affairs, this position manages the execution of NAR's Independent Expenditure program and is responsible for the financial management and oversight of campaign expenditures during an election cycle within their region.

The Regional Government Affairs Director is also the conduit between the Florida Realtors Office of Public Policy and the local REALTOR Boards/Associations in their region to directly assist in the implementation of the REALTOR Party Programs offered by both Florida Realtors and National Association of Realtors (NAR). This individual helps manage the design and implementation of a regional campaign program for REALTORS to increase their participation in state and local campaigns and fundraising for Florida Realtors PAC. The Regional Government Affairs Director is a part of the Florida Realtors Public Policy team and partners in local, state, and federal lobbying when necessary and engages in public speaking to provide in-person updates to local associations on public policy issues.

This position will be responsible for the Florida Panhandle region spanning from Pensacola to Tallahassee. Extensive travel, grant writing, event planning and the ability to multitask are critical in reaching both the fundraising and political education activity goals of the Florida Realtors PAC, REALTOR Party Program, the REALTOR Party Member Involvement Committee and the REALTOR Party Coordinating Committee along with the legislative priorities of the Office of Public Policy.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for various day-to-day activities of both the association's Realtor Party programs and Florida Realtors PAC.
• Manages regional tracking and monitoring of PAC funds and utilizes the PAC management system.
• Execute the NAR Independent Expenditure Program with local Boards/Associations, campaigns, and candidates.
• Work to establish and maintain a strong Realtor Party presence at both the state and local level.
• Design and manage the execution of regional fundraising activities for the benefit of the Florida Realtors PAC and Realtor Party Member Involvement Committee to meet fundraising targets including cash totals, member participation, and major investor participation. This includes compliance with all state and federal campaign finance laws.
• Work directly with the Governmental Affairs Directors subcommittee, Realtor Party Member involvement Committee-including taking and distributing minutes, creating agendas, and providing fundraising reports.
• Notify committee members of upcoming meetings, and correspond with them as needed, and maintain good relationships with committee members.
• Train and partner with local Boards/Associations on protocol for candidate screening for local, state, and federal elections. This includes, but is not limited to, local races, state legislative races and congressional races.
• Identify opportunities for local Boards/Associations to utilize programs from the Realtor Party Program and provide extensive grant writing support, to include effective and timely management, and application and reporting activities between the local Boards/Associations, Florida Realtors, and NAR.
• Identify and explore opportunities to promote members both at the state and local level for their involvement in Realtor Party programs.
• Coordinate with the VP of Government & Political Affairs to expand the political contact system and network throughout Florida to effectively influence legislation on the state and federal levels, including the effective use of Calls for Action.
• Communicate regularly with local Boards/Associations to educate them on the progress of our public policy efforts. Create, analyze, and provide detailed reports and analysis on fundraising and political activities on monthly basis to demonstrate progress toward goal implementation and depth of community outreach.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local association members and staff.

Qualified applicants will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government affairs, or related field

• 5+ years of relevant public policy experience
• Ability to travel extensively (50 – 75%) to fulfill the duties of the position. An unexpired, valid driver's license and personal auto insurance is required.
• Work availability and flexibility including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of the political process, specifically at the local and state level.
• Experience in fundraising for an association, volunteer organization, political party, or equivalent experience. Proven abilities in coordinating a diversified and ongoing fundraising and education program involving members across the state.
• Capability of working under stress.
• Self-motivation and proactive approach to work.
• Demonstrated time management and project management techniques to plan, develop, implement, and complete schedules, projects, tasks, and other assignments.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment as necessary.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and transparent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and with collaborative work tools such as Zoom, Slack, etc.

We see it as a plus if you have:

• Realtor Association and Realtor Political Action Committee experience.

• An active approach to continual learning and inspiration; staying on top of industry trends and innovations and integrating them into creative work.

Along with our growth-oriented, collaborative team environment, our full time people are offered a complete suite of great benefits.

• Rewarding 401k plan with 6% company match, fully vested
• Free medical insurance for you as an employee
• Availability of dental, vision, FSA, disability coverage, company-paid life insurance, EAP, and more
• Partial remote and flexible work environment
• Generous paid vacation days and sick days, and 9 company holidays
• Vacation buy-back plan
• Possible $5000 grant on the purchase of your first home
• And a whole lot more!

What You Need-to-Know

• Florida Realtors is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• Florida Realtors is an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of a pre-employment criminal background check and driving record check.
• Applicants needs to be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• Pay is commensurate with education and experience.
• This position will be based remotely, and the ability to work out of your home plus while traveling is required.

Our people are passionate about what they do, the members they serve, the products they support, and the continued growth of the association. If you value collaboration, innovation, exceptional service, and dedication to a cause, all within a modern established professional environment, explore Florida Realtors and our commitment to the real estate community and Florida homeowners. Visit floridarealtors.org and connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.