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Position: Government Affairs Director

Location: Hampton Roads, VA (office-based with significant local travel)
Reports To: CEO
Supervises: 1 Employee (Advocacy Events Coordinator)
Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Position Summary:

The Government and Regulatory Affairs Director (GAD) manages and administers local legislative and advocacy activities for the Association in support of the real estate industry. This role works closely with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Virginia REALTORS® (VAR), local elected officials, community organizations, and internal committees to advance legislative priorities, promote smart growth, and strengthen the Association’s advocacy presence across Hampton Roads and the Peninsula.

This position requires a flexible schedule, including frequent evening hours to attend city council meetings and events. The GAD is responsible for maintaining a minimum 40-hour work week, tracked through a monthly planner reviewed with the CEO and use of a mobile timeclock system.

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Legislative Affairs

• Serve as the Association’s lead advocate by building and maintaining relationships with local elected officials and stakeholders across the Southside and Peninsula
• Monitor city council agendas and attend meetings (in-person, virtual, or webinar) as appropriate; provide testimony when requested by Association leadership
• Collaborate with committees to identify legislative priorities, develop strategies, and implement the annual legislative agenda
• Promote and advance advocacy initiatives aligned with REALTOR® priorities and smart growth principles
• Lead issue mobilization efforts, including advocacy campaigns and responses to local ordinances and regulations
• Conduct candidate interviews, coordinate panels, and develop questionnaires
• Oversee candidate endorsement processes and support endorsed candidates, including coordination with VAR for funding requests and presentations
• Develop and maintain voter guides tracking real estate-related issues and voting activity across jurisdictions
• Identify REALTOR® champions and support candidates pursuing local office

RPAC & Grant Programs

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities through NAR and VAR programs, including Fair Housing, Community Outreach, Smart Growth, and related initiatives
• Collaborate with the Advocacy Events Coordinator to plan and execute grant-funded programs and ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Support RPAC efforts in coordination with Government Affairs and related committees

National & State Collaboration

• Coordinate with NAR and VAR on federal and state legislative issues, candidate engagement, and advocacy alignment
• Ensure consistent messaging and collaboration across local, state, and national levels
• Assist with planning and participation in key advocacy events, including Day on the Hill and national legislative meetings

Coalitions & Economic Development

• Build and maintain relationships with local chambers, home builders associations, and regional coalitions
• Engage with economic development and planning leaders to influence housing policy and promote smart growth initiatives
• Participate in collaborative efforts to advance shared legislative priorities

Education & Communications

• Develop content including articles, press releases, white papers, and newsletters to educate members on advocacy efforts and legislative issues
• Provide content for the monthly GADWire and support social media messaging
• Coordinate with Communications and Multimedia staff to promote advocacy initiatives and legislative successes
• Participate in educational programming, including Candidate Institute and Leadership Academy modules
• Maintain relationships with local media to support earned media opportunities

Administration & Oversight

• Supervise the Advocacy Events Coordinator and provide strategic direction for advocacy-related events and initiatives
• Maintain department records and ensure compliance with NAR Core Standards for advocacy
• Attend and support all relevant committees, including Government Affairs, RPAC, and Fair Housing
• Coordinate logistics for legislative engagement opportunities, including meetings with state and federal representatives
• Maintain and grow the Local Political Coordinator (LPC) network and support member engagement in advocacy efforts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, Economics, Law, or a related field
• CAE or RCE designation and/or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred; candidates with these credentials will receive interview preference
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance required

Additional Requirements & Benefits:

• Flexible schedule required, including frequent evening commitments
• Monthly planner required to ensure a minimum 40-hour work week, reviewed with the CEO
• Use of a mobile timeclock system for time tracking
• Monthly mileage reimbursement at IRS standard rate
• $50 monthly phone reimbursement
• Travel required, including local travel and attendance at two annual conferences (one in Washington, DC and one national event, location TBD)

Work Environment:

This position requires a combination of in-office work, frequent local travel throughout Hampton Roads and the Peninsula, and regular attendance at evening meetings and events.