Advocacy Field Representative

Title of Position:     Advocacy Field Representative (AFR)

Department:           Government Affairs

Location:                The Advocacy Field Representative serves a portfolio of local REALTOR® Associations in South Carolina.  A map of the region served is available upon request.

Supervisor:            SCR Political Director

Nature of Position: Provide professional service, RPAC fundraising assistance, coordination of advocacy efforts, and government affairs representation for specified local REALTOR® associations, including mobilizing and educating members. This position is a member of a state-wide team of field staff, which is one part of a robust overall strategy for effective member advocacy.

Regional Government Affairs Specialist’s Duties

REALTOR® PAC:

• Serve as point of contact between SC REALTORS® PAC staff and specified local associations.
• Assist local RPAC chair in building RPAC culture through:
  • Developing an annual RPAC Strategic Plan to reach fundraising goals.
  • Serving as staff liaison for the local RPAC Fundraising Committee.
  • Planning, executing, and managing local RPAC events with assistance from SC REALTORS PAC staff to ensure compliance with campaign finance law.
  • Communicating local association’s progress toward fundraising goals through regular use of Aristotle reports.
  • Educating membership about RPAC initiatives and importance.
  • Facilitating RPAC candidate funding process for local and state elections including, but not limited to, candidate surveys and interviews.
• Assist planning, executing, and managing statewide RPAC events with assistance from SC REALTORS PAC staff to ensure compliance with campaign finance law.

GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY COORDINATION:

• Assist local associations in developing and implementing an advocacy plan to address Advocacy Core Standards and government affairs programming including but not limited to:
  • Formation of a Government Affairs/Legislative Committee.
  • Recruitment of REALTORS® as Local, State, and Federal Political Coordinators.
  • Identification of relevant NAR and SCR grants and programs to address local community engagement and advocacy goals.
  • Development of advocacy training opportunities for general membership.
• Promote SC REALTORS® governmental affairs programs and information.
• Track progress of each local association’s grassroots activity and membership engagement in government affairs activities.

 COMMUNICATIONS:

• Provide weekly written updates to Association Executives pertaining to SCR advocacy initiatives at the state level, NAR initiatives, and progress updates on local projects.
• Provide weekly written updates to SCR Government Affairs Department as required.
• Contribute Government Affairs updates to local association newsletters and websites.
• Present at local associations as requested, including at New Member Orientations, Board of Directors meetings, etc. 
• Visit all assigned local associations in the region monthly (in person or virtually).
• Coordinate with the local association’s staff where applicable.
• Contribute relevant updates for the SCR Weekly Email and other publications as needed.

LEGISLATIVE:

• Monitor real estate issues appearing at the local level through municipal, county and other public websites as well as the network of member Political Coordinators.
  • Alert SCR and relevant local association on action items as necessary.
  • Advise local associations on action steps as requested.  

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Participate in all SC REALTORS® Government Affairs Department and full staff meetings.
• Attend SC REALTORS® and NAR meetings as appropriate and/or requested.
• Support and promote the mission of SC REALTORS® by maintaining knowledge of current events and programs offered by SCR.
• Adhere to requirements of the SC REALTORS® Personnel Manual and comply with general responsibility of SCR team members (i.e. prompt completion of time sheets, prompt submission of receipts and expense reports, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned by the SCR Political Director. 

Background Requirements

Education: A bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution is required.

Professional Skills: Political savvy and basic knowledge of the political process a must.  Experience with SC campaigns and/or politics preferred, but not required. Experience with local SC government procedures and policies preferred, but not required. Ability to analyze issues and make appropriate recommendations required. Adaptability in response to changing priorities and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Personal organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines and work with limited supervision. Dedication to customer service, problem resolution and working together as a team to achieve goals and objectives.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, as well as basic Microsoft office and Google Workplace skills required. Some experience with database management and data analysis is beneficial.

Relevant Experience: A minimum of two years professional experience, preferably in political campaigns or government affairs. 

Position Relationships

Government Affairs Department: Work closely with Government Affairs Department on major projects and events such as Capitol Conference, RPAC, communicating news from the S.C. General Assembly, and responding to member requests regarding legislative and political issues, etc. 

REALTOR® Member Leaders: Maintain communication with these key legislative volunteers to promote legislative issues important to SCR as directed by SCR staff.  Also provides information and training necessary to help them be successful in this role.

Local Association Staff: Maintain and promote solid communication with local association executive officers, local GADs, or other local association staff to promote political initiatives important to REALTORS® at the local level.

Administrative: Provide backup support, as needed, in the office (i.e. walk-in requests, supplies, general office management, communication with headquarters, etc.).

Local Associations: The Regional Government Affairs Specialist will be an employee of the SC REALTORS®. Performance evaluations shall be done in coordination with SC REALTORS® standards for employee review, and members of the local associations being represented will be asked to input and review.