Government Affairs Director

Northeast Colorado Shared Government Affairs Director Program

Position Summary

The Government Affairs Director is responsible for staying up to date on local, national, and international policy that impacts the real estate industry. They inform and educate our regional associations, boards, and member base about changes that will impact them. Performs legislative monitoring across the Northern Colorado region. Has strong interpersonal and networking skills, an understanding of the real estate sector of the economy, politics, and a strong background in communications and statistical analysis. Research projects are a part of this role, as well as frequent blog and email communication.

Professional Advocacy

Primary Focus:

1. Legislative monitoring and analysis of matters of public policy at the local government level (i.e., county, municipal, city councils, town meetings and other units of local government as deemed necessary.) This is determined by GAD. The GAD must identify who to monitor and why. This includes legislation related to MLS, Realtors, and the Real Estate Sector.
2. Initiate, develop and maintain contact with key elected officials, their staff and committee members and staff whose actions impact real estate matters. The GAD needs to follow agendas to know when important things are coming down the pike and is responsible for obtaining information on all changes.
3. Develop systems to monitor the local press regarding real estate issues, land use issues, and other relevant issues as appropriate.
4. Attend association meetings as necessary to include, but not limited to: CAR’s REALTOR® Day at the Capital, CAR Convention, Summer and Winter Business Meetings, NAR’s GAD Institute, NAR’s Midyear Meetings in Washington, DC.
5. Attend and monitor public meetings such as city council, planning commission, etc., as needed to monitor important issues.
6. Relationships are rarely developed by attending a formal meeting. The GAD develops key relationships in one-on-one meetings.
7. Educate public officials and REALTOR® boards on legislative and regulatory issues.
8. Draft policy statements and communications to local legislators.
9. Work effectively using coalitions, etc. with other groups and organizations that support REALTOR® positions and efforts on matters relating to local, state and federal public policy issues.
10. Develop good working relationships with other local REALTOR® GADs in the state and CAR public policy staff
11. Research current legislative issues and provide assistance such as drafting talking points, drafting policy statements and conducting background research.

Political Mobilization

• Provide advice and consultation in conjunction with candidate interviews and political matters as appropriate.

Communication

• Responsible for keeping the IRES CEO and the leaders and members of the local associations informed on issues and matters relating to local public policy and political issues. This includes but is not limited to meeting with the legislative/government committees of each board upon request when issues arise affecting the area and attending Board of Directors meetings to report on legislative activity as needed.
• The GAD may act as the local Board’s spokesperson if authorized.
• The GAD will provide talking points on issues of importance in accordance with each Association’s Board, the public policy group and CAR’s policy.
• The GAD will rely heavily upon communicating with the associations via their websites and through e-mail.

Management: The GAD reports directly to the IRES CEO. When the GAD’s annual evaluation is underway, the CEO will solicit input from the association executives.

Requirements

• High level communication and relationship building skills
• 5+ years of experience in GAD role
• High level of proficiency with computers, including the ability to learn and adapt to new platforms and software. Strong MS Office competency.
• Organizational mastery is a must. The GAD must stay on top of and follow up with many moving pieces and players in a timely manner.
• Self-sufficiency and an ability to work independently are crucial.
• A knowledge of local government is non-negotiable
• Experience working in local government would be a plus. Knowledge of the real estate industry is not required but would also be beneficial.
• Willing to continue learning and expand their knowledge of Realtor & MLS industries. A desire to learn more about how the profession operates.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

POSITION STATUS: Full-time / Non-Exempt

*This is a hybrid position (remote work and periodically, in-person as needed)

SALARY: $85,000 - $100,000 annually

IRES MLS offers a rich Benefits Plan to include:

• A generous mix of PTO, Holiday schedule, Vacation/Sick days, and encourages a strong work/life balance
• Our benefits package is robust, and employee focused. Medical, HRA, Life, Disability, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexibility and remote working options.
• SIMPLE IRA with limited company match offered
• AAA membership, your choice of Costco or Sam’s Club membership

IRES MLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, national origin, disability or any other status protected by law or regulation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.