Director of Government Affairs

Association • Orlando, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Government Affairs serves as the primary point of contact between ORRA, its members, elected officials, and external political and community organizations. The role supports the development and execution of public policy, builds productive relationships with government officials, and advances ORRA’s legislative agenda in the interests of the association and its members.

The Director organizes government affairs programs and activities in alignment with ORRA’s Strategic Plan and approved budget. Working with committees, staff, members, and external partners, the Director advances the association’s political agenda and RPAC fundraising and represents the REALTOR® voice in government and community forums. The role also manages advocacy communications, committee support, legislative tracking, and related administrative and reporting work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in government affairs, public policy, community relations, or a related field, performing the described responsibilities.
• Knowledge of local and state legislative structures, protocols, and government processes, including land use, zoning, and housing policy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage advocacy events, legislative programs, and political committee activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and internet research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, sound judgment, and ability to prioritize tasks and manage demands from multiple sources.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team, anticipate needs, seek guidance when appropriate, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-starter who can adapt to changing assignments and organizational priorities.
• Commitment to nonpartisan, ethical, and transparent advocacy practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience interacting with and representing organizations before elected officials and government staff at the local, state, and/or federal level.
• Master’s degree or JD.
• Strong legislative and policy research and writing skills.
• Familiarity with Florida legislative processes and NAR advocacy programs.
• Experience in government relations or public affairs for associations, nonprofits, or trade organizations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison to state and local government lobbying efforts and, as directed, act as a lobbyist representing ORRA’s public policy positions.
• Track local legislative and regulatory developments that could affect the real estate industry or ORRA’s interests.
• Research legal, political, economic, and regulatory issues; develop issue summaries and policy-position recommendations.
• Organize government affairs programs and activities in accordance with ORRA’s Strategic Plan, Statement of Policy, and approved budget.
• Prepare talking points, materials, and policy updates for leadership participation in legislative forums, public hearings, planning board meetings, and council sessions.
• Maintain the association’s Key Contact Programs, monitor issues within ORRA’s jurisdictions, and develop communication strategies, timelines, and materials for engaging key contacts and elected officials.
• Support the annual REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising campaign, including related reporting and compliance activities.
• Coordinate candidate screenings for local, state, and federal elective offices, working with allied organizations when feasible.
• Engage member volunteers to increase participation in association activities and advocacy programs.
• Maintain contact with NAR, Florida REALTORS®, and other REALTOR® associations to align legislative priorities, RPAC goals, and advocacy programming.
• Work with association vendors to identify REALTOR® registered voters for political and legislative targeting.
• Serve as staff liaison to assigned committees, such as Government Affairs, RPAC, and Political Affairs.
• Build and maintain working relationships with local government officials, staff, and community partners.
• Represent ORRA at assigned city, county, and community meetings and communicate REALTOR® perspectives.
• Support coalitions with chambers of commerce, housing advocacy groups, and civic organizations.
• Develop content about government affairs issues, activities, and positions for ORRA’s website and other member-facing platforms.
• Provide administrative support for department operations, including scheduling meetings, coordinating with government staff, managing calendars, maintaining contact lists, and drafting or editing documents and presentations.
• Collaborate with staff to promote departmental programs and activities.
• Develop member materials about government affairs opportunities, activities, issues, and positions.
• Write and manage association communications, including electronic communications, mass emails, web content, e-newsletters, print materials, invitations, and letters.
• Maintain legislative tracking databases and report progress against annual advocacy goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior