Director of Government Relations

Progress Residential • Tampa, FL

19h

About The Position

Progress Residential is a leading property manager of single-family rental homes nationwide, dedicated to creating an enjoyable living experience for residents and an empowering, people-first culture for its team members. The company has been recognized as a certified Great Place to Work® for two consecutive years. As the demand for professionally managed rental homes continues to grow, Progress Residential is seeking passionate professionals ready to grow with them and make a difference. The Director of Government Relations will represent Progress Residential by advocating before state and local government officials on policies relevant to Progress Residential, its affiliates, Owners, and Property Managers in the Single-Family Rental (SFR) industry. This role reports to the Vice President of Government Affairs and is responsible for executing government relations strategies, influencing key decision-makers, building durable relationships, and effectively communicating Progress' and/or the industry’s positions before state and local governments, with limited federal engagement as needed. The position requires a disciplined operator who can manage issues independently while remaining closely aligned with the Vice President of Government Affairs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7–10 years of experience in government relations, public policy, government service, or a related role
• Working knowledge of the single-family rental industry, housing policy, or regulated real estate sectors.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
• Proven ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into clear advocacy strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and sustain relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
• High ethical standards and a demonstrated commitment to compliance with lobbying laws and disclosure requirements.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree in political science, public policy, economics, or a related field preferred (Post-Graduate degree strongly preferred)
• Capitol Hill or state legislative experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze state and local legislative and regulatory proposals affecting Progress and/or the SFR industry.
• Assess the potential impact of proposed policies on Progress, the SFR industry, and customers, and elevate risks early.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies and policy positions in coordination with the Vice President of Government Affairs.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure consistent, effective advocacy.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with legislators, policymakers, regulators, and government staff.
• Educate and persuade key decision-makers regarding the SFR industry’s role, concerns, and economic contributions.
• Support efforts to influence the development, modification, and implementation of laws and regulations affecting Progress.
• Advocate for policies that promote fair competition, economic growth, and operational stability.
• Cultivate relationships with industry leaders, member companies, and relevant advocacy organizations.
• Coordinate with other lobbyists and stakeholders to form alliances and coalitions in support of shared policy objectives.
• Represent Progress in industry meetings, conferences, and public forums as directed.
• Prepare senior leadership and market teams for meetings with government officials and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as a reliable surrogate for the Vice President of Government Affairs when appropriate.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation - Including performance-based bonuses that reward your contributions.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package - Medical, dental, vision, parental leave, 401(k) with company match and more.
• Generous Time Off – Enjoy PTO based on tenure, 13 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
• Ongoing Learning and Development - Quarterly summits, town hall meetings and continuous training to support your professional growth.
• A Culture that Celebrates You - We believe in collaboration, recognition and having fun while doing important work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees