Manager, Community Development Advocacy Resources

National Association of REALTORS•Washington DC, DC

9d•$120,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Community Development Advocacy Resources oversees NAR’s Smart Growth Program, providing strategic leadership and operational management of a $1.2M portfolio of grants, technical assistance programs, research, training, and partnerships that support state and local REALTOR® associations in advancing responsible growth, land use, and transportation policies. This role serves as a staff executive to the Smart Growth Advisory Board and leads programs including Smart Growth Grants, Transforming Neighborhoods, Smart Growth Polling, success stories, and the Planning and Zoning course. The Manager also represents NAR in national smart growth coalitions and collaborates across Advocacy, Communications, and Research teams to elevate REALTOR® leadership in community development.

Requirements

5–8+ years of experience in community development, public policy, housing, land use, or advocacy program management
Experience managing grant programs, budgets, and multi-component initiatives
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
Experience working with boards, committees, or advisory groups in a governance environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to diverse stakeholder groups
Ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners
Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, community development, housing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
Experience working with professional or membership associations
Familiarity with land use planning, transportation policy, and housing supply issues
Experience coordinating research, polling, or applied technical assistance programs

Responsibilities

Manage NAR’s Smart Growth Program, including grants, technical assistance, research, and training resources for local associations
Oversee a program budget of approximately $1.2M and monitor expenditures across multiple initiatives
Design and manage annual grant application processes, review workflows, scoring, and funding recommendations
Manage Transforming Neighborhoods application and outreach processes for interested associations
Coordinate Smart Growth Polling requests and align scheduling with NAR’s broader advocacy polling program
Identify and develop Smart Growth success stories in partnership with Advocacy Communications
Support delivery and periodic updates of the Planning and Zoning course, coordinating with NAR education staff and state associations
Prepare reports and updates for the State and Local Policy Committee and other governance bodies
Serve as a Staff Executive to the Smart Growth Advisory Board
Plan and manage two in-person and two virtual board meetings annually, plus monthly conference calls
Provide program updates, funding recommendations, and strategic options to Board leadership
Support development of annual work plans, budget priorities, and program enhancements
Serve as primary NAR liaison to national smart growth organizations
Participate in external committees, working groups, and conferences
Share NAR research, polling results, and association success stories with partner organizations
Identify opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership that elevate REALTOR® engagement in community development
Participate in marketing and communications to REALTOR® associations and members about Smart Growth resources
Present at state and local association meetings, trainings, and national conferences as needed
Participate in weekly grant strategy sessions with associations
Collaborate with Advocacy Communications on messaging and storytelling related to Smart Growth outcomes
Other duties, as assigned