Regional Director of Government and Community Relations

AIR Communities•Bethesda, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Regional Director of Government & Community Relations (GCR) advances AIR’s public policy priorities across key East Coast markets. This leader is charged with growing AIR’s relationships and engagement with local and state policymakers, community stakeholders, and industry partners to advance business interests across our portfolio of multifamily communities, while mitigating regulatory, policy, political and public affairs risks. This position serves as a primary representative of AIR in the region and a strategic advisor to internal teams on political, legislative, and regulatory developments that affect AIR’s business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, government, public administration, urban planning, communications, or related field (Master’s degree preferred and may be substituted with equivalent experience).
At least five years’ experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political strategy experience with state and local processes.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, agency staff, community organizations, and industry partners.
Comfort representing an organization in public forums and stakeholder settings.
Policy analysis.
Clear written and verbal communication.
Relationship-building and advocacy.
Sound judgment and strategic thinking.
Ability to manage multiple priorities across a dispersed portfolio.
Cross-functional collaboration (operations, legal, development, corporate leadership).

Nice To Haves

Real estate, housing policy, zoning, permitting, or regulated-industry exposure is a plus.
Diplomatic, collaborative, solutions-oriented.
Able to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
Adaptable in fast-changing environments.

Responsibilities

Execute AIR’s GCR strategy across assigned East Coast markets in alignment with enterprise priorities.
Act as the regional subject matter expert on political, legislative, and regulatory matters.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and local legislative and regulatory activity.
Assess the business impact of proposed laws and policy trends, offering strategic guidance to inform decision‑making and risk mitigation.
Advocate for outcomes that support AIR’s business objectives (e.g., housing, land use, permitting, taxation, and other real estate-related issues).
Represent AIR with elected officials, agencies, community organizations, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and policy coalitions to elevate AIR’s profile and advance shared policy goals.
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, staff, industry partners and community leaders to strengthen AIR’s regional presence and reputation.
Support property-level government matters (land use, permitting, code enforcement, community matters) in partnership with on-site and operations teams.
Coordinate with the GCR Team Lead on messaging, planning, reporting, and knowledge-sharing; support political engagement and community partnership strategy.
Build and cultivate strategic coalitions, partnerships, and alliances with industry associations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
Partner with on‑site and operational teams to navigate government processes and resolve issues that could affect AIR properties or residents.

Benefits

Competitive base salary
Bonus opportunities
25% Rent Discount available
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options available.
HSA with company sponsored contributions
FSA (traditional and dependent care FSA).
Short and long-term disability paid by the company.
401(K) plus 6% company contributions.
Paid Vacation, 14 Paid Holidays, and Paid Sick Time.
Tuition Assistance Program.
Commuter Benefits
Pet-Insurance.
Up to 100% Reimbursement on Professional Certification/Licensing for Job Related Curriculums.
Paid parental leave of up to 16 weeks, following the birth or adoption of a child.
Consumer discounts from various products and services including travel planning, wireless phones, health and fitness, home appliances, and more.
15 hours of paid time annually to give-back to your community.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth including realistic job previews, in person and virtual leadership training, and performance improvement courses.