Regional Director- Inland Empire

California Apartment Associa•Riverside, CA

11h•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Regional Director is CAA’s principal representative and advocate within an assigned geographic region, primarily Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The role anticipates and responds to local public policy and political developments affecting rental housing, builds trusted relationships with policymakers, members and community partners, and integrates advocacy, political strategy, communications, member engagement and membership development. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Local Government Affairs, or their designee, the Regional Director partners with CAA’s public affairs, marketing, legal and communications teams and its members to deliver results for the industry, the association and its members. The position requires sound political judgment, initiative, persuasive communication, creative problem solving and the ability to translate complex policy into effective regional action.

Requirements

Experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, political campaigns, association management, public policy, real estate or a related field.
Strong understanding of local government, legislative and political processes, and ability to analyze complex ordinances, regulations and policy proposals.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively with members, policymakers and the public.
Strong political judgment, strategic thinking and relationship-development skills.
Ability to work independently, collaborate across departments and manage multiple jurisdictions, issues, deadlines and priorities.
Ability to travel regularly within the assigned region and attend evening governmental, political and community meetings as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government, communications, business, real estate or a related field preferred.
Knowledge of rental housing, real estate, housing policy or California local government highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Monitor local governmental bodies for proposals affecting rental housing providers.
Serve as a key contact to identified state legislators in the region and work with CAA’s state government affairs team to build relationships and advocate in their districts.
Analyze ordinances, regulations, ballot measures and administrative actions, identifying emerging threats and opportunities.
Recommend CAA positions and advocacy strategies, including coalition engagement, member mobilization, legal review, research, polling, communications or political involvement when appropriate.
Represent CAA before elected bodies, agencies, commissions and stakeholder groups; meet with policymakers and staff to advance CAA priorities.
Prepare testimony, talking points, policy summaries, position letters and other advocacy materials.
Track regional trends with potential to spread to other jurisdictions or affect statewide policy, and coordinate cross-department responses.
Assess the regional political environment and elections that may affect rental housing policy.
Develop relationships with candidates, elected officials, consultants and community leaders; participate in candidate recruitment, evaluation and interviews as appropriate.
Prepare candidate background materials, political assessments and recommendations for CAAPAC and/or CAA Independent Expenditure Committee trustees.
Coordinate political activity with CAA’s Political Affairs program and provide post-election analysis relevant to regional advocacy.
Work with the EVP to prepare and present pertinent information to the CAA Local Government Affairs Committee.
Work with CAA members to identify emerging issues, gather member perspectives, strengthen advocacy strategies and cultivate future volunteer leaders.
Help plan and conduct at least two regional membership meetings annually, along with briefings, webinars or calls when significant developments warrant additional engagement.
Maintain regular contact with major rental housing providers and key members to understand concerns and deepen participation in CAA programs.
Prepare regular communications to regional members about important issues and promptly communicate significant developments to CAA leadership and members.
Translate complex policy into clear, practical information and work with Communications to develop calls to action, testimony, letters, emails and talking points.
Recruit and coordinate members for public hearings and policymaker meetings, identifying credible voices and operational examples that support CAA’s advocacy.
Support membership recruitment and retention by demonstrating the value of CAA advocacy, legal and compliance resources, education, forms, communications and other member services.
Partner with Membership and Marketing to identify prospects, growth opportunities and occasions where regional expertise can strengthen outreach.
Build productive relationships with chambers of commerce, business and real estate groups, housing organizations, community partners and other regional influencers.
Maintain current knowledge of the region’s rental housing market, regulatory landscape and political environment; provide regular strategic assessments to CAA management.
Maintain appropriate records of major proposals, policymaker contacts, advocacy activities, political developments and outcomes.