POSITION SUMMARY:

The Public Affairs Director (PAD) is responsible for managing and administering the mix of policy, data and public affairs activities in support of the real estate industry and on behalf of the Association. Covering four counties in southwestern Montana. This position requires relationship building and coordination with both the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) and Association peers across the state.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1) Develops, plans for, directs, and supervises the public affairs activities of the association with the assistance of member-led committees.

a. Organizes and executes the Association’s political candidate endorsement process.

b. Establishes programs to increase voter turnout among Association members.

c. Provides presentations and information, as well as participates on panels and community boards, to further the Association’s public affairs and data initiatives and political goals.

d. Ensures the Association annually meets NAR’s Core Standards for Advocacy.

2) Monitors the activities of local government entities including city councils, school boards, and county commissioners to identify and ensure action on issues important to the real estate profession and private property rights. In addition, monitors legislative, regulatory, and business trends impacting the Association, membership, homeownership, and the real estate industry.

a. Based on the Association’s position statements and strategic priorities, leads advocacy efforts on behalf of the Association.

b. Works directly with elected officials to monitor issues and educate them on Association positions and priorities.

c. Manages the REALTOR® Neighborhood Champions Program.

3) Serves as the staff liaison to the Association’s Public Affairs Committee, RPAC State Committee, Data Management Committee, and all other committees as assigned.

a. Works with Committee Chairs to set agendas, invite guest speakers, and effectively/efficiently conduct meetings.

b. Coordinates with the Data Service Provider and Communications Specialist to promote and publish the Association’s housing data, position statements and Candidate endorsement process.

c. Works with assigned committees to identify priorities, action for strategies, and provide updates on federal and state collaborative efforts.

d. Ensures timely creation and distribution of meeting notices, agendas, attendance records, and minutes.

4) Supports Calls for Action, writes grants to utilize REALTOR® Party initiatives. Encourages participation in the Broker Involvement program and uses the Land Use Initiative to review local ordinances.

5) As to staff liaison to the RPAC Committee, develops a plan for reaching RPAC investment goals. Executes plan and ensures compliance with state and federal law. Works with the RPAC Committee to identify candidates for support and funding.

6) Coordinates with the Communications Specialist to ensure members receive information on a timely basis on Public Affairs and RPAC initiatives, as well as advocacy efforts and endorsed political candidates.

7) Attends Out-of-town and out-of-state conferences and meetings as needed.

8) Participates in other duties as assigned to contribute to the overall success of the Association.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in related filed required, and a post graduate degree in public policy/advocacy is preferred.
• 2-4 years’ experience in the Real Estate industry, or a related industry sectors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; both verbal and written.
• A track record of strong and positive communication and collaboration efforts with association colleagues and departments, as well as volunteers is required.
• A strong understanding of campaign finance laws and regulations is required.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines is required.
• Experience working on or with committees is highly desired.
• Experience working with a variety of individuals with diverse perspectives, including colleagues, volunteers, elected and appointed officials, and the public is desired.
• Must have the ability to inspire teamwork with volunteer leadership.
• Must have the ability to take complicated information and communicate it simply.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with members, elected officials, and the public.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint and Business Intelligence (BI).
• Must be able to work well in a team, as well as independently.
• Must be flexible and self-directed with the ability to make decisions and take independent action.
• Must be thorough, not afraid to ask questions, and have the ability to remember instructions and act on those instructions.
• Must be available for out-of-town and out-of-state travel as budgeted.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and a car for local travel (mileage will be paid).
• It is our policy that employees of MOR cannot hold an active real estate license (license may be placed in a limited referral office).

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Experience:

• Public speaking: 4 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Missoula, MT 59801 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Missoula, MT 59801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person