Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Position Title: Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs

Organization: Home Building Association of Greater Portland

Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt position

Reports to: CEO

Salary: $120,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits: HBA offers a 401(k) with employer match, a medical, dental, vision insurance package, long and short-term disability, and other benefits to qualified employees.

Please read to the bottom to learn how to apply for this position.

Summary of Position

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs leads HBA’s regional advocacy efforts, shaping the political and regulatory environment for local homebuilding. This leadership-level position advocates for member priorities through strategic communication, policy analysis, political engagement, member involvement, and direct lobbying. The Director serves as the lead liaison to HBA’s Government Affairs Committee, Portland Building and Urban Development Council, and leads PAC fundraising efforts.

Focused primarily on local-level advocacy, the Director represents HBA across six counties, 40 cities, and Metro, with occasional state and federal lobbying. The Director will help lead efforts to build and shape a broad coalition of housing advocates, including industry partners and other key stakeholders to support a unified housing production agenda in the Portland region.

This role works closely with government staff, elected officials, utilities, non-profits, and other thought-leaders to address housing, development, and land use issues. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and relationship-building skills to engage diverse partners in advancing housing priorities.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Lead HBA’s government affairs and political relations efforts, coordinating with the CEO, Board, Government Affairs Committee, and relevant councils.
• Serve as the key liaison to city, county, and Metro governments, building and maintaining relationships with local elected leaders and key government staff to influence land use, development, and housing regulations.
• Serve on key industry-appointed regional boards and committees including Metro Technical Advisory Committee, HNA/HPS Stakeholder Tables, Utility Advisory Boards, and others as needed.
• Strengthen member engagement in public policy, including grassroots support and new partnerships to enhance HBA’s influence on housing construction and affordability.
• Oversee HBA’s PAC and legal defense fund, managing fundraising, candidate endorsements, and other political activities.
• Support broader coalition work with local chambers and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with communications and PR staff to effectively convey HBA’s positions to members, media, and relevant groups. Serve as HBA's lead spokesperson to media outlets on housing policy and political issues.
• Track priority municipality meetings and issues, ensuring appropriate HBA staff and member involvement. Communicate HBA positions before Planning Commissions, City Councils, County Commissions, and other elected bodies.
• Manage special projects and research on industry issues as needed.

Managerial Responsibilities

· Supervise the Deputy Director of Public Policy and a part-time Leadership & Advocacy Assistant.

Work Abilities/Skills Needed

• Strong management skills, with the ability to utilize and mentor staff to their fullest potential.
• Strong and effective written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies and problem-solve to address complex issues.
• An appearance/attitude that represents HBA professionally, develops respect from members and those within government, and that interacts with government officials positively regardless of their position on issues.
• Able to achieve objectives in cooperation with other staff, committees and members.
• Some evening and occasional weekend work is required. Local travel is required.

Other Desired Skills/Background

• Experience in volunteer engagement, preferably in a trade association or similar environment.
• Existing relationships with city, county, and Metro governments in the Portland region.
• Knowledge of residential building, development, and land use issues.

Experience/Educational Requirements: Preferred candidates will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Pre-law, or a related field, along with at least seven years of experience in progressively responsible advocacy and lobbying roles. Consideration will be given to candidates with significant professional experience in lieu of formal educational qualifications. Experience in residential construction, land use, or the government permitting process is highly preferred and may substitute for other experience requirements. Registration as a lobbyist may be required in certain jurisdictions.

Summary of HBA: We are a local non-profit trade association representing the residential building and remodeling industries in the greater Portland region. Association has approximately 1,000 members, a staff of 14, and a $5 million annual budget. Major activities include consumer housing shows and tours, housing policy and advocacy work, industry education and training, business development, and industry services and savings programs. HBA is affiliated with state (OHBA) and national (NAHB) home builders associations. We also have our own charitable foundation that focuses on providing housing for transitional homeless as well as job opportunities in our industry for those and others.

Diversity and Inclusivity: HBA seeks to create an environment that welcomes and benefits from having a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.

Application Requirements: Please include a current resume and cover letter that addresses your interest in and qualifications for the position. Direct application materials and resume submissions to Dave Nielsen at daven@hbapdx.org.

Home Building Association of Greater Portland

Attn: Dave Nielsen

15555 SW Bangy Road, Suite 301

Lake Oswego, OR 97035

daven@hbapdx.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $122,708.00 - $133,060.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000