Governmental Affairs Director

Job Summary
The Governmental Affairs Director serves as the coordinator for all legislative
and advocacy activities and workflow. Keeping the CEO informed as to the
accomplishments and developments. This position reports to the CEO (Exempt
Employee).

General duties included, but are not limited to:

• Shall devote the time and effort necessary to carry out the objectives and

directives of the Association.

• Works closely with and oversees the efforts of the Tennessee

REALTORS®-retained lobbyist.

• Tracks legislation of importance to the real estate industry particularly on

the state, and national levels. Monitors such agendas, attends meetings
as necessary, etc.

• Coordinate with CEO and contract lobbyist on legislative issues, develops

policy positions for review by the Governmental Affairs Committee and
ultimately adoption by the Board of Directors.

• Keep members informed of legislative issues of importance to their

business and community, report to the CEO, Governmental Affairs
Committee, and membership on these issues. In a timely fashion, prepare
information and updates on legislative matters for dissemination to
association members and/or Governmental Affairs Committee, Executive
Committee, and the Board of Directors. Responsible for monitoring,
preparing and providing governmental affairs-related updates/articles
routinely on website, social media sites and publication.

• Works with the Communications Department for the effective delivery and

member engagement of NAR and Tennessee REALTOR® Party
announcements. Including Calls to Action and to ensure attendance goals
are met to REALTOR® Party events

• Present/coordinate information provided each month on proposed

legislation (state & national) and encourage member participation in the
political process.

• At the conclusion of the Legislature each year provide a state and national

report summarizing the bills the association was tracking and the
disposition of each.

• Organize members to respond to “Calls for Action” (CFA) on state and

national issues. Disseminate & promote the “Calls for Action” (CFA)
through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) ConVio system
and other means as necessary
Coordinate members’ involvement, when necessary, on issues of
importance, including the promotion of voter registration.

• Serve as contact person between association and various governing

bodies, develops effective working relationships with elected officials and
staff, and other entities. Helps to facilitate, foster and include leadership
into such relationships.

• Assists state legislators and state committees with research and

information in issues impacting the Association and/or the real estate
industry.

• If necessary and with the assistance of legal, prepares written testimony,

with the approval of the CEO, for members to present at local municipal
hearings on issues of importance to Tennessee.

• Coordinates the political efforts of Tennessee REALTORS®, including

researching candidates requesting funding from NAR, working in
accordance with the Tennessee REALTORS® policy to create candidate
questionnaire and/or interview process for candidates requesting funding.
In election years, coordinate candidate interviews through the
Governmental Affairs Committee in accordance with policy.

• Responsible for Independent Expenditure (IE) planning with NAR

campaign staff, designated Tennessee REALTORS® committee, and local
board leadership for city, county, state and statewide campaigns.

• Coordinates Independent Expenditure (IE) execution with NAR vendors

and local experts to generate the highest impact at the most effective cost.

• Encourage members’ political involvement, assist REALTOR® members in

seeking elected office or obtaining appointments on city/county/state
boards and commissions if appropriate.

• Attends various legislative functions on behalf of Tennessee REALTORS.
• Attend NAR meetings and programs as directed and, when in attendance,

perform such duties as assigned by the CEO.

• Upon request, visit Tennessee local associations to promote political and

governmental activities and educate members on matters related to
Governmental Affairs and RPAC with the approval of the CEO.

• Coordinate association alliances with other trade associations, interest

groups and community and corporate entities on issues of common
concern. Attend meetings representing association at such related
organizations as assigned by the CEO.

• Plan and organize Government Affairs Department sponsored events

including Hill Visits (State and National), RPAC-A-Thon, conference
activities, award programs, training related events, etc.

• Serve as staff liaison and assist in the implementation of programs and

goals for the Governmental Affairs Committee, RPAC Committee and
other assigned committees and/or advisory groups as directed by the
CEO. Responsible for preparing agendas and minutes. Notify Committee
members of meetings; Set up Committee rosters and track meeting
attendance; Prepare meeting rooms. Follow up recommendations to the
Committee that require Board of Directors’ action. Fosters a good working
relationship with the committee leadership.

• In depth understanding and working knowledge of RPAC operations and

the NAR’s “My REALTOR® Party” services.

• Oversees RPAC administration, fundraising initiatives and compliance

with state and federal law. Responsible for the annual education of the
RPAC Trustees and other volunteers on fundraising regulations related to
a PAC.

• Provides insight to the RPAC Trustees to support the election of members

of the Executive and Legislative branches of state government who are
favorable to the real estate industry, the right of private property ownership
and the free enterprise system.

• Approval and completion of lobbying and campaign finance reports for the

state of Tennessee.

• Develop and conduct programs to assist in raising PAC funds, report on

the status of fundraising efforts by the local Associations.

• Develop and oversee Tennessee REALTORS® involvement in NAR’s

REALTOR Party program and initiatives including independent
expenditure campaigns supported by Tennessee REALTORS®. Seeks to
achieve the state annual RPAC awards offered by NAR.

• Shall maintain a proven track record of delivering quantifiable results to

the organization through consensus and relationship building with internal
and external stakeholders, members and local/state/national REALTOR
Associations.

• This position manages department personnel.
• Works to establish Tennessee REALTORS® as the voice of real estate in

the state of Tennessee

• Participate in the execution of the strategic plan of the association and

assist in the implementation of the plan.

• Oversight and completion of NAR core standards related to RPAC and

legislative activities.

• Responsible for operating within the approved annual budget and within

the guidelines of the Tennessee REALTORS® policies.

• Has access to and works regularly with information of a highly sensitive,

highly confidential and critical nature.

• Advise the CEO on all related matters and carry forth the directives of

governmental issues.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the President/CEO.

Qualifications:

• Strong Computer literacy with emphasis on Microsoft applications.
• Ability to display a bipartisanship posture and philosophical comfort with

private property rights.

• Understanding of the process of a volunteer organization is important
• Must be an effective organizer and able to motivate members to engage in

political activity.

• Must have the ability to assure the accuracy and validity of any

representation of the Association’s positions and policies.

• Must be alert and creative, possess the ability to work with and adapt to all

types of people and exhibit patience, perseverance and persuasiveness.

• Must be skilled as a communicator, have strong interpersonal skills, and

have ability to build consensus.

• Must be flexible with respect to work schedule.
• Must be self-motivated and ability to take initiative.
• Must be an effective communicator.
• Strict adherence to deadlines
• Professional, mature demeanor acting as a representative of Tennessee

REALTORS®.

• Fosters and contributes to a positive team environment. Proven ability to

work collaboratively with others.
Preferred Skills/Accreditations

• College degree in related field
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience.
• REALTOR® Association experience a plus.

Additional Salary Information: Must send cover letter, resume, and salary
requirement to: employment@tnrealtors.com (Only complete applications will be
considered).