Government Affairs Director

Position Responsibilities:

Advance the Association’s mission by implementing advocacy programs to influence legislative outcomes, representing the interests of the multifamily housing industry with local government officials, policymakers, and community leaders, and orchestrating the Political Action Committee's(PAC) fundraising efforts to achieve established goals.

Local (Metro Atlanta & Regional)

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and program activities for metro Atlanta counties that affect the association, its members, and the multifamily housing industry.
• Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, staff, and stakeholders.
• Regularly schedule and coordinate meetings for staff and association leaders with local elected and public officials in metro Atlanta.
• Actively participate in regional agencies and organizations, including the Georgia Municipal Association, Association of County Commissioners, Atlanta Regional Commission, and similar entities.
• Field and respond to member, local elected official, and staff inquiries related to local issues.

• Provide support to outside consultants on state legislative activity on an as-needed basis.
• Keep abreast of state-level legislative and regulatory issues affecting the multifamily housing industry and evaluate and communicate issues as necessary.
• Engage, mobilize, and sustain advocacy participation among members across the five Georgia Apartment Association affiliate organizations statewide through coordinated grassroots efforts.

• Participate in NAA advocacy activities including regular monthly calls and attendance at annual advocacy conferences.
• Coordinate with the National Apartment Association (NAA) to maintain federal relationships with the Georgia Congressional delegation.

• Serve as staff liaison to the Governmental Affairs Committee.
• Manage the Georgia Better Government Fund (PAC), including all fundraising efforts.
• Provide direct supervision and guidance to government affairs staff, including work planning, coaching, and performance management.
• Keep Association leadership and the Board of Directors informed regarding legislative and regulatory activities at all levels.
• Track advocacy outcomes and report progress toward Strategic Plan goals, adjusting tactics as needed to respond to evolving policy and political environments.
• Create and maintain regular communications to inform the membership of legislative activity and advocacy efforts, including website updates, Habitat magazine articles, emails, and special alerts.
• Prepare the annual government affairs budget.
• File all lobbying and election reports (local and state) required by government authorities.
• Perform other duties as directed by the VP of Strategic Initiatives, President, Board of Directors, and Government Affairs Committee.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science or a related field
• Five years of advocacy/government affairs work experience preferred
• Proven experience in grassroots organizing, community outreach, and policy advocacy within a local government context
• Strong understanding of local political processes, legislative procedures, and key decision-makers
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively influence diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects, including budget oversight and timeline management.
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude and customer-oriented demeanor
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook Teams and Power Point)
• Ability to organize, prioritize, initiate and coordinate multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines with minimum supervision
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
• Travel within the local area is required, and attending meetings or events outside of standard business hours is often necessary