Director of Government Affairs at Association in Orlando, Florida

Department: Influence I Government Affairs
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer	FLSA Classification: Salary \| Exempt
Supervision: None	Work Schedule: M–F \| 8:00am – 4:30pm \| Occasional evenings and weekends for events and advocacy activities
Travel: Occasional local and state travel may arise for government meetings, coalition events, advocacy activities, and community forums

Position Overview

The Director of Government Affairs serves as the primary point of contact between ORRA, its members, elected officials, and external political and community organizations. This role supports the development and execution of meaningful public policy, promotes productive relationships with government officials at all levels, and advances ORRA’s legislative agenda in the best interests of the association and its members.

This position plays a central role in organizing governmental affairs programs and activities in alignment with ORRA’s Strategic Plan and approved budget. The Director works collaboratively with ORRA committees, staff, and external partners to advance the association’s political agenda, RPAC fundraising, and ensure that the REALTOR® voice is heard where it matters most, at city hall, the county commission, and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for the following duties, including but not limited to:

Legislative & Policy Affairs

Serve as liaison to state and local government lobbying efforts under; as directed, serve as lobbyist and ensure effective representation of ORRA’s public policy positions.
Track local, legislation and regulatory developments that potentially impact the real estate industry and the association’s best interests.
Develop issue summaries and policy position recommendations based on legal, political, economic, and regulatory research.
Organize governmental affairs programs and activities in accordance with ORRA’s Strategic Plan, Statement of Policy, and approved budget.
Prepare talking points, materials, and policy updates for leadership participation in legislative forums, public hearings, planning board meetings, and council sessions.
Maintain the association’s Key Contact Programs and assist with monitoring of issues within ORRA’s jurisdictions; take the lead in developing communication strategies, timelines, and materials to effectively engage key contacts and elected officials.

Political Affairs & RPAC

Support the annual fundraising campaign for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC); handling all related activities, including reporting and compliance requirements.
Coordinate the association’s candidate screenings for local, state, and federal candidates seeking elective office; work with allied organizations to coordinate screenings as feasible.
Engage with members volunteers to expand participation in activities and the association’s advocacy program.
Maintain continuous contact with NAR, Florida REALTORS®, and other REALTOR® associations to ensure alignment on legislative priorities, RPAC goals, and advocacy programming.
Work with association vendors to identify REALTOR® registered voters for political and legislative targeting.

Community Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as staff liaison to assigned committees (e.g., Government Affairs, RPAC, Political Affairs).
Build and maintain working relationships with local government officials, staff, and community partners.
Represent ORRA at city, county, and community meetings as assigned, ensuring REALTOR® perspectives are voiced and understood.
Support the development of coalitions with chambers of commerce, housing advocacy groups, and civic organizations.

Committee, Program & Event Management

Plan and develop appropriate content regarding governmental affairs issues, activities, and positions for placement on ORRA’s website and other member-facing platforms.
Provide and perform administrative support for department operations, including scheduling meetings, coordinating with government staff, managing calendars, maintaining contact lists, and drafting or editing documents and presentations.
Collaborate with other staff to promote support for departmental programs and activities. Perform other duties as assigned.

Communications & Reporting

Develop materials for members regarding governmental affairs opportunities, activities, issues, and positions.
Write and manage content for association communications, including electronic communications, mass emails, web content, e-newsletters, print materials, invitations, and letters.
Maintain legislative tracking databases and report progress against annual advocacy goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field required
Minimum 5 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, community relations, or a related field, performing the responsibilities described above.
Knowledge of local and state legislative structure, protocol, and government processes, including land use, zoning, and housing policy.
Demonstrated ability to manage advocacy events, legislative programs, and political committee activities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); internet research skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to write clearly and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills with sound, mature judgment in prioritizing tasks and managing demands from multiple sources.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a team, anticipate needs, seek guidance when appropriate, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy.
Self-starter with flexibility to adapt to evolving work assignments and organizational priorities.
Commitment to nonpartisan, ethical, and transparent advocacy practices.

Preferred

Experience interacting with and representing organizations before elected officials and government staff at the local, state, and/or federal level.
Master’s degree or JD highly preferred.
Strong legislative and policy research and writing skills; familiarity with Florida legislative processes and NAR advocacy programs.
Experience working with associations, nonprofits, or trade organizations in a government relations or public affairs capacity.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Competency	What It Looks Like in This Role
Advocacy & Policy Expertise	Demonstrates a working command of legislative processes, public policy development, and regulatory tracking; translates complex issues into clear, actionable strategies that advance ORRA’s positions and protect member interests.
Relationship Building	Cultivates and sustains productive working relationships with elected officials, government staff, community organizations, REALTOR® volunteers, and internal partners; recognized as a credible, trustworthy representative of ORRA’s interests.
Political Acumen	Navigates political environments with discretion and professionalism; understands the dynamics of candidate engagement, RPAC fundraising, and grassroots mobilization; manages sensitive matters with sound judgment and ethical grounding.
Communication & Influence	Communicates persuasively and clearly in writing and in person; develops compelling member materials, advocacy alerts, and media-ready content; able to represent ORRA’s positions confidently before diverse audiences.
Organizational Excellence	Manages multiple concurrent responsibilities, committee liaising, event coordination, compliance reporting, and stakeholder outreach, with accuracy, timeliness, and consistent follow-through in a fast-paced association environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position works primarily in an office setting, with regular on-site presence at ORRA facilities, government offices, and community or event venues.

• Frequent local travel to city and county meetings, coalition events, and community forums; occasional state or national travel for advocacy events and conferences may arise.

• Ability to sit for extended periods; occasionally lift up to 30 lbs; ability to stand at events for extended durations.

• Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected for advocacy, fundraising, or community events.