SVP & Head of Legislative & Political Affairs

POSITION TITLE: SVP & Head of Legislative and Political Affairs

REPORTS TO: President

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Exempt

DIRECT REPORTS: PAC Lead, Vice Presidents of Legislative Advocacy, and Vice President of Political Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a senior executive-level position reporting to the President, responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive legislative and political strategies for NMHC. This role will provide broad political analysis and recommendations to support decision-making. The incumbent will supervise senior staff with management responsibilities for legislative advocacy, coalition building, and Political Action Committee (PAC) functions. This position will collaborate closely with staff and other SVPs to ensure all activities align with NMHC’s strategic plan and achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are meant to describe the general nature and scope of work for this position. This is not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead the development and oversee the successful implementation of NMHC’s legislative and political advocacy plan, including engaging members, building coalitions, and managing its PAC programs.
• Serve as an advocate in all federal legislative issues affecting NMHC and NAA as appropriate. Monitor the legislative landscape and identify challenges and opportunities crucial to the multifamily industry.
• Coordinate closely with the SVP and Head of Legal Advocacy, as well as the SVP and Head of Policy, on federal agency actions, policy issues, and other legislative advocacy matters.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with Legislative Advocacy, Political Affairs, and PAC staff to ensure they have the necessary support and direction to achieve NMHC’s legislative goals, including developing processes and procedures to ensure effective and efficient communication. 
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director and Chief Advocacy Officer of the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC) to ensure close alignment on legislative and political issues of mutual interest and matters related to the PAC.
• Develop and maintain relationships with members of Congress, the Administration, industry allies, NMHC members and others to ensure NMHC’s leadership and active participation in advancing its advocacy goals.
• Respond to various membership requests relating to issues of interest to NMHC
• Ensure NMHC’s legislative advocacy work is closely coordinated with its PAC fundraising and contribution determinations
• Oversee Congressional committee and Administration monitoring.
• Oversee mobilization of the resources of the apartment industry, identifying, recruiting, and organizing key people, to have the greatest impact on public policies affecting the industry.
• Oversee preparation of position statements for submission to legislative bodies.
• Support the NAA Legislative Committee, as requested, at Assembly of Delegates meetings and at NAA’s Annual Education Conference in June.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations, semi-annual performance check-ins and salary reviews for assigned staff. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of senior executive-level experience in public advocacy, government, public affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the federal legislative and political processes.
•  Ability to work independently and to collaborate closely with teams.
• In-depth substantive knowledge of the issues and communities involved in the multifamily housing industry, including, but not limited to capital financing, property operations, and real estate development.
•  Experience managing staff in a highly political setting.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional public speaking skills, and comfort serving as a public spokesperson on behalf of NMHC.
• Expertise in building coalitions to further advocacy objectives and fundraising
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to coordinate closely with other SVPs to ensure NMHC’s advocacy objectives are met.
• Experience with the media, public officials, advocacy, and funder communities
• Excellent professional interpersonal skills
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.