Manager, Governmental Affairs

Company Description

The Richmond Association of REALTORS® is central Virginia’s largest trade association, serving 6,000+ REALTORS® across the region. We are a hyper-local, mission-driven organization that shows up where it matters—amplifying influence through policy, education, and community leadership to drive progress.

Role Description

The Manager, Governmental Affairs will play a key role in advancing RAR’s advocacy objectives by analyzing public policies, managing relationships with governmental entities, and representing the association at local governmental meetings and events. This full-time, hybrid position is based in Richmond, VA, with some flexibility for remote work. Responsibilities include monitoring and influencing policy developments, coordinating advocacy campaigns, providing legislative updates to members, and fostering relationships between REALTORS® and government officials. The role also involves working closely with committees and staff to align governmental affairs initiatives with organizational goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor local, state, and federal legislative activity pertaining to real estate issues
• Attend local Boards of Supervisors, City Council, and Planning Commission meetings as needed
• Build and maintain relationships with elected and appointed officials at the local and state government levels
• Research policy issues pertaining to housing, land use, and zoning
• Draft issue summaries and updates for communication with members and elected officials
• Work with Communications staff to create promotional materials for government affairs and the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
• Primary staff liaison to the Governmental Affairs Committee
• Primary staff liaison to the Bill Review Task Force
• Primary staff liaison to the RPAC Trustees
• Lead RPAC fundraising activities
• Oversee the administration of RPAC fundraising records, expenditures, and compliance
• Lead the development of the annual legislative package
• Ensure the Association’s government affairs website page is current
• Attend VAR, NAR, and housing policy-related conferences as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Five years of experience in political science or public policy
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret local ordinances and state legislation
• Possess rigorous research skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks under strict deadlines
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite