Local Government Affairs Director

Illinois REALTORS® is seeking a full-time Local Government Affairs Director to serve as the state association’s lobbyist and chief strategist for local associations in Central Illinois.

Illinois REALTORS® is the voice of real estate in Illinois, including at the state capitol and in communities statewide. As one of Illinois’ largest trade associations, representing over 47,000 members involved in every aspect related to the sale, purchase or lease of residential and commercial properties, we are the largest advocate for private property rights in the state. To achieve our advocacy mission, we employ a team of professionals both in the capitol and Local Government Affairs Directors throughout the state, who represent REALTORS® in front of municipal governments of every size.

We partner with our local REALTOR® associations, leveraging the strength of our shared members to communicate with and educate local elected officials on our primary policy issues.

This Local Government Affairs Director will work closely and in partnership with the local associations in Central Illinois to execute our policy agenda. The Local Government Affairs Director ("GAD") will be joining a team of fellow GAD’s and will report directly to the Director of Local Advocacy.

• Serve as local associations’ lobbyist and strategist for local issues relating to local associations in the designated region. Represent the state association at key stakeholder meetings, including but not limited to committee meetings, fundraisers, and community group meetings.
• In coordination with the Director of Local Advocacy and GAD team, will lead local legislative and advocacy efforts in the designated region, including contributing to policy development, member involvement and mobilization, REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising, promotion of REALTOR® policy priorities to members and elected officials, and coordination with state and national advocacy programming.
• Monitor agendas and proposed ordinances related to Illinois REALTORS’ policy goals, including but not limited to areas such as the ownership and transfer of real estate, property taxes, and economic development.
• Serve as staff liaison to designated local associations and associated CEO/Association Executive.
• Coordinate committee testimony, including preparing speeches, testimony, scripts, and responses to legislator or regulatory inquiries, and other content in collaboration with the Director of Local Advocacy and the Vice-President of Marketing & Communications.
• In coordination with the Director of Local Advocacy and the Senior Director of Advocacy Programs, assist with the development, scheduling and execution of local candidate interviews for use in Illinois REALTORS’® political participation campaigns.
• Assist in the development and execution of local RPAC fundraising campaigns.
• Conduct member outreach and communication, through member meetings and preparation of articles for newsletters, social media messaging, and messages for inclusion in email communications on legislative events and political concerns.
• In coordination with the Director of Local Advocacy, work on advocacy campaigns that involve referendums on REALTOR® supported issues.
• Assist fellow GAD team members, on an as‑needed basis, with advocacy campaigns related to nearby municipal bodies.

• At least 3 years of full-time, relevant legislative, government affairs/relations, public affairs, or lobbying work experience
• Proven track record of handling government relations matters for government officials, trade association, lobbying firm, or private company
• Understanding of key components of legislative processes, including committee schedules…