Summary of Opportunity: The Home Builders Association is a forward-thinking advocate and thought leader for the residential development and construction industry. We promote and help our members provide a diverse range of housing options for our region’s residents. We work to ensure that the industry can meet our region’s housing needs in a manner consistent with shared values. We also are a strong advocate for reducing or removing impediments that negatively impact the efficient and affordable production of housing. This includes a wide range of owner-occupied and rental housing, including new and remodeled construction, in the greater Portland region’s six surrounding counties.
Our work emphasizes a need to reduce barriers to and increase opportunities for infill and redevelopment balanced with an appropriate supply of developable land for housing. We work with jurisdictions, utilities, agencies and any other entity whose work impacts the timing, cost, certainty and ability of those providing housing.
The Director of Government Relations is not only charged with leading the above-listed work, but also plays an integral role in furthering our efforts to provide transitional shelter for the homeless, promote sustainable construction practices, and develop a skilled workforce to meet our industry’s needs.
The ideal candidate can build upon the relationships with our local City, County and Metro governments, as well as numerous regional partners connected to housing, land use and other related issues. We also work closely with our affiliated Oregon Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders on State and Federal legislative, agency and policy issues.
Overview of Responsibilities:
Lead HBA’s government and political relations staff and work, coordinating with the CEO, Board, the Government Relations Committee and other HBA Committees/Councils either directly or through objectives and goals in the HBA’s Strategic and Operational Plan.
Serve as a key HBA liaison to city, county and Metro governments and agencies; ensures HBA prioritizes and monitors jurisdictions and is represented as needed at hearings and government meetings; develops and actively maintains relationships with policy makers, interest groups and others involved in the policy process.
Strengthen member involvement/engagement in our public policy work, including grassroots support as well as involvement on various civic committees and commissions that impact our industry.
Oversee funding support and growth in HBA’s PAC as well as our legal defense fund.
Work in conjunction with staff and contracted communications/PR support to ensure HBA messages, positions, activities and efforts are well communicated to members, the media, area governments, and other appropriate parties/groups.
Coordinate HBA efforts to address, prioritize and determine appropriate HBA involvement with member requests for assistance in dealing with problems and issues that arise with local governments.
Serve as a key spokesperson for the Association on governmental and political issues, coordinating with the CEO, other appropriate staff and key HBA leaders on press relations and representing HBA positions when issues arise and/or political positions need to be taken.
Ensure HBA has high profile and strong involvement in area political campaigns and on voter issues that impact our industry, including the development of political action funds, candidate recruitment and endorsement, and other political action efforts.
Collaborate with affiliated state organization (Oregon Home Builders Association), developing a positive, close working relationship with its CEO and lobbying staff to ensure statewide issues, policies, and legislation that affect our members are addressed through its policy-making structure. Though not expected to lobby actively at the state level, the position will sometimes need to act in a supportive role to state efforts.
Coordinate special projects and research on industry issues as needed, as well as other duties as assigned.
Evening and weekend work required in addition to normal business hours. Local travel required.
Work Abilities/Skills Needed:
Strong management skills, with ability to utilize and mentor staff to their fullest potential.
Strong and effective written, oral and presentation skills.
Ability to develop and implement strategies and problem solve to address complex issues.
An appearance/attitude that represents HBA in a professional manner, develops respect from members and those within government, and that interacts with government staff/officials positively regardless of their position on issues.
Able to achieve objectives in cooperation with other staff, committees and members.
Other Desired Skills/Background:
Experience in volunteer engagement, preferably in a trade association or similar environment.
Existing relationships with Portland area city, county and Metro governments.
Some knowledge of residential building/development issues, including land supply, land development, building regulations and practices.
Experience/Educational Requirements: Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Pre-law or a related field and at least seven years’ experience in progressively advancing advocacy and lobbying roles. Significant professional experience may be considered in lieu of educational background.
People will do well in our work environment who: Have an interest in and are able to support the value of the home building and remodeling industries. Enjoy an active, event-oriented environment. Can work in an atmosphere where there is regular activity and member/staff interaction, even when it may be a little disruptive. Look for ways to be of help to others. Believe in the value of collectively working with staff and members to achieve goals, even when this may slow down the process. Able to work in an environment where priorities and responsibilities are laid out in general but need to be adapted to changes in needs or demands of the day/week.
Application Requirements: Please include a cover letter that addresses your interest in the position and relevant highlights that match the position requirements listed above. Subject line of email submissions should state “Director of Government Relations interest” in order to ensure correct identification and handling. Direct application and resume submissions to:
Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland Attn: Dave Nielsen, CEO 15555 SW Bangy Road, Suite 301 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 info@hbapdx.org
NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Compensation and Benefits: Full-time, salaried, exempt position. Base salary commensurate with experience, with a general range between $90k-$115k. Benefits include a 401(k) safe harbor plan with employer match, medical/dental/vision insurance for employee, long and short-term disability, vacation and PTO, cell phone allowance as well as other benefits to qualified employees.
About Home Builders Assn of Metro Portland
Summary of HBAMP: large local non-profit trade association representing the residential building and remodeling industries in the metropolitan Portland area. Association has approximately 1400 members, a staff of 25+, and a $5 million annual budget. Major activities include consumer shows (e.g. Street of Dreams, Tour of Remodeled Homes, Home & Garden Show), political and government affairs work, educational and certification programs, networking activities and events, and public interest and relations efforts. HBAMP is affiliated with state (OHBA) and national (NAHB) home builders associations.
