Vice President or Director of Government Affairs

About Charleston HBA:

The Charleston Home Builders Association stands as the authoritative voice for the residential construction industry in eight county region comprising the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Our mission transcends simple advocacy; we shape and influence the complex policy landscape that directly impacts housing affordability, community development, and economic vitality in the Lowcountry. Through strategic collaboration with elected officials, public agencies, and community stakeholders, the Charleston HBA champions policies that foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in home building. We are not only advocates of the industry but also proactive leaders in crafting solutions that address the pressing housing needs of our diverse communities. The Association’s relentless efforts ensure that the region’s families have access to safe, quality, and affordable housing, which remains foundational to the overall prosperity and well-being of our entire community.

Position Overview:

The Vice President or Director of Government Relations will serve as the chief strategist and spokesperson in government affairs and advocacy efforts for the Charleston HBA. This role demands a dynamic and highly experienced professional who is passionate about promoting the home building industry and influencing policy at the local, county and state level. The ideal candidate will be assertive, well-connected, and proactive in developing relationships with elected officials, regulators, and key stakeholders to advance the Association’s mission. This leader will bridge the gap between industry concerns and public policy, ensuring that the voices of builders and the families they serve are heard and prioritized in every legislative forum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a robust government relations strategy that aligns with Charleston HBA’s commitment to advancing pro-housing and pro-building policies that promote community growth and economic health.
• Lead targeted initiatives to support and elect candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the home building industry and affordable housing solutions within Charleston and its surrounding counties.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative and regulatory developments that affect the home building sector, enabling members to anticipate and adapt to changes.
• Advocate with conviction on behalf of membership interests with government entities and regulatory agencies, ensuring that policy decisions protect and enhance the industry’s ability to meet community housing needs.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with elected and public officials, regulatory bodies, trade associations, community groups, and industry partners to build broad-based support for the Association’s policy objectives.
• Coordinate and mobilize grassroots campaigns, coalition-building efforts, and member engagement programs to amplify the Association’s voice in legislative matters.
• Represent Charleston HBA at public hearings, legislative sessions, and public forums as the primary government relations spokesperson, articulating well-reasoned, data-supported positions.
• Provide timely, clear, and actionable updates, briefings, and policy guidance to HBA leadership and members to maintain informed decision-making and cohesive advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure government relations initiatives are integrated with overall Association goals and member benefits programs.
• Manage government relations staff and/or coordinate with external consultants, ensuring effective and efficient advocacy operations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of six (6 ) years of demonstrated success in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy, ideally within the construction, real estate, or related fields.
• Proven track record in shaping public policy through strategic influence, coalition-building, and communications.
• Deep knowledge of the political and regulatory environment in Charleston and the state of South Carolina or a comparable city and state.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with an assertive yet approachable style capable of engaging diverse audiences.
• Expertise in analyzing complex legislation and regulations and framing advocacy positions grounded in data and real-world impact.
• Experience in managing advocacy campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and political candidate support.
• Strong leadership acumen with the ability to effectively represent the Association in high-profile public settings.
• Bachelor’s degree or equalivant life and career experience in political science, public administration, business, or a related discipline; advanced degrees preferred.

Compensation

The Charleston Home Builders Association offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package that reflects the critical role government relations plays in shaping policies foundational to housing affordability and regional prosperity. The package includes a base salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience and industry expertise, complemented by performance-based incentives tied to successfully raising of Political and Legal Action Funds and advancing policy wins across the region. This structure rewards proactive efforts that enhance the Association’s capacity to advocate vigorously on behalf of builders and the families they serve.

Additionally, the role includes an end-of-year profit-sharing opportunity, aligning leadership success with the overall financial health and strategic goals of the Charleston HBA. Supporting this, our comprehensive benefits program offers health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development resources.

Why Join Charleston HBA?

Joining the Charleston HBA means stepping into a pivotal role at the intersection of industry expertise and community advocacy. You will help lead transformative government relations efforts that shape housing policy, support economic growth, and address the housing challenges facing the Lowcountry. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact—not just for builders, but for the families and communities who call this region home. Together, we build more than homes; we build a stronger, more vibrant Charleston.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience and vision for championing the home building industry within Charleston’s evolving policy landscape to Adrian Cain - Adrian@charlestonhomebuilders.org.