Political Affairs Coordinator

TITLE: POLITICAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR

LOCATION: HELENA, MONTANA

STATUS: ENTRY LEVEL, FULL-TIME

REPORTS TO: GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR (GAD)

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

The Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) is the voice for real estate in Montana. We represent more than 5,600 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate markets throughout Montana.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Political Affairs Coordinator position is an entry-level opportunity for the right candidate to put their advocacy skills to work and to develop and grow as a political affairs professional. Working under the direction of the Government Affairs Director (GAD), the Political Affairs Coordinator supports the Government Affairs team with advocacy efforts on behalf of MAR's membership. This position includes coordination on advocacy efforts with both the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and Montana's eight local REALTOR® associations. Training and mentorship from the GAD are built into this role, and MAR is committed to supporting the coordinator's professional development, including opportunities to attend NAR meetings and pursue relevant credentials over time.

JOB DUTIES

• REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC): Assist with planning and coordinating RPAC fundraising events at the state and local level, increasing participation and Major Investor numbers. Research statewide candidates and races and support the RPAC committee with candidate recommendations. Work with local associations to engage in their local candidate races. Help identify and cultivate potential Major Investors. This work is performed under the direction of the GAD, with training provided.
• Event Planning: Assist with organizing and overseeing Government Affairs (GA) Department event planning, including REALTOR® Day at the Capitol and other advocacy events as requested. Duties may include developing event marketing plans and agendas and helping procure sponsors and presenters. Assist with state-level RPAC fundraising events and support local-level RPAC events.
• Grassroots: Help establish and maintain solid relationships with elected officials at all levels of government (town, city, and state). Support delivery of REALTOR® Party Resources in Montana by helping coordinate funding and delivery of MAR and NAR programs and services to local REALTOR® associations.
• Local Associations: Communicate the importance and availability of MAR and NAR advocacy resources. This includes facilitating local requests for Issues Mobilization, land use, placemaking, and policy review. Assist local association staff with identifying issues and content for applications for funding of local involvement programs such as Local Issues Funds and NAR Grants. Support public policy research. Develop and maintain a calendar of local REALTOR® events. Establish a regular schedule with the GAD for reporting on progress and goal objectives.
• Housing Affordability: Support local efforts through partnerships with towns, cities, and other non-governmental organizations to promote initiatives that cultivate housing affordability across the region, including research, meeting attendance, and coordination support as directed by the GAD.
• Education & Communications: Write articles for the MAR newsletter, website, and other communication vehicles to educate membership about legislative updates, RPAC events, community-based efforts, related initiatives, fair housing, REALTOR® safety, and housing affordability. Support media outreach and coverage for state and local advocacy issues, including drafting press materials and tracking coverage, under the GAD's direction.
• Administrative: Assist the Director of Operations and GAD with maintaining records related to campaign finance reporting with the office of the Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP); all filings are reviewed and submitted by the GAD or Director of Operations. Assist the Director of Operations with RPAC and IMF awards and recognition programs. Provide general administrative support to the GAD.
• Other: Attend MAR meetings as requested. Perform other duties as assigned by the Government Affairs Director and the CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 0-2 years' experience in community/public affairs, political campaigns, government, or a related field; internship, coursework, or campaign volunteer experience a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in political science or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to take complicated information and communicate it simply.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn Montana's political and legislative process.
• Experience managing volunteers a plus.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel in-state as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work hours are as noted in the policy manual, with occasional evening and weekend activities required. Travel out of town once or twice annually for two to four days. In addition:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $55,000