What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Affairs Advocate position at North State BIA?
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The North State Building Industry Association (BIA) has represented the region’s homebuilding industry since 1944. The association’s nationally recognized Governmental Affairs team works on behalf of the industry, including homebuilders, developers, tradespeople, and other related professions in new residential construction throughout the Sacramento six-county region. The team advocates for policies that promote a healthy building environment, enabling well-planned communities to continue growing and ensuring the region’s housing needs are met.
Our professional advocacy team works closely with local government staff and elected officials to address the severe housing shortage and the factors driving it. The position requires an individual with experience in government, politics, and public affairs who can advocate on complex policy issues and frequently collaborate with association members, policymakers, and their staff. The candidate is expected to possess strong leadership skills and a foundational understanding of California's development process.
Reporting to senior management, the individual will help guide policy development, political action, and public affairs messaging while articulating the BIA’s interests to elected leaders, members, and the community. The advocate will work closely with industry leaders to address their concerns and develop policies that foster a positive business environment for building homes in the greater Sacramento region.
BIA’s preferred candidate is a person who values building relationships with a keen sense of flexibility and focus. Candidates should possess excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills. The advocate must be flexible enough to operate in a fluid environment that responds to changing political circumstances while fostering a positive culture across the entire staff. Applicants should have a strong track record of achieving goals and be able to manage a variety of tasks and objectives simultaneously. The position requires the advocate to work independently while, as appropriate, seeking direction and assistance from BIA members, partner organizations, the Government and Public Affairs Director, and the CEO. Most critical to the position is working collaboratively with peer BIA staff and providing leadership and support to other team members.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES
• Develop and build relationships with policy decision makers
• Actively contribute to the Government & Public Affairs team for positive results for the industry and maintain the BIA’s reputation for being the most capable business advocacy team in the region.
• Attend local government meetings and represent the BIA publicly when appropriate (providing public testimony or public comments).
• Assist with staff development opportunities to increase knowledge within the team
• Closely monitor policy and political developments in local jurisdictions and work with key government staff to share the BIA’s views on potential policy changes affecting the industry.
• Work collaboratively with all internal BIA constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, and donors.
• Develop relationships with the association community to create awareness and value of the industry and the BIA.
• Work closely with state (CBIA) and federal association (NAHB) staff on issues of mutual concern.
• Work with the political action committee to advise on endorsements and candidate donations.
• Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Political Science, Communications, or Public Affairs preferred)
• Minimum of five years of experience in advocacy or public affairs with familiarity with development.
• Knowledge of local government processes
• Must possess excellent written and presentation skills
• The BIA offers a competitive salary, performance bonus (as directed by the Board of Directors), a vehicle stipend, a 401(k) program with a generous match, medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a positive work environment.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Tamie Bower at tamie@northstatebia.org. Salary DOE.
- Closing date: April 1st, 2026
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