Overview

The Building & Realty Institute (BRI) is a trade association in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley and one of the largest construction, development, and real estate-related industry organizations in New York State. We are looking for a Government Affairs Director to ensure that the organization has a strong and powerful presence in the state legislature, in Westchester County government, and in the local municipalities in Westchester and other important Hudson Valley locations.

This key staff member needs to be a natural organizer of our members, a strong writer, and proficient in public policy issues related to the real estate industry. The Coordinator will work directly with the CEO and BRI leaders, staff, lobbyists, and consultants to support and guide the development of robust member engagement program to strengthen existing relationships with elected officials, cultivate new industry champions, neutralize opposition, and successfully improve participation and fundraising for our Starts & Stripes PAC.

IMPORTANT. In addition to a résumé, we require a compelling cover letter. Please attach it to your application. Résumés without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

About The Building & Realty Institute

The Building & Realty Institute brings together business owners across all sectors of the real estate industry in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. Our members include homebuilders, remodelers, developers, contractors, property owners, co-op and condo boards, property managers and many others. We

  • Advocate for the best interests of the building and real estate industries to government and the community
  • Provide knowledge and resources to our members
  • Create opportunities for our members to build relationships and improve their businesses.

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and conduct fundraising campaigns that boost member participation in the Stars & Stripes PAC, as permitted under applicable law at the state and local levels. This will include bookkeeping and record keeping of the PAC.
  • Work with the CEO and the Communications Director on grassroots activities and member engagement around political and public policy issues, including calls to action, preparation for members participating in lobby visits, programs and forums spotlighting policy issues, get-out-the vote, and other member activations as needed.
  • Draft written and oral testimony, and statements in support/opposition to legislative and policy, including briefing papers, letters, and other official correspondence to elected officials, government agencies, rulemaking bodies, and boards.
  • Serve as liaison with local, county, and state legislative offices, including managing issues and relationships with area elected officials and staff.
  • Actively monitor, analyze, and assess the impact of pending and potential local and state regulatory proceedings on the industry sectors, and designs strategies to further the BRI’s priority advocacy issues.
  • Work with coalition partners and BRI leaders and staff to advance pro-housing and pro-affordable housing policy reforms.
  • Alongside the CEO, represent the BRI at a range of meetings and event in Westchester County, New York City, and Albany, with peer institutions and alongside external stakeholders.

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, and master’s degree a plus, in relevant field (e.g., housing or land use policy, economic development, real estate policy relating to landlords, housing cooperatives, fair housing, etc.).
  • Minimum of 5 years’ related experience working in a government/community relations role and/or direct organizing with a volunteer- or membership-centered organization.
  • Relevant work experience in Westchester County or similar region.
  • Proven ability to assess political situations and develop appropriate campaign strategies with relevant past work examples.
  • Superb written and oral communications skills
  • Strong track record of working independently, and managing multiple projects and tasks
  • Experience working under pressure with tight deadlines
  • Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting legislation, local ordinances, regulation, and policy reports.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to use computer and Microsoft Office and other applications.
  • Driver’s license and use of an automobile.

Work Environment

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Depending on the applicant, a mixture of work-from-home and in-office or on-location days each month may be considered.

Physical Demands

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Travel is mainly local but also includes travel to Albany or New York City.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Specifications

Wages: $70,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience.

Participation in the company health insurance plan, 403(b), and flexible spending account, plus generous paid time off policies.

The BRI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.