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 Political Action Coordinator 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.
  • Prepare members to participate in annual Albany Lobby Days, to testify at public hearings, and for other opportunities to spotlight individual BRI members as knowledgeable subject matter experts.
  • Track political and legislative developments and make recommendations on the BRI’s involvement. This will involve working with the BRI lobbyist and the CEO on state issues, and directly monitoring political developments, issues and topics at the County and local level by meeting with officials of political research and policy institutions and attending coalition group briefings.
  • 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.
  • Work with coalition partners and BRI leaders and staff to advance pro-housing and pro-affordable housing policy reforms.
  • Alongside the CEO and the BRI lobbying firm, 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

  • Minimum of 3 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 may include infrequent 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.