Annapolis, MD, The Political Affairs Manager develops, coordinates, and administers Maryland REALTORS ® political advocacy programs that advance the Association's legislative and public policy priorities. This position manages the REALTOR ® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising program and operations, candidate evaluation and endorsement processes, Independent Expenditure (IE) activities, political communications, election planning, and grassroots member engagement in these areas.  Working closely with the CEO, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, elected leadership, volunteer committees, local REALTOR ® associations, elected officials, coalition partners, and National Association of REALTORS ® staff, the Political Affairs Manager advances Maryland REALTORS ® legislative and public policy priorities.

Essential Responsibilities:

  Political Advocacy

Implement Maryland REALTORS ® political engagement strategy in accordance with association policies and strategic priorities.

Coordinate candidate evaluation, endorsement, and Independent Expenditure (IE) programs in compliance with association policies and applicable campaign finance laws and regulations.

Monitor federal, state, and local political and legislative activity, elections, and emerging public policy issues, providing analysis and recommendations to leadership.

Develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, candidates, campaign staff, political organizations, coalition partners, local REALTOR ® associations, and other strategic partners that advance Maryland REALTORS ® ' legislative and public policy priorities.

Represent Maryland REALTORS ® at political, legislative, governmental, and advocacy meetings and events as assigned.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CEO or Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, as appropriate.

  Committee & Volunteer Support

Serve as the primary staff liaison to the RPAC Trustees and Independent Expenditure Committee.

Coordinate committee meetings, prepare agendas and supporting materials, record meeting minutes, and maintain official committee records.

Support committee chairs in establishing priorities and achieving annual goals and objectives.

Conduct research and prepare briefing materials, issue summaries, candidate information, and policy background to facilitate informed committee decision-making.

Coordinate with the Finance Department regarding RPAC receipts, disbursements, financial reporting, budgeting, and campaign finance compliance requirements.

  Member Engagement

Develop and implement statewide RPAC fundraising strategies, including major investor programs, fundraising campaigns, and donor recognition initiatives.

Promote member participation in RPAC, the REALTOR ® Party, grassroots advocacy efforts, and political fundraising activities.

Plan and coordinate political events, including State Lobby Day, RPAC fundraising events, investor recognition programs, candidate forums, legislative receptions, and other advocacy initiatives.

Evaluate RPAC fundraising performance, member participation, and political engagement initiatives using established metrics and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.

  Communications

Coordinate the Association’s political communications, including election information, advocacy messaging, candidate communications, voting resources, and political engagement initiatives with the appropriate departments.

Assist in developing educational materials, presentations, and training programs related to RPAC, the REALTOR ® Party, political advocacy, campaign finance, and candidate evaluation processes.

Support political communications across print, digital, email, website, social media, and other association communication platforms.

Local Association Support

Serve as the primary resource for local REALTOR ® associations regarding RPAC fundraising, political advocacy, candidate evaluations, election activities, and grassroots engagement.

Provide consultation, guidance, and training to local association staff and volunteer leaders on political advocacy and campaign finance laws, best practices, and available REALTOR ® Party resources.

Assist local associations in utilizing RPAC allocations, securing REALTOR ® Party grants, implementing political programs, and increasing member participation in advocacy initiatives.

Foster collaborative relationships that strengthen political advocacy efforts throughout Maryland.

Travel Requirements: 

Periodic travel throughout Maryland for meetings with local REALTOR ® associations, elected officials, legislative activities, political events, and fundraising functions.

Attend and staff the Maryland REALTORS ® Annual Conference and other association meetings.

Occasional out-of-state travel to National Association of REALTORS ® meetings, conferences, leadership programs, and training events.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for statewide travel.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Government, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in political campaigns, legislative affairs, government relations, public policy, advocacy, association management, or a related field.

• Knowledge of Maryland legislative processes, political campaigns, and campaign finance laws preferred.
• Experience managing volunteer committees and working effectively with elected officials, volunteers, local REALTOR ® associations, and coalition partners preferred.

Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while meeting deadlines.

Strong analytical, research, writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with members, volunteers, elected officials, coalition partners, and community partners.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and sound decision-making skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience with or the ability to quickly learn association management systems (AMS), constituent relationship management (CRM) software, legislative tracking systems, donor management platforms, and other proprietary software applications.

Salary commensurate with experience.