Communications and Government Relations Specialist

**RAHB’s Mission**

Empowering RAHB REALTORS® to succeed.

**Position Overview**

In addition, this role executes the government relations and advocacy framework to effect change and engage the membership. Working closely with the Manager and other team members, this position is responsible for executing projects related to the government relations efforts of the association, including but not limited to awareness campaigns, drafting delegations, developing elected official newsletters, and more. This role also focuses on marketing and promotional efforts to increase the awareness of RAHB and the real estate profession to our external audiences - specifically government staff, elected officials and community partners - but also on communicating policy, procedure and governmental changes to members.

As a key support person and lead back up to the Manager, there is potential growth in the organization for this position. This role will focus 60 per cent on communications and 40 per cent on government relations efforts.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Advanced-level writing, editing, and proofreading of internal and external communications
- Provide expertise regarding appropriate distribution methods and mediums for internal and external communications
- Create and maintain communications plans and related initiatives
- Prepare news releases for distribution and act as a liaison for media interviews
- Develop official speaking points, key messages, reports, and direction for communications
- Assist with the digital distribution of member communications
- Assist with the creation, implementation and measurement of a comprehensive marketing/communications program that will enhance the association’s image and position within the real estate community and the general public
- Execute the government relations strategy and support advocacy efforts
- Research and interpret general policy direction and programs, develop recommendations, and execute proactive and reactive tactics that will influence decision-makers to adopt policy that is beneficial to REALTORS®, the real estate market, housing and homeownership
- Generate multi-media content to help various audiences, internal and external, in understanding RAHB’s policy positions and advocacy actions
- Lead the government relations social media strategy to maximize engagement with key decision makers and audiences
- Actively monitor and advise the organization on relevant media matters, legislative developments at the municipal, provincial and federal level, and relevant academic and stakeholder publications
- Schedule, track, support, attend and report on meetings with elected officials at all levels of government, as well as other community partners
- Regularly collaborate with the staff within the Ontario Real Estate Association and Canadian Real Estate Association networks on policy and advocacy initiatives to amplify the priorities of RAHB members
- Maintain a database of key stakeholders, including elected officials and community partners
- Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary education in a discipline appropriate and relevant to communications, political science and/or equivalent
- Minimum of three to five years of relevant experience supporting an organization’s communications or government relations initiatives
- Demonstrated understanding of government relations, including election campaigns and grassroots mobilization
- Advanced verbal and written communication competencies, including superior news release and report writing, original content creation, editing and proofreading expertise, as well as presentation skills
- Ability to research, analyze, and organize information accurately and effectively
- A strong understanding of social media and how to drive engagement on various platforms
- Experience communicating and liaising with news media
- Consensus-building, consultation, and negotiation skills
- Ability to conceptualize easily, learn quickly, and independently exercise good judgement and initiative
- Effective project management skills
- Ability to participate and contribute effectively as part of a team
- Not-for-profit experience is considered an asset
- Availability for occasional travel to participate in conferences and government relations engagement activities outside of Hamilton

**Work with RAHB**
- Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (some additional hours for events/meetings)
- Competitive compensation, with annual performance and salary reviews
- Attractive vacation package and additional time off throughout the year for birthdays, work anniversaries and more
- RRSP matching and robust group health benefits plan
- Professional development and training opportunities, including DEIA initiatives
- Supportive team environment
- A hybrid workplace
- Newly renovated, modern office in downtown Hamilton with free on-site parking

**Only applicants selected for an interview