Government Relations Specialist

**Government Relations Specialist - Southwest Ontario Region** OREA’s Mission**:
At OREA, it is our goal to keep the dream of home ownership alive in Ontario. That’s why we have made it our mission to help almost 100,000 REALTORS® in Ontario succeed in building stronger communities. We deliver on that mission by providing services that assist our members in their day-to-day business practices, like Standard Forms, Government Advocacy and Leadership Training. OREA speaks to a variety of audiences, including consumers, media, policy makers, real estate leaders, the provincial regulator, other associations and of course, Ontario REALTORS®.

The Government Relations Specialist will be a valued member of OREA’s Government Relations team, reporting directly to Head of Government Relations. Focusing first at the municipal level and then branching into provincial jurisdiction, the overarching objective of the regional GR Specialist is to support the legislative, policy, and political priorities of the local real estate Boards in Ontario’s Southwest Region, and those of the Ontario Real Estate Association.

This is a hybrid role with frequent travel between Board offices in the Southwest Ontario Region, and occasional travel to OREA’s offices in Toronto.

Responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

- Assist in the creation and deployment of OREA advocacy campaigns, including on digital platforms.
- Assist local REALTOR® Boards in meeting the shared goals of OREA and the local Boards in Southwestern Ontario including, but not limited to:

- Assisting in creating an annual advocacy plan for the region and individual advocacy plans for local real estate Boards.
- Creating and encouraging Member participation in Calls to Action in the Southwest Ontario region.
- Assisting local Boards with access to OREA advocacy resources including the Issues Mobilization Grant Program and the EMBERS program.
- Where appropriate, serve as a liaison to municipal and provincial elected officials on behalf of OREA and local real estate Boards, including building and maintaining relationships with key decision-makers by arranging for meetings for local Board representatives and preparing materials in advance.
- Monitor local government issues impacting REALTORS® and the real estate industry on behalf of local real estate Boards. This will include monitoring traditional media, social media, and municipal council agendas. Work with local Boards to coordinate responses when required.
- Identify political functions and community events of value, and work with local real estate Boards to coordinate an appropriate REALTOR® presence and participation.
- Research local issues and prepare analysis as requested.
- Serve as a liaison between OREA and local Boards in Southwestern Ontario to establish / maintain relationships with local Board Executive Officers, Presidents, and Political Action Committee Chairs.
- Coordinate speaking engagements at local Board meetings and participation at local Board events.
- Assist local Boards in organizing REALTOR® Member attendance at both OREA’s annual virtual and in person advocacy conference and lobby day(s) in Toronto.
- Attend OREA business / professional meetings as required.

**Qualifications & Skills**:

- Bachelors’ Degree, preferably in a related field
- A minimum 1-2 years experience in community organizing, politics and / or Government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
- Knowledge of provincial and municipal legislative processes.
- Willingness and ability to travel (up to 20%). Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license and have access to a car.
- Experience in grassroots organization and / or Member facing campaigns considered an asset.

**Why OREA?**
- We work on award winning-campaigns, world class events and some of the biggest issues (i.e. housing/real estate) in Canada
- We offer a competitive salary, defined pension contribution plan and awesome health benefits.
- We help our staff grow their skills to advance their careers through individual professional development budgets.
- We provide staff with the best technology and full-time support.
- We offer a very competitive vacation package to all staff and additional time off throughout the year for birthdays, moving and more

OREA is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Department.