Job Description

Job Title: Public Affairs Manager

Reports To: Director of Government Affairs  

Type: Full-time, exempt

Location: Renton, WA (Hybrid)

Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA):

Since 2003, WMFHA has been Washington State’s leading non-profit trade association (501c6) representing multifamily housing owners and ownership groups, third-party multifamily housing operators, multifamily developers, and industry suppliers. WMFHA’s mission is to serve its members through effective leadership and advocacy, education and career development, and networking and business development opportunities. WMFHA is the state-chartered affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA) and is the seventh largest affiliate in the NAA network, representing more than 349,000 housing units throughout Washington State.

Scope of Work:

The Public Affairs Manager (PAM) is responsible for assisting in the management, planning, development, and implementation of WMFHA’s legislative, public policy, regulatory, and public affairs efforts, including local, regional, state, and federal advocacy, partnerships and coalition building, and external communications. The PAM will report to and work under the guidance of the Director of Government Affairs, representing the Association and our members with policymakers and government officials, and on industry boards, coalitions, and committees. In addition, the PAM will work to build and manage key relationships while developing strategies to advocate on legislation and regulations that advance the interests of the multifamily housing industry and support our housing communities. The PAM will be responsible for coordinating internal and external communications from the Government Affairs Department to carry out WMFHA’s objectives and goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

Government Affairs and Advocacy

• Manage the tracking and monitoring of proposed local, regional, state, and federal legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that could affect the organization and WMFHA members, and assess their potential impacts.
• Support the development and execution of advocacy strategies to influence legislation and regulations that support the growth of the multifamily housing industry.
• Manage WMFHA’s lobbying and advocacy efforts at the local, regional, and state levels in close coordination and partnership with WMFHA’s contract lobbyists.
• Participate in the creation and implementation of an effective grassroots advocacy strategy and ambassador program that involves member engagement, elevating the voices of multifamily housing professionals.
• Manage administrative communications, agenda, and policy objectives for WMFHA’s monthly Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and Political Action Committee (PAC), to ensure members remain informed about issues facing the multifamily housing industry.
• Manage fundraising efforts and expenditures for WMFHA’s Political Action Committee (PAC).
• Schedule periodical meetings with local, state, regional, and federal public and elected officials, and industry stakeholder groups to build relationships and represent the needs of WMFHA’s membership.
• Plan and execute WMFHA’s Day on the Hill (DOH) in Olympia.
• Testify before state and local committees, public hearings, and/or forums on proposed bills or ordinances.
• Prepare talking points for testimony and for use in member meetings, external affairs, etc.

Government Affairs Communications

• Support the implementation of consistent and timely internal (membership) and external (industry) communications on legislative and government affairs updates.
• Internal – help execute communication strategies that provide updates on emerging and pending industry issues, and motivate members to engage in WMFHA's political and legislative efforts.
• External – assist in managing WMFHA’s public relations/public affairs efforts to highlight and recognize members' positive community engagement.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, marketing material, and industry reports to educate and influence elected officials on issues facing the industry.
• Help plan, prepare, and deliver periodic presentations to the WMFHA Board of Directors and general membership with updates on political and legislative efforts. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend and represent WMFHA at periodic national and regional industry-related conferences and summits.
• Assist in developing the annual budget for the Government Affairs Department and the WMFHA PAC.
• Duties as assigned by the Director of Government Affairs and/or the Executive Director.

Position Skills/Experience:

• Four-year college degree, preferably in Political Science or other related fields.
• 3-5 years of direct experience in lobbying, government, legislative, and/or public affairs.
• Previous experience working in a trade association or member-driven nonprofit organization is a plus.
• An understanding of local and state-level government processes and legislative procedures is preferred.
• Strong political acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent organizational, written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional and diplomatic in communication skills and be able to demonstrate sound judgment.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments.
• Ability to interact effectively with volunteer members, elected officials, and colleagues.
• Initiative-taker, adaptive, and able to work independently with attention to detail. 
• Advanced computer literacy skills with MS Office Suite applications.
• Ability to travel overnight or for up to a week.

Compensation/Benefits:

The salary range for the Public Affairs Manager role is $85,000-$95,000, and is commensurate with a candidate’s skills, level of education, and relevant work experience. 

WMFHA provides an excellent and competitive benefits package, including: 

• 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as employee-paid ancillary benefit options
• 401K plan with match
• 3 weeks paid time off 
• 11 paid holidays
• 2 paid personal days
• Paid time off the week between Christmas and New Year's 
• Cellphone stipend
• Flexible work/hybrid work options

WMFHA’s office is located in Renton, WA. 

WMFHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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