Government Relations Specialist in Toronto

The Government Relations Specialist – Western Region will be a valued member of OREA’s Government Relations team, reporting directly to Head of Government Relations. Focusing on the municipal level and then branching into provincial jurisdiction, the overarching objective of the Regional Government Relations Specialist is to support the advocacy, policy and government relations priorities of the local real estate Boards in Ontario’s Western Region, including in the Golden Horseshoe and Southwestern Ontario areas. Candidates that reside in, or in close proximity to, the Southwestern Ontario region are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a hybrid role with frequent travel between Board offices in the southwestern Ontario region, and occasional travel to OREA’s offices in Toronto.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Policy and Research: Working with OREA’s Policy Department: Municipal policy analysis, including housing supply, economic development, land use planning, zoning, development charge by-laws, and municipal budgets, at both lower-tier and regional/county levels. Bring member board priorities and on-the-ground issues into OREA’s annual policy development cycle and response to policy consultations. Monitor council and committee agendas, news and social media for local issues affecting REALTORS® and the real estate industry, and flag them early. Research local issues and prepare briefing notes and analysis as requested.
• Communications: Working with OREA’s Communications department: Draft remarks for members delegating to council, letters to council, written submissions and correspondence to municipal and provincial elected officials. Help create and deploy OREA advocacy campaigns, including on digital platforms, and drive member participation in Calls to Action across the region. Coordinate local board responses to emerging issues. Arrange meetings between local board representatives and elected officials, and prepare briefing materials in advance. Lead outreach to elected officials, staff and community partners on behalf of OREA and local boards.
• Government and Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain relationships with municipal and provincial elected officials and key decision-makers across the region. Serve as the liaison between OREA and local boards, keeping strong working relationships with Executive Officers, Presidents and Government Relations Committee Chairs. Attend member board events, meetings and speaking engagements, and coordinate OREA participation at local board events. Help boards access OREA advocacy resources. Identify political functions and community events of value, and work with boards to coordinate a REALTOR® presence at them. Help boards organize member attendance at OREA’s annual advocacy conference and Lobby Day MPP Meetings at Queen’s Park. Support election-year engagement with candidates and introduce OREA and local boards to newly elected councils. Attend OREA business / professional meetings as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Bachelors’ Degree, preferably in a related field
• A minimum 3-5 years experience in community organizing, politics and / or Government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
• Knowledge of provincial and municipal legislative processes, including how council and committee decisions are made.
• 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 our 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 contact OREA’s Human Resources department at career@orea.com.