Summary of Position

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs leads HBA’s regional advocacy efforts, shaping the political and regulatory environment for local homebuilding. This leadership-level position advocates for member priorities through strategic communication, policy analysis, political engagement, member involvement, and direct lobbying. The Director serves as the lead liaison to HBA’s Government Affairs Committee, Portland Building and Urban Development Council, and leads PAC fundraising efforts.

Focused primarily on local-level advocacy, the Director represents HBA across six counties, 40 cities, and Metro, with occasional state and federal lobbying. The Director will help lead efforts to build and shape a broad coalition of housing advocates, including industry partners and other key stakeholders to support a unified housing production agenda in the Portland region.

This role works closely with government staff, elected officials, utilities, non-profits, and other thought-leaders to address housing, development, and land use issues. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and relationship-building skills to engage diverse partners in advancing housing priorities.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Lead HBA’s government affairs and political relations efforts, coordinating with the CEO, Board, Government Affairs Committee, and relevant councils.
• Serve as the key liaison to city, county, and Metro governments, building and maintaining relationships with local elected leaders and key government staff to influence land use, development, and housing regulations.
• Serve on key industry-appointed regional boards and committees including Metro Technical Advisory Committee, HNA/HPS Stakeholder Tables, Utility Advisory Boards, and others as needed.
• Strengthen member engagement in public policy, including grassroots support and new partnerships to enhance HBA’s influence on housing construction and affordability.
• Oversee HBA’s PAC and legal defense fund, managing fundraising, candidate endorsements, and other political activities.
• Support broader coalition work with local chambers and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with communications and PR staff to effectively convey HBA’s positions to members, media, and relevant groups. Serve as HBA's lead spokesperson to media outlets on housing policy and political issues.
• Track priority municipality meetings and issues, ensuring appropriate HBA staff and member involvement. Communicate HBA positions before Planning Commissions, City Councils, County Commissions, and other elected bodies.
• Manage special projects and research on industry issues as needed.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Supervise the Deputy Director of Public Policy and a part-time Leadership & Advocacy Assistant.

Work Abilities/Skills Needed

• Strong management skills, with the ability to utilize and mentor staff to their fullest potential.
• Strong and effective written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies and problem-solve to address complex issues.
• An appearance/attitude that represents HBA professionally, develops respect from members and those within government, and that interacts with government officials positively regardless of their position on issues.
• Able to achieve objectives in cooperation with other staff, committees and members.
• Some evening and occasional weekend work is required. Local travel is required.

Other Desired Skills/Background

• Experience in volunteer engagement, preferably in a trade association or similar environment.
• Existing relationships with city, county, and Metro governments in the Portland region.
• Knowledge of residential building, development, and land use issues.

Experience/Educational Requirements: Preferred candidates will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Pre-law, or a related field, along with at least seven years of experience in progressively responsible advocacy and lobbying roles. Consideration will be given to candidates with significant professional experience in lieu of formal educational qualifications. Experience in residential construction, land use, or the government permitting process is highly preferred and may substitute for other experience requirements. Registration as a lobbyist may be required in certain jurisdictions.

About Home Building Assn of Greater Portland

Summary of HBAGP:  HBAGP serves more than 1,200 builders, remodelers, craftsmen/women and industry professionals, as well as the communities where they live and work. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we work with members and elected officials, public agencies, neighborhood associations and other partners to make building and remodeling of all types of homes, from single-family to middle housing to high-rise, more efficient and responsive to the needs of our communities. HBAGP has a staff of 10 and a $4 million annual budget. Major activities include consumer shows (e.g. Street of Dreams, Home & Garden Shows), political and government affairs work, educational and certification programs, networking activities and events, and public interest and relations efforts. The Home Building Foundation (HBF), the charitable arm of HBAGP, has a budget of approximately $750,000 and a staff of 3.5. Major fundraising activities include an annual Gala/Auction and a large Trapshoot event. HBAGP is affiliated with state (OHBA) and national (NAHB) home builders associations. HBAGP is recognized across the Country for being a leader among the more than 600 affiliated HBAs an...d has received more awards from our affiliated national association over the last 15 years than any other HBA in the Country.

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