Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Director of Government Affairs
Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, Renton, Washington, United States, 98056
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Job Title:
Director of Government Affairs (DGA) Reports To:
WMFHA Executive Director Type:
Full-time, exempt 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 200 property management companies and ownership groups, 2,450 multi-family properties, and 357,000 housing units throughout Washington State. Scope of Activity: The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for leading, planning, and implementing WMFHA’s legislative, public policy, regulatory, and public affairs efforts, including local, regional, state and federal advocacy, partnerships, coalition building, and external communications. The DGA will represent the Association, and our members, with elected officials, policymakers and government officials, and on industry boards/coalitions/committees, building and managing relationships while developing and executing strategies to advocate on legislation and regulations that advance the interests of the multifamily housing industry, and supports our members housing communities. In addition, the DGA will lead and direct the responsibilities and duties of WMFHA’s Public Affairs Manager, government affairs contractors, consultants, and lobbyists, and work closely with the Executive Director, WMFHA staff, Board of Directors, and membership to carry out WMFHA’s objectives and goals. Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Organizational Influence Lead the development and execution of WMFHA’s comprehensive government affairs strategy, aligning with the organization’s long-term vision and strategic priorities. Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, advising the Executive Director and Board of Directors on public policy, political strategy, and regulatory trends impacting the multifamily housing industry. Represent WMFHA at high-level industry forums, coalitions, and with national partners (e.g., National Apartment Association), positioning the association as a thought leader in housing policy. Policy Development & Advocacy Oversee all legislative, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring proactive engagement and influence. Direct the creation of WMFHA’s annual policy agenda and advocacy roadmap, incorporating member feedback, political intelligence, and industry trends. Lead strategic lobbying efforts, including coordination with contract lobbyists, consultants, and coalition partners to advance WMFHA’s legislative goals. Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry leaders, and advocacy organizations. Spearhead grassroots and coalition-building efforts with external partners to amplify WMFHA’s voice and impact. Serve as the primary spokesperson for WMFHA on government affairs issues, including media engagements, public testimony, and legislative briefings. Committee & PAC Oversight Provide executive oversight of the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and Political Action Committee (PAC), ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence. Lead PAC fundraising efforts including strategy, budgeting, and candidate endorsement processes, in collaboration with committee leadership and external advisors. Ensure compliance with all PAC governance and legal requirements, updating governing documents as needed. Manage and mentor the Government Affairs team, including the Public Affairs Manager and external consultants, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture. Develop and oversee the department’s annual budget, staffing plan, and performance metrics. Lead cross-departmental collaboration to integrate advocacy efforts with communications, membership, member education and events. Communications & Member Engagement Oversee the development of strategic communications related to legislative and regulatory issues, ensuring timely, clear, and impactful messaging to members and stakeholders. Drive member engagement in advocacy efforts through events, education campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and leadership development programs. Deliver regular targeted updates and presentations to the Board of Directors, membership, committees, and external stakeholders on government affairs activities and outcomes. General Responsibilities All other tasks as assigned or necessary to build and maintain a first-class government affairs program for the association Position Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MPA, JD, MBA) strongly preferred, particularly in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or related fields. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, lobbying, or legislative strategy, with a proven track record of leadership and impact. Executive-level experience managing teams, budgets, and external consultants/lobbyists, ideally within a trade association, nonprofit, or complex stakeholder environment. Deep expertise in Washington State legislative and regulatory processes, with strong relationships across government, industry, and advocacy sectors. Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic advocacy campaigns, including coalition building, grassroots mobilization, and media engagement. Exceptional communication and influence skills, including public speaking, media relations, and high-level stakeholder engagement. Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with experience conducting policy impact assessments and developing legislative position papers. Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with volunteer leadership, including Boards, committees, and member organizations. High level of political acumen, discretion, and professionalism, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. Willingness and ability to travel for meetings, conferences, and advocacy events at the local, state, and national levels for up to a week. We offer a competitive salary that is commensurate with your experience, education, and the scope of this role. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package, which includes: Competitive salary with a 10% annual bonus potential. 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees (dependent coverage available at the employees’ expense). Employer-paid $25k basic life insurance policy (additional coverage available at the employees’ expense). 401(k) with a 50% company match, up to 5% of your salary. 15 days/120 hours of PTO starting your first year. 2 personal days. 11 paid holidays + company paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s. $75 monthly cellphone stipend. Mileage reimbursement for business travel, paid at the federal IRS rate. WMFHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Seniority level
Seniority level Director Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
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Director of Government Affairs (DGA) Reports To:
WMFHA Executive Director Type:
Full-time, exempt 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 200 property management companies and ownership groups, 2,450 multi-family properties, and 357,000 housing units throughout Washington State. Scope of Activity: The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for leading, planning, and implementing WMFHA’s legislative, public policy, regulatory, and public affairs efforts, including local, regional, state and federal advocacy, partnerships, coalition building, and external communications. The DGA will represent the Association, and our members, with elected officials, policymakers and government officials, and on industry boards/coalitions/committees, building and managing relationships while developing and executing strategies to advocate on legislation and regulations that advance the interests of the multifamily housing industry, and supports our members housing communities. In addition, the DGA will lead and direct the responsibilities and duties of WMFHA’s Public Affairs Manager, government affairs contractors, consultants, and lobbyists, and work closely with the Executive Director, WMFHA staff, Board of Directors, and membership to carry out WMFHA’s objectives and goals. Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Organizational Influence Lead the development and execution of WMFHA’s comprehensive government affairs strategy, aligning with the organization’s long-term vision and strategic priorities. Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, advising the Executive Director and Board of Directors on public policy, political strategy, and regulatory trends impacting the multifamily housing industry. Represent WMFHA at high-level industry forums, coalitions, and with national partners (e.g., National Apartment Association), positioning the association as a thought leader in housing policy. Policy Development & Advocacy Oversee all legislative, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring proactive engagement and influence. Direct the creation of WMFHA’s annual policy agenda and advocacy roadmap, incorporating member feedback, political intelligence, and industry trends. Lead strategic lobbying efforts, including coordination with contract lobbyists, consultants, and coalition partners to advance WMFHA’s legislative goals. Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry leaders, and advocacy organizations. Spearhead grassroots and coalition-building efforts with external partners to amplify WMFHA’s voice and impact. Serve as the primary spokesperson for WMFHA on government affairs issues, including media engagements, public testimony, and legislative briefings. Committee & PAC Oversight Provide executive oversight of the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and Political Action Committee (PAC), ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence. Lead PAC fundraising efforts including strategy, budgeting, and candidate endorsement processes, in collaboration with committee leadership and external advisors. Ensure compliance with all PAC governance and legal requirements, updating governing documents as needed. Manage and mentor the Government Affairs team, including the Public Affairs Manager and external consultants, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture. Develop and oversee the department’s annual budget, staffing plan, and performance metrics. Lead cross-departmental collaboration to integrate advocacy efforts with communications, membership, member education and events. Communications & Member Engagement Oversee the development of strategic communications related to legislative and regulatory issues, ensuring timely, clear, and impactful messaging to members and stakeholders. Drive member engagement in advocacy efforts through events, education campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and leadership development programs. Deliver regular targeted updates and presentations to the Board of Directors, membership, committees, and external stakeholders on government affairs activities and outcomes. General Responsibilities All other tasks as assigned or necessary to build and maintain a first-class government affairs program for the association Position Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MPA, JD, MBA) strongly preferred, particularly in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or related fields. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, lobbying, or legislative strategy, with a proven track record of leadership and impact. Executive-level experience managing teams, budgets, and external consultants/lobbyists, ideally within a trade association, nonprofit, or complex stakeholder environment. Deep expertise in Washington State legislative and regulatory processes, with strong relationships across government, industry, and advocacy sectors. Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic advocacy campaigns, including coalition building, grassroots mobilization, and media engagement. Exceptional communication and influence skills, including public speaking, media relations, and high-level stakeholder engagement. Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with experience conducting policy impact assessments and developing legislative position papers. Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with volunteer leadership, including Boards, committees, and member organizations. High level of political acumen, discretion, and professionalism, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. Willingness and ability to travel for meetings, conferences, and advocacy events at the local, state, and national levels for up to a week. We offer a competitive salary that is commensurate with your experience, education, and the scope of this role. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package, which includes: Competitive salary with a 10% annual bonus potential. 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees (dependent coverage available at the employees’ expense). Employer-paid $25k basic life insurance policy (additional coverage available at the employees’ expense). 401(k) with a 50% company match, up to 5% of your salary. 15 days/120 hours of PTO starting your first year. 2 personal days. 11 paid holidays + company paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s. $75 monthly cellphone stipend. Mileage reimbursement for business travel, paid at the federal IRS rate. WMFHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Seniority level
Seniority level Director Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Other Industries Non-profit Organizations Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Washington Multi-Family Housing Association by 2x Get notified about new Director of Government Affairs jobs in
Renton, WA . Sr. director of regulatory and government affairs
Kirkland, WA $253,500.00-$282,900.00 1 day ago Director-State & Local Government Relations
Education & Youth Policy Program Director
Seattle, WA $132,959.00-$159,250.00 1 month ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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