Government and External Relations Coordinator

Niagara Association of REALTORS®; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Niagara Association of REALTORS® seeks a Government and External Relations Coordinator to advance advocacy initiatives and support housing policy strategies. You will engage with stakeholders, conduct key research, and help communicate complex housing policy issues to members, contributing to the broader community's real estate challenges. Your role will be pivotal in shaping local housing strategies and enhancing the professionalism of REALTORS® throughout the Niagara Region.

Benefits

Company events

Dental care

Extended health care

Life insurance

Mileage reimbursement

On-site parking

Work from home

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in advocacy or government relations.
• Strong ability to research and communicate public policy issues.
• Familiarity with the Niagara region's political landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead advocacy and government relations initiatives.
• Conduct research and prepare policy summaries.
• Manage stakeholder relationships to support NAR’s advocacy goals.

Skills

Research

Communication

Advocacy

Organization

Education

Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content management platforms

Job description

About Us

The Niagara Association of REALTORS (NAR) is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 1,500 REALTOR members across Niagara. We are committed to enhancing professionalism in the industry and advocating for housing attainability and economic growth in our region.

Position Summary

The Government and External Relations Coordinator plays a strategic role in advancing the advocacy, research, and public affairs priorities of NAR. Reporting to the Executive Officer, this position is responsible for leading the association’s government relations initiatives, administering the Political Action Committee (PAC), and supporting outreach efforts that promote the interests of Niagara REALTORS and the clients they serve.

This individual will conduct research, track municipal and legislative developments, build stakeholder relationships, and support the development and implementation of NAR’s annual advocacy strategy, with a key focus on housing policy, professionalism in real estate, and member-driven concerns.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy, Research & Government Relations

Lead the administration and coordination of advocacy activities in partnership with the Executive Officer and PAC representatives.
Conduct in-depth research and daily municipal and media scans to identify legislative, regulatory, and housing-related developments that impact Niagara REALTORS.
Prepare policy summaries, briefing notes, advocacy letters, and other materials to inform members and influence government decision-makers.
Track emerging trends in housing, real estate, land use planning, and economic development to support evidence-based advocacy.
Maintain relationships with elected officials, municipal staff, housing organizations, and industry stakeholders to support NAR’s advocacy goals.
Strategic Planning & Execution

Collaborate with the Executive Officer and PAC to develop NAR’s annual Advocacy Strategic Plan and support its execution across the association.
Coordinate political engagement activities including local meetings, housing roundtables, public consultations, and advocacy campaigns.
Assist with the planning and execution of events that raise awareness about REALTOR issues and community housing challenges.
Stakeholder & Member Engagement

Build and manage NAR’s online Advocacy Resource Hub to provide REALTORS with research-backed tools and communications to assist their clients.
Translate complex housing policy and legislation into clear, concise member communications and REALTOR-focused resources.
Support the development of presentations, reports, and speaking notes for the Executive Officer and volunteer leaders for stakeholder meetings.
Administrative & Committee Support

Provide full administrative support for PAC and advocacy-related meetings, including preparation of agendas, minutes, follow-up tasks, and tracking.
Maintain detailed records of advocacy initiatives, stakeholder interactions, research findings, and correspondence.
Support additional government relations or stakeholder engagement tasks as required by the Executive Officer.
Qualifications

Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field.
Extensive knowledge of the Niagara Region, including its municipal structures, political landscape, and housing challenges, is required.
Minimum 2 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, policy research, or stakeholder engagement (nonprofit or association sector experience is an asset).
Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and communicate complex public policy issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational, time management, and administrative skills.
Familiarity with the Niagara municipal and housing landscape is highly valued.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with digital tools or content management platforms is preferred.

Why Join NAR?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team working to shape housing policy and champion the real estate profession. Your work will directly support REALTORS and the broader Niagara community in addressing real challenges through informed advocacy, meaningful research, and strategic outreach.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
Company events
Dental care
Extended health care
Life insurance
Mileage reimbursement
On-site parking
Work from home

Schedule:
Day shift
Monday to Friday

Experience:

Research: 1 year (preferred)
Writing skills: 1 year (required)
policy development: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person