Salary Range: CA$125,000.00 To CA$175,000.00 Annually Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 Position Title: Head of Government Relations Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Location: On-Site - 15 Kern Rd, Toronto, ON, M3B 1S9 Reason for Vacancy: Existing Vacancy OREA'S MISSION At the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), it is our goal to keep the dream of home ownership alive. That's why it is our mission to support the province’s nearly 100,000 REALTORS in helping people find a great place to call home, work, and thrive. We deliver on that mission by playing a central role in advancing professional standards through advocacy, leadership development, Standard Forms education, and much more.

JOB DESCRIPTION We are looking for a strategic and relationship-focused leader to join our Government Relations team as Head of Government Relations. Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Government Relations is responsible for developing and executing OREA's government relations and advocacy strategy, building and maintaining relationships with government and industry stakeholders, and advancing the Association's public policy priorities. The position provides strategic advice to senior leadership and the Board of Directors, leads advocacy initiatives and events, supports Member Board advocacy efforts across Ontario, and oversees government relations staff and programs to further OREA's advocacy objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy Strategy and Executive Advice Develop and execute OREA's annual government relations and advocacy plan, with clear objectives, engagement tactics, timelines and measures aligned with the Association's strategic direction and approved policy priorities. Advise the CEO, President, Board of Directors and relevant committees on political developments, legislative opportunities and risks. Recommend and coordinate timely advocacy responses to legislative, regulatory and public policy issues affecting REALTORS, consumers and the real estate sector.

Monitor the political environment, government agendas, elections and legislative activity. Combine political intelligence with Public Affairs and Policy's analysis to identify opportunities, anticipate opposition and adapt advocacy tactics.

Government

Relations and Advocacy Build and sustain productive, non-partisan relationships with Ministers, MPPs, opposition parties, political staff, senior public servants and relevant municipal decision-makers, including through elections and leadership transitions. Lead OREA's engagement with government and relevant regulatory stakeholders, including the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Advance approved positions on housing supply, affordability, barriers to home ownership, real estate professionalism and consumer protection.

Lead advocacy meetings, legislative committee appearances and delivery of consultation and budget submissions. Set meeting objectives, prepare OREA representatives and ensure commitments and follow-up actions are tracked.

Members

Boards and Stakeholder Partnerships Maintain strong relationships with Member Board Executive Officers, Presidents, political affairs volunteers and GR staff. Gather local intelligence, reflect regional concerns in provincial advocacy and provide practical support for local initiatives. Coordinate with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) on federal matters and with Member Boards on municipal advocacy, respecting their mandates and relationships.

Collaborate with other provincial associations where priorities align. Develop coalitions with housing, business and community organizations to advance shared objectives. Represent OREA at government and industry forums within delegated authority.

Oversee OREA's Government Relations Regional Program, providing strategic guidance, coordination and support to regional government relations representatives across Ontario.

Ensure Member

Boards receive on-the-ground advocacy support, political intelligence, stakeholder engagement assistance and resources to advance local advocacy objectives while aligning with provincial priorities.

Member

Mobilization and Advocacy Events Lead OREA's annual REALTOR Advocacy Day, biennial Political Affairs Conference and other GR events, with Public Affairs and Policy supporting content and programming and relevant teams supporting delivery. Direct grassroots campaigns, political meetings and advocacy training that help REALTORS and Member Boards communicate approved positions effectively. Evaluate participation, engagement quality and follow-through.

Support the Government Relations Committee and other assigned advocacy bodies through agendas, strategic advice, reporting and action tracking, coordinating policy input with the Head of Public Affairs and Policy.

Policy

Development and Issues Management Work collaboratively with the Government Relations Committee, Public Affairs and Policy team, Member Boards and REALTOR volunteers to research, analyze and develop policy positions on legislative and regulatory issues impacting real estate. Bring government feedback, Member Board priorities and political intelligence into policy development. Identify evidence and briefing needs with Public Affairs and Policy, including for proposed legislation, regulations and budget measures.

Work with the Head of Public Affairs and Policy to advance TRESA-related recommendations through government relationships and advocacy. Support the advancement of policy recommendations through strategic government engagement and stakeholder consultation. Lead the government-facing response to emerging issues, aligning political engagement with policy advice, legal input and organizational communications.

Provide advocacy updates and spokesperson support; speak publicly on OREA's behalf, when authorized.

Public

Affairs and Communications Oversee and contribute to government relations communications, including advocacy updates, consultation materials, speaking points, stakeholder correspondence and member communications. Provide advocacy updates and spokesperson support to senior leadership and, when authorized, serve as a public spokesperson and media representative on government relations issues. Ensure government relations messages are aligned with approved policy positions and broader organizational communications strategies.

Leadership and accountability Lead, coach and develop assigned GR staff; establish clear accountabilities, performance expectations and a collaborative, Member-focused approach. Manage the departmental work plan, budget, consultants and external GR advisors within approved authority. Oversee applicable lobbying registrations, reporting and advocacy records in coordination with legal counsel.

Maintain ethical, non-partisan practices, protect confidential information and manage conflicts of interest. Provide departmental reporting and operational support to the CEO and Board of Directors and contribute to organizational planning and leadership initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS &

SKILLS: Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, public administration, law, communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. A graduate degree is an asset. At least ten years of progressively senior experience in government relations, advocacy, public affairs or government, including significant leadership of teams or major advocacy portfolios and demonstrated results in Ontario’s political environment.

Strong understanding of Queen's Park, legislative and regulatory processes, government decision-making and the interaction of provincial, municipal and federal responsibilities; an established network and credibility across party lines. Knowledge of Ontario housing and real estate issues and the respective roles of OREA, Member Boards, CREA and RECO.

Experience in organized real estate, housing or a member-based association is strongly preferred. Demonstrated success providing strategic counsel to CEOs, Boards of Directors, senior executives and volunteer leaders on complex public policy, political and reputational matters. Proven ability to balance competing interests, build consensus and guide organizations through sensitive and high-profile issues.

Exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence diverse audiences, build trusted relationships and represent the organization with professionalism, confidence and credibility at the highest levels. A respected and collaborative leader with a track record of developing talent, fostering accountability and building engaged, high-performing teams. Brings sound judgment, political acuity, integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.

Strong business and operational acumen, including experience managing departmental budgets, work plans, external advisors and cross-functional initiatives in a dynamic and evolving environment. 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 develop 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 .