Director of Government Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Government Affairs

Organization: Home Builders Association of Greenville (HBAG)
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview

The Director of Government Affairs serves as the chief advocate for the Home Builders Association of Greenville, representing the residential construction, development, and housing industry across Greenville County and the Upstate of South Carolina. This role is responsible for advancing pro-housing, pro-growth policies; monitoring and influencing local, state, and federal legislation; and building strong, trusted relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, and key community stakeholders.

The Director will work closely with HBAG leadership, member companies, NAHB and SC Home Builders Association, and local governments to ensure that regulations, ordinances, and policies support attainable housing, responsible development, and a healthy building climate.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Public Policy

• Serve as HBAG’s primary liaison to local municipalities, Greenville County Council, planning commissions, zoning boards, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed ordinances, land development regulations, impact fees, moratoriums, permitting processes, and growth-related policies.

• Develop and advance HBAG’s annual legislative and regulatory agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Represent HBAG in public hearings, work sessions, stakeholder meetings, and legislative briefings.

• Draft position statements, policy briefs, testimony, and comment letters on behalf of the Association.

Government & Community Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, planning staff, building officials, inspectors, and agency leadership.

• Coordinate regular meetings, roundtables, and site visits with government officials to educate them on industry challenges and solutions.

• Serve as a trusted resource to policymakers on housing affordability, development economics, infrastructure capacity, and construction trends.

• Collaborate with allied organizations, chambers, business groups, and regional partners on shared policy initiatives.

Member Engagement & Grassroots Advocacy

• Engage HBAG members in grassroots advocacy efforts, including calls to action, testimony, and legislator outreach.

• Educate members on policy issues through meetings, newsletters, briefings, and presentations.

• Support and manage government affairs committees and task forces.

• Assist in candidate engagement efforts, including forums, interviews, and political action initiatives (as applicable).

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Track and report on legislative and regulatory developments impacting the building industry.

• Provide regular updates to the CEO, Board of Directors, and membership.

• Assist in long-range advocacy planning aligned with HBAG’s strategic goals.

• Support political fundraising efforts and compliance in coordination with HBAG leadership and legal counsel.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, planning, communications, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, or a related role.

• Strong understanding of local government processes, land use planning, zoning, and regulatory frameworks.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to build relationships and navigate politically diverse environments.

• Comfortable speaking publicly and representing the organization in high-visibility settings.

Preferred

• Experience working with trade associations, real estate, development, construction, or housing-related organizations.

• Familiarity with South Carolina legislative and regulatory processes.

• Knowledge of NAHB, state, or local home builders association advocacy structures.

• Experience managing PACs or political engagement programs.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong political acumen

• Relationship-builder and consensus-creator

• Results-driven advocate

• Highly organized and detail-oriented

• Professional, diplomatic, and credible under pressure

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Benefits package including health insurance assistance and paid time offf

• Professional development opportunities through NAHB, state, and regional training programs

Why Join HBAG

The Home Builders Association of Greenville is a respected voice for housing and economic growth in the Upstate. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape policy, protect the industry, and make a meaningful impact on housing affordability and community development in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.