Position Summary:

The Manager, Community Development Advocacy Resources oversees NAR’s Smart Growth Program, providing strategic leadership and operational management of a $1.2M portfolio of grants, technical assistance programs, research, training, and partnerships that support state and local REALTOR® associations in advancing responsible growth, land use, and transportation policies.

This role serves as a staff executive to the Smart Growth Advisory Board and leads programs including Smart Growth Grants, Transforming Neighborhoods, Smart Growth Polling, success stories, and the Planning and Zoning course. The Manager also represents NAR in national smart growth coalitions and collaborates across Advocacy, Communications, and Research teams to elevate REALTOR® leadership in community development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Management & Strategy – Smart Growth Portfolio

• Manage NAR’s Smart Growth Program, including grants, technical assistance, research, and training resources for local associations
• Oversee a program budget of approximately $1.2M and monitor expenditures across multiple initiatives
• Design and manage annual grant application processes, review workflows, scoring, and funding recommendations
• Manage Transforming Neighborhoods application and outreach processes for interested associations
• Coordinate Smart Growth Polling requests and align scheduling with NAR’s broader advocacy polling program
• Identify and develop Smart Growth success stories in partnership with Advocacy Communications
• Support delivery and periodic updates of the Planning and Zoning course, coordinating with NAR education staff and state associations
• Prepare reports and updates for the State and Local Policy Committee and other governance bodies

Advisory Board & Governance Support

• Serve as a Staff Executive to the Smart Growth Advisory Board
• Plan and manage two in-person and two virtual board meetings annually, plus monthly conference calls
• Provide program updates, funding recommendations, and strategic options to Board leadership
• Support development of annual work plans, budget priorities, and program enhancements

External Partnerships & National Engagement

• Serve as primary NAR liaison to national smart growth organizations
• Participate in external committees, working groups, and conferences
• Share NAR research, polling results, and association success stories with partner organizations
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership that elevate REALTOR® engagement in community development

Communications, Outreach & Education

• Participate in marketing and communications to REALTOR® associations and members about Smart Growth resources
• Present at state and local association meetings, trainings, and national conferences as needed
• Participate in weekly grant strategy sessions with associations
• Collaborate with Advocacy Communications on messaging and storytelling related to Smart Growth outcomes
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

• 5–8+ years of experience in community development, public policy, housing, land use, or advocacy program management
• Experience managing grant programs, budgets, and multi-component initiatives
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Experience working with boards, committees, or advisory groups in a governance environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, community development, housing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Experience working with professional or membership associations
• Familiarity with land use planning, transportation policy, and housing supply issues
• Experience coordinating research, polling, or applied technical assistance programs

NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

NAR is on a hybrid schedule and in the office 3 days a week.

Organizational Overview:

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS® working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing--each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members’ value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.

It is our mission to empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options.