Regional Director of Government and Community Relations

AIR Communities is one of the country's largest owners and operators of multifamily housing, managing high-quality communities across the country! At AIR, we value integrity, respect, collaboration, customer focus, and performance. These values are brought to life by our teammates, who are ultimately responsible for our success. When you join our team, you'll work alongside the most dedicated professionals in the industry and open the door to unlimited career opportunities.

We seek motivated professionals who excel in customer service and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you're inclined towards more challenging tasks and aspire to exceed expectations, our environment may align better with your ambitions, join us!

The Regional Director of Government & Community Relations (GCR) advances AIR’s public policy priorities across key East Coast markets. This leader is charged with growing AIR’s relationships and engagement with local and state policymakers, community stakeholders, and industry partners to advance business interests across our portfolio of multifamily communities, while mitigating regulatory, policy, political and public affairs risks. This position serves as a primary representative of AIR in the region and a strategic advisor to internal teams on political, legislative, and regulatory developments that affect AIR’s business.

Where You Will Work:

AIR values relationships and the benefits from working side by side with teammates, therefore this position will be in-office 5 days a week to in AIR's Bethesda office to support the team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Execute AIR’s GCR strategy across assigned East Coast markets in alignment with enterprise priorities.
2. Act as the regional subject matter expert on political, legislative, and regulatory matters.
3. Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and local legislative and regulatory activity;
4. Assess the business impact of proposed laws and policy trends, offering strategic guidance to inform decision‑making and risk mitigation.
5. Advocate for outcomes that support AIR’s business objectives (e.g., housing, land use, permitting, taxation, and other real estate-related issues).
6. Represent AIR with elected officials, agencies, community organizations, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and policy coalitions to elevate AIR’s profile and advance shared policy goals.
7. Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, staff, industry partners and community leaders to strengthen AIR’s regional presence and reputation.
8. Support property-level government matters (land use, permitting, code enforcement, community matters) in partnership with on-site and operations teams.
9. Coordinate with the GCR Team Lead on messaging, planning, reporting, and knowledge-sharing; support political engagement and community partnership strategy.
10. Build and cultivate strategic coalitions, partnerships, and alliances with industry associations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
11. Partner with on‑site and operational teams to navigate government processes and resolve issues that could affect AIR properties or residents.

12.  [BF1]Do we want to specify which markets are included? (DC, MD, VA, FL, GA, NC, SC, MA)

     [BF2]Shelly - do we need to mention:

    1.) Expectations for being in the office (minimum 4 days per week, unless traveling)

    2.) Travel expectations (approximately 20%)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, government, public administration, urban planning, communications, or related field (Master’s degree preferred and may be substituted with equivalent experience).

Experience: At least five years’ experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political strategy experience with state and local processes; Experience building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, agency staff, community organizations, and industry partners; comfort representing an organization in public forums and stakeholder settings; real estate, housing policy, zoning, permitting, or regulated-industry exposure is a plus.

Core skills: Policy analysis; clear written and verbal communication; relationship-building and advocacy; sound judgment and strategic thinking; ability to manage multiple priorities across a dispersed portfolio; cross-functional collaboration (operations, legal, development, corporate leadership).

Attributes: Diplomatic, collaborative, solutions-oriented; able to build trust with diverse stakeholders; adaptable in fast-changing environments.

AIR offers attractive total compensation packages designed to recognize and reward performance at the individual, team and company levels. We start with a competitive base salary and add bonus opportunities and benefit choices topped off with:

• Expected base salary of $175,000-$190,000. You will be provided a pay rate that is in line with your skills and experience as they relate to the requirements of the job.
• Base salary plus annual bonus.
• 25% Rent Discount available
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options available. HSA with company sponsored contributions, FSA (traditional and dependent care FSA).
• Short and long-term disability paid by the company.
• 401(K) plus 6% company contributions.
• Paid Vacation, 14 Paid Holidays, and Paid Sick Time.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Commuter Benefits and Pet-Insurance.
• Up to 100% Reimbursement on Professional Certification/Licensing for Job Related Curriculums.
• Paid parental leave of up to 16 weeks, following the birth or adoption of a child.
• Consumer discounts from various products and services including travel planning, wireless phones, health and fitness, home appliances, and more.
• 15 hours of paid time annually to give-back to your community.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth including realistic job previews, in person and virtual leadership training, and performance improvement courses.

What You Need to Know

Application Deadline: The initial deadline for applications is 5/1/2026. Applications submitted after this date may still be considered on a rolling basis until the position/program is filled. We encourage all interested candidates to apply as early as possible. If a final decision has not been made by the initial deadline, subsequent applications will be reviewed as they are received. 

Candidates extended an offer will be required to undergo pre-employment screening that includes checking references, a four-panel drug screening that excludes marijuana testing, employment verification & criminal background check.

AIR values diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. AIR prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.