Position Title: Government Relations Specialist (Northern)

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent

Reports to: Head of Government Relations

Salary Range: $65000 - $90000

Location: On-Site; frequent travel to Northern Ontario

Reason for Vacancy: Existing Vacancy

OREASMISSION

At the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) it is our goal to keep the dream of home ownership alive. Thats why it is our mission to support the provinces nearly 100000 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

The Government Relations Specialist Northern Region will be a valued member of OREAs Government Relations team reporting to the Head of Government Relations. Focusing first at the municipal level and then branching into provincial jurisdiction the overarching objective of the regional GR Specialist is to support the advocacy policy and government relations priorities of the local real estate Boards in Ontarios Northern Region including Thunder Bay Sudbury North Bay Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.

This role requires frequent travel to Board offices throughout the Northern Ontario Region as well as presence at OREAs office in Toronto ON. Candidates based in the Greater Toronto Area and Northern Ontario are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Policy and Research

Working with OREAs Policy Department:

- Municipal policy analysis including housing supply economic development land use planning zoning development charge by-laws and municipal budgets at both lower-tier and regional/county levels.
- Bring member board priorities and on-the-ground issues into OREAs annual policy development cycle and response to policy consultations.




- Monitor council and committee agendas news and social media for local issues affecting REALTORS and the real estate industry and flag them early.
- Research local issues and prepare briefing notes and analysis as requested.

2. Communications

Working with OREAs Communications department:

- Draft remarks for members delegating to council letters to council written submissions and correspondence to municipal and provincial elected officials.
- Help create and deploy OREA advocacy campaigns including on digital platforms and drive member participation in Calls to Action across the region.
- Coordinate local board responses to emerging issues.
- Arrange meetings between local board representatives and elected officials and prepare briefing materials in advance.
- Lead outreach to elected officials staff and community partners on behalf of OREA and local boards.

3. Government and Stakeholder Relations

- Build and maintain relationships with municipal and provincial elected officials and key decision-makers across the region.
- Serve as the liaison between OREA and local boards keeping strong working relationships with Executive Officers Presidents and Government Relations Committee Chairs.
- Attend member board events meetings and speaking engagements and coordinate OREA participation at local board events.
- Help boards access OREA advocacy resources.
- Identify political functions and community events of value and work with boards to coordinate a REALTOR presence at them.




- Help boards organize member attendance at OREAs annual advocacy conference and Lobby Day MPP Meetings at Queens Park.
- Support election-year engagement with candidates and introduce OREA and local boards to newly elected councils.
- Attend OREA business / professional meetings as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

- Bachelors Degree preferably in a related field
- A minimum 3-5 yearsexperience in community organizing politics and / or Government (municipal provincial or federal).
- Knowledge of provincial and municipal legislative processes including how council and committee decisions are made.
- Knowledge and understanding of Northern Ontarios unique municipal structure vast geography and culture.
- Willingness and ability to travel (up to 20%). Must possess a valid Ontario drivers license and have access to a car.
- Experience in grassroots organization and / or Member facing campaigns considered an asset.

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 market-competitive salary defined pension contribution plan and awesome health benefits.
- We help our staff grow their 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!

Interested applicants should submit their application on or before November 13th 2026. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in OREA but only those selected for interview will be contacted.

OREA is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process please contact OREAs Human Resources department at.

Required Experience:

IC

📌 Government Relations Specialist (Northern) (Toronto)
🏢 Ontario Real Estate Association
📍 Toronto