News

LOCUS, Latin for "place," is a national coalition of real estate developers and investors who believe transportation drives development and who advocate for sustainable, walkable development in our towns and cities. Around the country, real estate developers and investors recognize pent-up demand for and a market shift toward walkable neighborhoods and sustainable developments. Homebuyers and businesses increasingly want smart growth development and LOCUS members understand these trends. Despite this market momentum, many local, state and federal policies currently in place hamper efforts to create the development consumers’ want and which support strong local economies. LOCUS is a project of Smart Growth America, the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide. Position Summary LOCUS is seeking an Associate/Executive Assistant (job title: "Associate") to help mobilize real estate developers and investors who believe transportation drives development and who would advocate for sustainable, walkable development in our towns and cities. The goals of the position are to (1) work with the LOCUS team to create an active presence of real estate developers and investors in key regions across the country; (2) mobilize members to educate the public and policy-makers about the implications of transportation investments and tax and finance policy; and (3) provide administrative support for the mission, particularly to the President of LOCUS. The LOCUS Associate will report to LOCUS Managing Director. Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as Executive Assistant to the President of LOCUS.
• Assist with the identification, recruitment, engagement and maintenance of relationships with the real estate and finance community in targeted states.
• Assist with developing and implementing a plan for the management and growth of the membership in conjunction with federal and/or state policy goals.
• Assist with the enlistment of real estate developers and investors to join LOCUS, networking with existing members, and other relevant tactics.
• Help educate LOCUS members and prospective members about the link between transportation, and development.
• Support LOCUS members and their activities related to policy goals in targeted states, including coordination of communications, organizing public events, and supporting legislative meetings/testimony.
• Assist with coordination with allied organizations to leverage the voice of the real estate and investor community in support of state and national policy campaigns.
• Develop materials for member activities and activations, including PowerPoint presentations, website content, and e-newsletters.
• Oversee the content on the LOCUS website.
• Data entry and management of membership database.
• Coordinating mailings and information dissemination to members.
• General office administrative duties.

Ideal candidates will have a college degree and a minimum of 2 years organizing or related experience with cause or issue-related campaigns and/or advocacy. Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills required. Ability and proven experience in developing and maintaining effective community collaborations and partnerships. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Knowledge of the real estate community, an understanding of the legislative process, and experience with smart growth, finance, and real estate policies and programs is a plus. Salary commensurate with skills and experience. Excellent benefits. Equal Opportunity Employment Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Smart Growth America. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. How to Apply Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, three references and two short writing samples (no more than five pages) to locus smartgrowthamerica org. Please include the name of LOCUS Associate in the email subject line.