Director of Local Government Affairs

Who We Are

The Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina (MHISC) is the trade association that represents the modular and manufactured housing industry in the state.Located across from the Governor’s Mansion in downtown Columbia, MHISC is building a robust government affairs program at the local and state levels.The manufactured housing industry is poised for a renaissance with homes that have greatly improved over the past few years and will benefit from a renewed interest in attainable housing at all levels of government.

The Job

The Director of Local Government Affairs will be responsible for advocating for housing policy at the county and municipal level that will allow for more favorable treatment of manufactured homes.Many local jurisdictions have outdated zoning and land-use laws that discriminate against manufactured homes based on the perception of homes from thirty or forty years ago.Modern manufactured homes offer a high-quality, energy efficient, and attractive alternative that is most importantly affordable at a time when middle and working-class families are increasingly priced out of the housing market in South Carolina.

This position will actively monitor housing policy at the local level and travel on a regular basis around the state to meet with local government professional staff and elected officials to advocate for manufactured housing.Active engagement with MHISC members on the local level will be a key function to create grass-roots support for initiatives.Another important function will be engaging with and educating building officials about manufactured homes.The Director of Local Government Affairs will also assist members with building code/permitting issues.

This job will entail frequent travel (at least one or two days a week) as well as attending council meetings when needed, which usually take place in the evening.A flexible schedule will be allowed for travel and evening meetings.A valid driver’s license is required and there is a company car which will frequently be available for travel requirements.The position will also assist with occasional local MHISC chapter meetings and the MHISC Annual Convention and Winter Meeting.

What We’re Searching For

The Director of Local Government Affairs needs to be an energetic self-starter with knowledge of how local government works and has or can gain quickly an understanding of land-use law and building codes/permitting.The ability to be a strong advocate both in public meetings and individual meetings is a must, as are strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with local government staff and elected officials.An attorney, planning and zoning official, lobbyist, or possibly someone with land development experience could be a good fit for this job.The Director of Local Government Affairs will report to the MHISC Executive Director.

Pay and Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $90,000-120,000.MHISC offers excellent benefits with full payment of the employee’s personal health insurance premium, as well as a 401(k) match and profit-sharing plan.