Political Director

Internal Number: 9200910991593_1

Political Director

This role is in our Washington, DC location and is in-office daily.

About SEMA

A love for cars, trucks, and SUVs is the motivating force behind the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams, and more. From performance products for street and race applications to accessories for late-model automobiles and light-duty trucks, SEMA-member companies contribute to the vitality and strength of a $52 billion-a-year retail industry.

SEMA is a non-profit association that behaves like a business. Its mission is to help its individual and business membership base succeed and prosper. Its members produce and market specialty automotive products for cars, trucks, and SUVs.

SEMA helps its members make smarter business decisions, save money through group buying power, advocate for its members on Capitol Hill and state capitols, and network with key businesses in the industry.

In addition to numerous member benefit programs, SEMA plays an active role in convening the industry through a variety of world-class events. Each fall, the SEMA Show is the industry’s largest (and in fact one of the world’s largest) trade shows, bringing together every segment of the automotive industry, from hot-rods and off-roads to mobile electronics and collision repair. With more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and attendees from all over the world, the SEMA Show is where the hottest, newest automotive products debut. More information about this event is available at SEMA Show.

Learn more about SEMA on its website at SEMA.

Political Director

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is looking for a driven advocacy campaign professional who is ready to harness the power of a large grassroots organization and motivated membership base. SEMA is best known for its world-renowned annual trade show that hosts thousands of exhibitors and over 150,000 attendees representing the automotive aftermarket, racing, and enthusiast community. The position is based out of SEMA’s Washington, D.C. office and is an in-office position.

The political director will lead our grassroots and grasstops efforts to support SEMA’s advocacy and communications efforts in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. They will be responsible for fostering and activating key membership audiences, including the SEMA Action Network, SEMA individual and business members, car clubs, and more. This is an opportunity for a mid to senior-level staffer to help continue the success of this growing network of car enthusiasts and automotive aftermarket and racing parts manufacturers. A successful candidate for this position is someone who can think creatively, understand how to leverage the tools available to them, and be metrics-driven. They will be part of a growing advocacy team of professionals who share a passion for our industry and strive for success.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create and implement multi-pronged advocacy campaigns in support of federal, state, and local legislative initiatives.
• Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement program between lawmakers and our member businesses, such as member facility tours, attendance at premier industry events like off-road races, professional race events, car shows, and the SEMA and PRI Shows.
• Continue to grow SEMA’s 400,000+ grassroots database through paid digital media campaigns and other engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with SEMA’s other teams to build these programs, including our public and government affairs, membership and councils, marketing, and publications teams.
• Develop SEMA’s grasstops engagement strategy in support of local and regional legislative and media efforts.
• Identify and develop relationships with other trade associations, think tanks, and political advocacy organizations that share common policy interests.
• This position will oversee one in-house staff member and outside consultants.

Job Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher.
• At least five years of experience in federal and/or state issue campaigns. Agency or Association experience is preferred.
• A commitment to the mission of SEMA.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with an ability to think independently and collaboratively while prioritizing daily workload and multiple projects.
• Outstanding judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills.
• Must be able to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment.
• Familiarity with social media and digital advertising platforms (Meta, Google) and understanding the data analytics produced by those platforms.
• Possess a desire to learn from and engage with an enthusiastic membership base and strong interpersonal skills.
• Quarterly travel is expected.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, relationships, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

Salary Range

This position’s estimated annual base salary is $100,000.00 – $135,000.00. Actual base salary will be dependent on the individual’s skills, qualifications, and experience. This role is eligible for a 401k savings plan, healthcare (medical, dental, and vision), and other generous rewards.

Learn more here