Council Director

SEMA and PRI together represent the heart of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries, supporting a global marketplace that spans performance parts, racing technologies, restoration, restyling, and specialty automotive innovation. SEMA is a nonprofit trade association powering a nearly $53-billion-a-year retail market through industry-leading programs, advocacy, research, and events like the annual SEMA Show. PRI extends this influence into the racing marketplace, connecting professionals through the PRI Trade Show, advocacy, media, and education.

About the role

Serve as a category expert and advocate for the association during industry events. Responsible for the development and growth of strategic member groups, leading volunteer groups toward annual goals, and enhancing growth through creative activities for assigned councils and networks. Must be willing to work on-site at either the Diamond Bar, CA or Detroit, MI office.

Responsibilities

• Work with council or network leadership to identify and address industry challenges, facilitate monthly meetings, and develop agendas.
• Develop new initiatives from concept to benefit delivery and value assessment.
• Coordinate annual council elections and execute in-person and virtual events, including those at SEMA and PRI Shows. Responsibilities may include:
  • Requesting contracts
  • Planning food & beverage
  • Creating marketing materials
  • Reporting, tracking, and follow-up communication
• Lead volunteer development, including recruitment, onboarding, training, conflict management, and recognition.
• Serve as project manager for council-related programming, including:
  • Identifying and recruiting project teams
  • Leading cross-functional teams
  • Establishing goals, objectives, and timelines
  • Developing project charters and coordinating with the Project Management Office
  • Managing timelines, resources, and budgets
• Conduct membership outreach to identify and recruit companies, volunteers, and industry leaders, and improve member engagement.
• Track and report on membership data and facilitate council-related online discussion groups.
• Research, draft messaging, and prepare council and industry segment newsletters and promotional materials for:
  • SEMA.org and SEMAshow.com websites
  • SEMA eNews and program-related eBlasts
  • Press releases
• Oversee council and network membership data in the association’s member database (Nimble) and maintain its integrity.
• Provide regular reports on progress toward goals, achievements, resources, and budgets.
• Guard against antitrust activities or actions that could result in liability to SEMA.
• Advocate for SEMA, its volunteers, and member benefits, staying knowledgeable about industry trends and association programs.

Requirements

• A minimum of five (5) years of management experience.
• 4-year college degree required; Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, media relations, or related field strongly recommended.
• Experience managing volunteer boards and committees.
• Experience planning and executing in-person and virtual events.
• Project development and management experience preferred.
• Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
• General understanding of not-for-profit settings led by a strong volunteer base.
• Ability to thrive working with challenging personalities.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of association policies, bylaws, meeting procedures, and recording minutes.
• Knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and its specialty segments preferred.
• Travel requirements up to 30%.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and association management software.

Pay

$100,000 - $110,000 per year