Council Director
About the Organization
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) represent the heart of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. Together, they support a vibrant global marketplace spanning performance parts, advanced racing technologies, restoration, restyling, and specialty automotive innovation. SEMA is a dynamic nonprofit trade association comprising manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, publishers, race teams, and more, powering a nearly $53-billion-a-year retail market. Through industry-leading programs, advocacy, research, and world-class events like the annual SEMA Show, SEMA helps members grow and innovate.
PRI extends this influence into the global racing marketplace, serving as the premier source of business intelligence, technology insights, and community connection for racing professionals. The annual PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis brings together over 1,000 exhibiting companies and thousands of racing stakeholders. Together, SEMA and PRI fuel the success of thousands of businesses and preserve the future of automotive performance and racing.
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 the achievement of annual goals and objectives. Research and assist in developing programs to market and maintain existing segments of the aftermarket. Enhance growth through creative design and execution of activities for assigned councils and networks. This is an on-site position located at either the Diamond Bar, CA or Detroit, MI office.
Responsibilities
- Work with council or network leadership to identify and address issues and challenges related to the council, network, and/or industry segment.
- Facilitate monthly select committee and subcommittee teleconferences and long-range planning (LRP) meetings, including developing agendas and ensuring strategic discussions.
- Develop new initiatives from concept to benefit delivery and value assessment.
- Coordinate the implementation of annual council elections as required by member groups.
- Execute numerous in-person and virtual events that provide opportunities for members to network, learn, and promote their personal and company brands, including events at the SEMA and PRI Shows. Responsibilities may include:
- Requesting contracts
- Planning food & beverage
- Assisting with the creation of marketing materials to advertise and secure attendees
- Reporting, tracking, and follow-up communication
- Lead the council or network’s volunteer development to recruit ongoing and special-needs volunteers using multiple tools.
- Onboard and train volunteers using SEMA-designed resources.
- Assist in the management of volunteer resources, including reporting, conflict management, recognition, and offboarding.
- Serve as project manager for all council-related programming, including:
- Identifying and recruiting project teams
- Leading the development of cross-functional teams (CFT) when necessary
- Establishing mutually agreed-upon team goals, objectives, and timelines
- Developing project charters and coordinating with the Project Management Office
- Managing project timelines, resources, and budgets
- Strategic planning of short- and long-term goals
- Conduct membership outreach, including:
- Monitoring new SEMA member enrollments to identify potential council and network members or volunteers
- Identifying and recruiting companies, volunteers, and industry leaders to join and participate in council activities
- Assessing opportunities to improve member engagement to move members from casual to connected to committed
- Tracking and reporting on membership data
- In partnership with the PR team, facilitate and monitor council-related online discussion groups hosted on social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram).
- Research, draft messaging, and prepare council and industry segment newsletters and promotional materials for:
- SEMA.org and SEMAshow.com websites
- SEMA eNews
- Program-related eBlasts to council-specific audiences
- Press release drafts
- Provide oversight of council and network membership data in the association’s member database (Nimble) and work with IT to maintain its integrity.
- Provide regular reports on progress toward individual and council goals and objectives, including status updates on achievements, resources, and budgets.
- Oversee council and/or network activities, provide direction, and guard against antitrust activities or other actions that could result in liability to SEMA.
- Serve as a knowledgeable advocate for SEMA, its volunteers, and key players and trends in the council’s market category.
- Stay informed about all member benefits, programs, and services offered by the association, including new or existing programming.
- Perform other assignments and duties as directed by management.
Requirements
- A minimum of five (5) years of management experience.
- 4-year college degree required; Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, media relations, or a related field is 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 and experience working in a not-for-profit setting led by a strong volunteer base.
- Ability to thrive working with challenging personalities.
- Strong organizational and facilitation skills, with proficiency in communication.
- Team player willing to embrace new ideas and demonstrate adaptability.
- Understanding of association policies, bylaws, meeting procedures, recording meeting minutes, and related activities.
- Knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and its specialty segments preferred.
- Travel requirements up to 30%.
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and association management software.
Pay
Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000