Senior Manager State Government Affairs (DC)

SENIOR MANAGER, STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

This position is in our Washington, DC office. This is an in-office position and is not open to out of area/remote candidates.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

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 $42-billion-a-year retail industry.

SEMA is a non-profit association which behaves like a business. Its mission is to help its individual and business membership base succeed and prosper. Its members are the producers and marketers of specialty automotive products for cars, trucks and SUVs.

SEMA helps its members make smarter business decisions; save money through group buying power; 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 www.semashow.com.

Learn more about SEMA on its website at www.sema.org.

PURPOSE

The Senior Manager of State Government Affairs advocates for SEMA & PRI in states east of the Mississippi River. This includes monitoring and influencing state legislative and regulatory actions, building relationships with key policymakers, and coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts. The Senior Manager of State Government Affairs will ensure that the organization’s voice is heard in state capitols and that legislative and regulatory outcomes align with the organization’s goals and priorities.

As the Senior Manager of State Government Affairs at SEMA, you will advocate for the specialty automotive aftermarket industry on key legislative and regulatory issues. You will address emissions regulations, internal combustion engine bans, vehicle modification laws, public land access, tax policies, product liability reform, noise ordinances, and

more. Your role will involve opposing overly stringent regulations, promoting alternative solutions, and ensuring the rights of consumers to customize their vehicles are protected. Additionally, you will highlight the industry's economic contributions and work to create a favorable regulatory environment for our members.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY

• Identify, monitor, and analyze relevant state legislative and regulatory proposals in eastern states using online tracking services, the internet, newspapers, state registers, and individual state contacts to identify potential impacts on member companies and consumers.
• Maintain and organize copies of all legislative and regulatory proposals from eastern states and track them in an electronic database.
• Educate and advise the Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Grassroots on eastern states' priority legislative and regulatory matters.
• Travel to state capitols in eastern states as needed to directly advocate for the specialty automotive aftermarket industry and its consumers, build relationships with key lawmakers and regulators, and attend political events as necessary.
• Represent the organization at hearings, meetings, and other events to convey the organization’s positions and concerns.
• Coordinate with the grassroots team to prepare and disseminate calls to action to member companies, auto enthusiasts, and allied organizations to generate grassroots support/opposition regarding legislative and regulatory proposals in eastern states.
• Coordinate with the Communications Director to draft material for SEMA and PRI newsletters, magazines, and other publications concerning government affairs efforts and activities in eastern states.
• Plan and execute events such as legislative days, policy briefings, and other advocacy-related activities, including at the PRI and SEMA Shows.
• Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and other events to promote the organization’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Build and maintain coalitions with other organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts and achieve common goals.
• When directed by management, perform other assignments and duties as required. RELATIONSHIPS
• Reports to Senior Director, State Government Affairs.
• Interfaces with all levels of staff.
  SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field, focusing on state-level advocacy.
• Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, stakeholders, and coalition partners.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to state capitols and other locations as needed. Proficiency in using online legislative tracking tools and other relevant technology.

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.

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

Salary Range: This position's estimated annual base salary is $90,000.00 - $120,000.00. Actual base salary will be dependent on individual’s skills, qualifications, and experience. This role is eligible for 401k Savings plan, Healthcare (medical, dental and vision), and other generous rewards.