Government Affairs Director - Racing

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports to: Sr. Director, State Government Affairs.
• Lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state, and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government.
• Help racetracks identify and secure economic and tourism funding grants.
• Support tracks to manage through antagonistic local zoning and nuisance laws, as well as insurance challenges, including state liability reform for racetracks.
• Advise SEMA & PRI on year-round education programming.
• Serve as liaison with sanctioning bodies and racetrack operators.
• Serve as primary liaison with FIA race insurance working group.
• Oversee deployment of outside legal/business consultant resources to tracks.

Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS:

• Background in racing, motorsports/powersports, or sports management with proven state/local government affairs experience.
• Experience in working with state and regional economic development and tourism boards.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting local and regional legislative challenges and NIMBY communities.
• Trusted reputation across multiple race disciplines.
• Skilled in coalition building, creative problem-solving, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
• 5–7 years of experience in government affairs or public policy within racing, motorsports, powersports, or a closely related industry, including direct engagement with state and local policymakers.
• Willing to travel 25–50%.

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.