Posted: 11-May-26
Location: D.C, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: $80,000 - $120,000
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit 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 and motorsports industries 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, motorsports-related issues and more.
This role will work closely with the Director of Government Affairs – Racing to support legislative and regulatory efforts affecting racetracks and motorsports facilities, including nuisance protection policies, zoning issues, and other state-level initiatives designed to preserve and grow racing in the United States.
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 Director of Government Affairs – Racing on state legislative and regulatory matters impacting racetracks, motorsports facilities, and racing stakeholders, including nuisance protection legislation, permitting issues, and local regulatory challenges.
- Coordinate with the grassroots team to prepare and disseminate calls to action to member companies, racers, 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.
- Works closely with Director of Government Affairs – Racing
- Interfaces with all levels of staff.
Pay Range: $80,000 - $120,000
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.
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.
