Monitor, analyze, and advocate on federal legislation and regulatory proposals in order to protect and advance the interests of SEMA members. Maintain and help to expand SEMA’s relationships with Congress, Executive Branch agencies and strategic allied organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY
Build relationships with lawmakers and regulators, act as a liaison to legislative and executive branch agencies, and lobby in support of SEMA’s policy positions through meetings with congressional staff, calls, emails, and attending events, including fundraisers. Work in coordination with SEMA coalition partners from automotive associations and companies, the business community, outdoor/motorized recreation interests, think tanks, and other key groups to advocate for the industry.
Identify, monitor, and review relevant federal legislation and regulations (EPA, NHTSA, FTC, SBA, OSHA, DOL, etc.) using BGOV, Lexis/Nexis, the Internet, newspapers, periodicals, mailings, federal register, and individual contacts. Provide summaries and detailed analyses of federal legislative and regulatory proposals that may impact SEMA member companies.
Initiate activities in support of SEMA’s position on federal legislative and regulatory proposals. Conduct research on key policy arears and assist the Director of Federal Government Affairs to develop policy positions. Prepare correspondence, comments, and testimony/statements for the record in coordination with Director of Federal Affairs.
Assist SEMA member companies with federal legislative and regulatory questions and inquiries through phone calls and written responses.
Grassroots and grasstops advocacy, helping to facilitate letters to Congress, phone calls, and lawmaker visits to SEMA members companies.
Prepare and disseminate information to SEMA member companies, PAC donors, auto enthusiasts, and allied organizations. Help inform SEMA members and the industry by writing articles and action alerts, providing written updates, and addressing SEMA Councils.
Provide regular updates to federal materials posted on SEMA websites.
Provide legislative and regulatory updates at virtual meetings, calls, and at events such as the Washington Rally, SEMA Show, and SEMA Council Meetings.
Represent the SEMAPAC and its affiliated PAC(s) at fundraising events in Washington, D.C. and in-state/in-district.
When directed by management, perform other assignments and duties as required.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Director of Federal Government Affairs on legislative and regulatory research, advocacy, relationship building, and attending events.
Works with Washington, D.C. staff to communicate policy positions, drive grassroots and grasstops support, and to provide timely updates on issues of importance to SEMA members.
Works with SEMA staff to disseminate information and solicit opinion from the Councils and member companies.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of advocacy, government relations, and/or Capitol Hill experience.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Research and analytical skills relevant to government affairs.
Experience with the legislative and regulatory process.
Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with lawmakers and their staff, federal agencies, and allied organizations.
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, street-rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams and more. Our organization performs many services for its members and for the hobby as a whole. Perhaps most importantly, SEMA works hard to protect consumers’ rights to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. Every year, SEMA also presents an enormous trade show in Las Vegas. This is where manufacturers unveil their latest offerings, while buyers, distributors and members of the press walk their feet off to see it all. Visit SEMAShow.com for more information.
