CAREER CENTER

SEMA is seeking an experienced government relations professional to join our team as a federal lobbyist.  The ideal candidate will have government and lobbying experience, significant relationships with staff and members on the Hill and relevant administrative agencies, and wants to be a fierce advocate for the interests of the specialty-aftermarket industry.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop SEMA’s position on federal legislative proposals and prepare correspondence, comments and testimony in coordination with Government Affairs staff, Chief Corporate Counsel and member companies. Contact legislative staff as necessary to perform these duties.  Participate in public hearings and meetings, and lobby as appropriate to communicate association’s position.
• Direct and facilitate Congressional and administrative relationship building opportunities. Attend PAC-related meetings (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, receptions).  
• Assist the Director of PAC and Congressional Affairs in supporting the federal Caucus, Congressional District Site Visit Program, participation in SEMA Town Hall Meetings and other programs.
• Working with Washington staff and other SEMA departments, coordinate and help execute the SEMA Washington Rally. Duties include scheduling member meetings, confirming speakers, partnering with Congressional staff to reserve rooms and catering, and coordinating SEMA member company participation, if necessary.
• Coordinate Federal legislator participation at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Provide guidance and support for SEMA PAC activities during Show.
• Identify legislative proposals at the federal level using Lexis/Nexis database, the Internet, newspapers, periodicals, mailings, registers and individual contacts. 
• Provide summaries and detailed analyses of federal legislative proposals that will potentially impact member companies.
• Prepare/disseminate information to member companies, auto enthusiasts and allied organizations to generate grassroots support regarding federal legislative proposals through legislative updates, action alerts, surveys and related materials. 
• With Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs, support the day-to-day activities of SEMA PAC Director.
• Assist in maintaining and regularly updating federal legislative materials posted on SEMA websites.
• Manage tracking-database on federal legislation.
• Assist in responding to federal regulatory issues.
• Participate in the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) and other business groups and coalitions (NFIB, NAM, etc.) to provide association’s position on issues and work toward common goals.  Assist in building relationships and alliances with other organizations (Auto Care, MEMA, Alliance, NADA/AIADA, ORBA, etc.).
• Respond to SEMA member companies, press and media with federal legislative questions.
• Provide assistance on projects assigned to and under the supervision of the Chief Corporate Counsel.

RELATIONSHIPS 

• Reports to VP, Government and Legal Affairs
• Works closely with Congressional staff and committee contacts to effectively deliver and promote SEMA legislative priority messages.
• Works with Washington, D.C. staff to make effective use of SEMA PAC, the SEMA Action Network and other related groups to generally disseminate information.
• Works with SEMA staff to solicit opinion from and disseminate information to the Councils and member companies.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Research and analytical skills relevant to government affairs.
• Experience with the legislative and regulatory process.