Director, Communications & Governmental Affairs

Director of Communications & Governmental Affairs

Our client is searching for a seasoned and collaborative Director of Communications to help oversee a communications team that serves: executive communications, the government, and public affairs department, trade show media, and marketing. Primary responsibilities include developing and executing communications strategies for each of these functions. The candidate will have a strong record of successful, integrated communications campaigns.

The Perks!

• $130K – $155K DOE
• Medical, Dental, Vision – 90% coverage for individual and family
• 401K – 3% match on the first 6%
• Flexible PTO Policy

Responsibilities of the Director of Communications:

• Sets communications strategy in collaboration with colleagues in the organization’s marketing, councils, membership, political action committees (PACs), and other internal teams.
• Serve as the communications lead and is the liaison between the D.C. office and the organization’s HQ in California and other satellite offices in Michigan, and Indiana.
• Leads a communications team of internal staff and external consultants
• Engage with the media, both mainstream and new media. Works with reporters to proactively educate on SEMA policy positions and industry programs. Handles inquiries from reporters.
• Develops and oversees the execution of public relations and marketing campaigns that help shape the views of voters and opinion elites about our industry, its products, and its leadership in the public policy arena.
• Provide communications counsel to other departments, executive leadership, staff, and members as needed.
• Collaborate and display outstanding leadership, and seek input from coworkers and the membership.
• Must develop strategies and content targeted for different markets and audiences, while also recognizing the need for a consistent overall message and voice for the industry.
• Provide significant leadership and foresight in maintaining the external communications agenda of the organization and its members.
• Work in partnership with other key departments to drive a strategic communications strategy.
• Have a vision of communications that keeps pace with a constantly evolving marketplace and for an industry with a multitude of legislative and regulatory issues.
• Thought leadership and stakeholder development play key roles in supporting organizational initiatives.
• Successful strategic communications professional with a demonstrated track record of success in a fast-paced advocacy and media relations environment and with leadership experience in both public affairs strategy development and implementation.

Skills and Knowledge:

• 15+ years experience in communications and/or public affairs for trade associations.
• 7+ years experience managing external relations for executive leaders.
• Experience working for a state or federal political/advocacy campaign is desirable.
• The ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, complex environment.
• Significant experience working with senior teams on confidential matters is critical.
• Experience in developing and executing strategies that effectively leverage digital communications tools including, but not limited to, websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Must have a keen interest in staying in front of the newest and most effective ways to communicate through new mediums and technologies.
• Intelligent and possess excellent judgment.
• Creative problem solver and willing to try new and creative tactics.
• Ability to learn complex issues quickly. Strong ability to learn and grasp public policy issues and how communications and marketing tactics can help shape these issues.
• Ability to understand technical language and translate that technical information easily for various audiences, including lawmakers, opinion elites, and voters.

Other Skills:

• Must be confident and able to work productively with executives within the industry and at companies who may be more senior in title and experience.
• Dedicated to the organization, colleagues, members, and the industry’s long-term health.
• Knows the importance of being here and getting the job done.
• A desire to be part of something special.
• Strong media and public relations relationships. Strong ability to research and write compelling press releases and articles. Strong presentation, consulting, and communication skills. Strong creative vision, able to provide insightful creative feedback
• Proven experience leading public relations and communications teams. Proven experience in the automotive aftermarket industry or nonprofit industry is a plus (Agency experience and/or agency management a plus)
• Knowledge and experience with various publication relations and communication tools, programs, and platforms
• Data-driven, highly analytical, strategic-minded, and always aware of the big picture
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Process-oriented, self-starter mindset with strong attention to detail
• Growth mindset focused, radical candor oriented
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team player mindset
• Thrives in environments with many different stakeholders and opinions
• Sense of ownership and pride in personal and team performance and its impact on the organization’s success. And is passionate about delivering world-class high-quality public relations campaigns

About the Company:

A love for cars, trucks, and SUVs is the motivating force behind our Non-Profit. 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, we work hard to protect consumers’ rights to drive accessorized, customized, and vintage vehicles. Every year, we also present 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.

**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.**

Come Join Their Team!

Director of Communications & Governmental Affairs

IsoTalent