Job Description
Director of PAC Development
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search.
Please contact Chaz Cirame at chaz@recruitbigfish.com with any questions or to refer a candidate.
Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive policy change. Visit us at recruitbigfish.com to learn more.
Job Title: Director of PAC Development
Location: Washington, D.C. (in-office Mon–Thurs; remote optional Fri) Salary Range: $130,000-$150,000
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is the premier automotive trade association representing the automotive aftermarket. Best known for its annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas—the largest automotive gathering in North America—and the PRI Show in Indianapolis, SEMA represents over 7,000 automotive manufacturing, distribution, and retail businesses. The industry employs 1.3 million Americans, largely in small businesses, and contributes $337 billion to the U.S. economy.
SEMA not only advocates for aftermarket automotive businesses but also serves millions of car enthusiasts through the SEMA Action Network and the SEMA+ individual membership program. In the 2023–2024 election cycle, SEMA’s federal PAC (SEMA and PRI PAC) raised $500,000, while its SuperPAC (Driving Force Action) led a $1.2 million voter education campaign in key battleground states.
The Director of PAC Development will join SEMA’s D.C.-based public and government affairs team. This individual will be responsible for meeting the PAC’s fundraising goals and leading fundraising strategy for the SuperPAC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and Implement Fundraising Strategy: Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for both the PAC and SuperPAC using diverse channels including individual giving, corporate fundraising, marketing, communications, and events.
- Cultivate and Expand Donor Relationships: Identify, research, and build strong relationships with prospective donors and aligned organizations through personalized outreach.
- Engage Major Donors: Collaborate with PAC and SuperPAC leadership to secure major gifts and clearly communicate the organization’s mission and advocacy efforts.
- Tailor Donor Communications: Customize messaging to match donor interests and elevate engagement and support for SEMA’s programs.
- Optimize Fundraising Systems: Build systems for prospecting, solicitation, recognition, and tiered giving. Leverage existing membership lists to expand the donor base.
- Plan Fundraising Events: Lead the planning and execution of three major annual fundraising events, in addition to smaller donor events throughout the year.
- Utilize Data for Decision-Making: Use CRM tools to track performance and provide leadership with data-driven insights.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Coordinate with Communications for cohesive messaging and with General Counsel for PAC compliance and fundraising regulations.
- Represent SEMA: Attend fundraising and networking events in the D.C. area as a representative of the organization.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience, including experience managing donor communications programs
- Proven success in individual, corporate, and online fundraising channels
- Strong alignment with SEMA’s mission to protect and promote the automotive aftermarket
- Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time (3–6 events annually, some on weekends)
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and discretion with confidential donor information
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- CRM system experience
- Team player willing to roll up sleeves and contribute across functions
- Preferred: Familiarity with pro-business fundraising
Compensation $130,000-$150,000
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