Government Affairs Director - Racing

Company: Specialty Equipment Market Association
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) together represent the heart of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. United by a passion for cars, trucks, SUVs, and racing of every kind, these organizations support a vibrant global marketplace that spans performance parts, advanced racing technologies, restoration, restyling, and the full spectrum of specialty automotive innovation. SEMA is a dynamic, business-minded nonprofit trade association made up of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, publishers, race teams, and more—an industry ecosystem powering a nearly $53-billion-a-year retail market. Through industry-leading programs, advocacy, research, and world-class events—including the annual SEMA Show, one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world—SEMA helps its members grow, innovate, and succeed. PRI extends this influence into the global racing marketplace. Since 1986, PRI has been the premier source of business intelligence, cutting-edge technology insights, and community connection for racing professionals. The annual PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis brings together over 1,000 exhibiting companies and thousands of racing stakeholders across every major discipline, supported by PRI’s industry-leading advocacy, media platforms, education programs, and year-round engagement. Together, SEMA and PRI fuel the success of thousands of businesses, connect industry professionals worldwide, and preserve and grow the future of automotive performance and racing. The organization is seeking applicants to fill the new role of the Director of Government Affairs for Racing. RESPONSIBILITIES: Reports to: Sr. Director, State Government Affairs. Lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state, and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government. Help racetracks identify and secure economic and tourism funding grants. Support tracks to manage through antagonistic local zoning and nuisance laws, as well as insurance challenges, including state liability reform for racetracks. Advise SEMA & PRI on year-round education programming. Serve as liaison with sanctioning bodies and racetrack operators. Serve as primary liaison with FIA race insurance working group. Oversee deployment of outside legal/business consultant resources to tracks. Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000 Requirements: REQUIREMENTS: Background in racing, motorsports/powersports, or sports management with proven state/local government affairs experience. Experience in working with state and regional economic development and tourism boards. Proven experience in troubleshooting local and regional legislative challenges and NIMBY communities. Trusted reputation across multiple race disciplines. Skilled in coalition building, creative problem-solving, and high-level stakeholder engagement. 5–7 years of experience in government affairs or public policy within racing, motorsports, powersports, or a closely related industry, including direct engagement with state and local policymakers. Willing to travel 25–50%. 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.

Keywords: Specialty Equipment Market Association, Washington DC , Government Affairs Director - Racing, Executive , Washington, DC