Position Summary
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association (SDADA), South Dakota Trucking Association (SDTA), and affiliated entities. This position provides strategic leadership, government affairs advocacy, membership engagement, financial oversight, and organizational management to advance the interests of South Dakota's automotive and trucking industries.
The President is the primary representative and spokesperson for the associations, working closely with members, Boards of Directors, elected officials, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and the public to promote sound public policy, strengthen membership value, generate organizational growth, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Governance
- Provide strategic leadership and vision for SDADA, SDTA, and affiliated entities.
- Advise and collaborate with the Boards of Directors on organizational priorities, policies, budgets, and long-term strategic planning.
- Prepare board agendas, recommendations, reports, and supporting materials.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and organizational bylaws.
- Maintain and update governance documents, organizational policies, and operational procedures.
Government Affairs & Advocacy
- Lead legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts on behalf of association members.
- Develop and advance policy initiatives impacting the automotive and trucking industries.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely analysis and guidance to members.
- Coordinate lobbying activities and represent association interests before governmental bodies and industry coalitions.
Membership Development & Relations
- Foster strong relationships with existing members while leading membership recruitment and retention efforts.
- Conduct regular member visits throughout South Dakota.
- Provide responsive service and support to member businesses.
- Promote member engagement through educational programs, networking events, communications, and member services.
- Address member concerns and facilitate solutions to industry challenges.
Financial & Operational Management
- Oversee organizational budgets, financial planning, investments, and fiscal accountability.
- Ensure the financial health, long-term sustainability, and growth of all association entities.
- Develop and execute strategies to diversify and increase non-dues revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, events, endorsement programs, and other business opportunities.
- Identify, cultivate, negotiate, and manage strategic vendor and business partnerships that enhance member value while generating sustainable revenue.
- Supervise audits, financial reviews, and financial reporting.
- Manage contracts, association-owned assets, facilities, and operational resources to maximize efficiency and return on investment.
Staff Leadership & Organizational Development
- Recruit, lead, supervise, and develop association staff.
- Establish organizational goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and exceptional member service.
- Manage personnel decisions, organizational structure, and resource allocation.
Events, Education & Programs
- Oversee the planning and execution of annual conventions, board meetings, legislative events, educational seminars, member conferences, and special events.
- Manage scholarship, workforce development, and industry recognition programs.
- Coordinate industry training initiatives and continuing education opportunities.
- Encourage and support member participation in state and national association activities.
Industry Representation & Strategic Partnerships
- Serve as the primary representative of the associations at local, state, regional, and national meetings.
- Build strategic partnerships with industry organizations, manufacturers, allied businesses, and government agencies.
- Represent the associations before national trade organizations and collaborative industry initiatives.
- Identify opportunities that strengthen the associations' influence, visibility, and long-term value to members.
Communications & Public Relations
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the associations.
- Manage media relations, public communications, and crisis communications when necessary.
- Promote the associations' mission, priorities, and accomplishments through strategic communications.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive association, member, personnel, and financial information.
Qualifications
Required
- Demonstrated executive leadership experience in association management, government affairs, transportation, automotive, public policy, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes.
- Exceptional communication, public speaking, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Proven experience managing budgets, financial operations, personnel, and organizational performance.
- Demonstrated ability to develop revenue-generating partnerships and grow organizational resources.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout South Dakota and nationally.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and decision-making capabilities.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Transportation, or a related field.
- Experience leading trade associations, membership organizations, or industry advocacy groups.
- Knowledge of the automotive, trucking, transportation, or logistics industries.
- Experience in lobbying, government relations, or public affairs.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Government Relations & Advocacy
- Board Governance
- Financial Stewardship
- Revenue Generation & Business Development
- Membership Engagement
- Public Affairs & Communications
- Organizational Development
- Relationship Management
- Negotiation & Consensus Building
- Industry Knowledge
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:
- Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance (individual coverage)
- 401(k) with a 4% employer match after 90 days of employment
- Paid vacation based on years of service
- Paid holidays and other paid leave
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Reimbursement of approved business travel and association-related expenses
Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
