Director, Franchising

Are you a seasoned legal professional with a passion for policy advocacy involving state laws and regulations? The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the national association of franchised new car and truck dealers, is seeking a Director, Franchising & State Law to advocate for its car and truck dealer members.

This position is full-time and requires you to be onsite Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. We offer a supportive and healthy work culture, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Duties require some travel, comprising up to 30% of the role.

The Director, Franchising & State Law is ideal for someone interested in substantive engagement on important and meaningful economic and operational policy issues in the auto retailing arena.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary liaison between NADA and state-based organizations (including, primarily, state and metro automobile dealer associations) regarding state level public policy matters for franchised new car and commercial truck dealerships.
• Monitor state legislative, regulatory, and litigation trends affecting NADA members, staying informed on relevant developments.
• Research and analyze proposed legislation and model laws to develop strategic responses.
• Assist state and metro dealer associations with preparing written comments, position papers, and oral testimony to advocate for dealer interests in state legislative processes.
• Represent the interests of franchised new car and truck dealers at conferences and other meetings where state issues are discussed and presented at a national level.
• Review and analyze existing and proposed contractual relationships between franchised new car and truck dealers and their manufacturers, lenders, and other vendors.
• Develop educational materials on state legislative, regulatory, litigation and contractual updates for dissemination to NADA members and dealer associations.
• Speak on state legislative, regulatory, litigation and contractual issues at appropriate public events and conferences.
• Research, maintain, and update resources related to state laws and regulations. Qualifications:
  • JD degree from an accredited law school, membership in good standing in the bar of at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia, and a minimum of 10 years of attorney experience, with a background in state government relations, required.
  • Experience in the automotive industry and/or trade associations, with expertise in state franchise laws and legislation, preferred.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft compelling legal documents and articulate complex issues.
  • Strong analytical and research capabilities, coupled with proficiency in computer applications.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. To be considered for the position, please ensure you submit both an application and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. This position will remain open until filled. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. NADA is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and lactation), sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.