Executive Director - Growth and Strategic Partnerships

About the Role

The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association (GPADA) seeks a dynamic Executive Director to provide visionary leadership during a phase of growth and modernization. This full-time leadership position, reporting to the Board of Directors, is based in Pittsburgh, PA with primarily on-site work and occasional travel. The role involves guiding the trade association and its charitable foundation toward long-term financial health and impactful community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational direction for both GPADA and its Foundation, managing daily functions alongside a small team of two professionals to foster a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Act as the main liaison with the Board, ensuring transparent financial reporting and offering strategic counsel to improve governance and support decision-making.
• Drive the organization's revenue growth by developing and implementing new earned income opportunities, philanthropic campaigns, grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other non-dues funding sources to secure long-term sustainability.
• Design and manage a corporate partnership strategy that builds and maintains strong relationships with sponsors, generating meaningful, multi-year investments and enhancing the organization's network regionally and nationally.
• Lead innovative reinvention of signature events such as the Pittsburgh International Auto Show, Dancing with the Cars, and annual golf outings, focusing on improved programming, attendee experience, marketing, and sponsorship activations to boost engagement and financial results.
• Strengthen relationships throughout the automotive sector, including dealers, manufacturers, community leaders, government officials, and philanthropic groups, serving as the public face of GPADA to advocate and grow member value.

Candidate Profile

• At least seven years of progressive executive leadership experience in trade associations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, or similar bodies, with a track record in strategic planning, operations, and financial oversight.
• Demonstrated success in organizational growth via expanding revenue streams, launching programs, increasing membership or engagement, and managing change effectively.
• Experience working closely with Boards of Directors, offering strategic advice, promoting strong governance, and maintaining healthy volunteer relationships.
• Proven ability to create and implement innovative revenue-generating initiatives such as fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and grant programs for sustainable funding.
• Strong corporate business development skills, capable of cultivating long-lasting sponsor partnerships and delivering value to stakeholders.
• Solid financial management expertise with experience in budgeting, P&L responsibility, forecasting, and efficient resource allocation.
• A collaborative leadership approach with strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, able to motivate diverse teams and represent the organization effectively in the region.
• A hands-on leader comfortable balancing strategic vision with active involvement in day-to-day operations alongside a small team.

Compensation and Terms

This exempt full-time role offers a competitive salary aligned to experience and includes eligibility for an annual performance-based incentive linked to key organizational outcomes such as the Pittsburgh International Auto Show. Occasional regional travel and attendance at evening or weekend events are required.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

GPADA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where employees of diverse backgrounds and perspectives thrive. The association provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.