Overview: As the Executive Director of Standards for Technology in Automotive Retail (STAR), you will lead the development and implementation of industry standards aimed at advancing technology integration and innovation within the automotive retail sector. STAR is a nonprofit, dues-paying organization comprising dealers, manufacturers, retail system providers, and automotive-related industry organizations. In this role, you will collaborate with stakeholders to drive the adoption of standards that enhance efficiency, interoperability, and customer experience across the automotive retail ecosystem. More information about STAR can be found at https://www.starstandard.org/.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leadership and Strategic Planning:
• Provide visionary leadership to STAR, setting strategic direction and priorities in alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans to advance technology standards development and adoption within the automotive retail industry.
• Foster engagement in work groups, collaboration, and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and excellence in technology standards.
2. Standards Development and Implementation:
• Lead the development of technology and regulatory standards tailored to the needs of the automotive retail sector, addressing areas such as dealership management systems, customer relationship management, inventory management, telematics, and digital retailing.
• Collaborate with industry experts, technology providers, manufacturers, and dealerships to identify emerging trends and requirements for standardization.
• Oversee the implementation and dissemination of standards, ensuring widespread adoption and adherence across the automotive retail ecosystem.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
• Recruit additional dealers, providers, and OEMs to the STAR Standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with STAR members, including dealers, manufacturers, retail system providers, and industry associations at the national, state and metro/local level.
• Advocate for the adoption of STAR standards through engagement with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Represent STAR in industry forums, conferences, and working groups to promote awareness of standards and their benefits to stakeholders.
4. Operational Management:
• Manage the day-to-day operations of STAR, including budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Recruit, develop, and manage a dedicated team to support standards development activities and organizational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including anti-trust, as well as adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
5. Communication and Outreach:
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for STAR, communicating its mission, goals, and activities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and implement effective communication strategies to raise awareness of STAR standards and their impact on automotive retail operations and customer experience.
• Collaborate with marketing and outreach teams to create promotional materials, publications, and events to showcase the organization’s work.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in standards development and technology integration.
• Automotive industry experience a plus.
• Deep understanding of technological trends and solutions relevant to the automotive retail sector.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate industry trends and stakeholder needs into actionable plans and initiatives.
• Experience in organizational management, including budgeting, financial oversight, and team leadership.
• Commitment to excellence, integrity, and collaboration in all aspects of work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The Executive Director will perform job duties in a typical office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment. Will be required to attend meetings, potentially both on-site and off-site, via phone or videoconference. Semi-regular travel is required.
LOCATION
This is a fully remote position.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to the position. This is an exclusive employment position with a prohibition on external direct or indirect employment. Please include contact information for references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit your application to Jobs@starstandard.org.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
STAR is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.