Customer Care & Front Desk Associate

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA); Diamond Bar (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

SEMA is seeking a Front Desk & Member Services Coordinator to be the welcoming first point of contact for members, guests, exhibitors, and staff. You will manage the front desk, handle inquiries, assist with CRM-driven service requests, and support administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills, with 2+ years in a customer service role and experience using CRM systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of customer service or receptionist experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional phone etiquette.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using CRM systems is preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors, members, vendors, and guests with professionalism and exceptional customer service.
• Manage the front desk and reception area to ensure a positive first impression.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls to the appropriate departments.
• Assist visitors with general information regarding SEMA services and events.
• Coordinate visitor check-in procedures and maintain visitor logs.
• Receive and distribute incoming mail and deliveries.
• Maintain conference room schedules when applicable.
• Monitor lobby appearance and ensure a clean, organized reception area.
• Respond to basic member inquiries regarding membership, events, and general organization information.
• Assist members with account lookups and route complex requests to the appropriate department.
• Create and assign customer service tickets within the CRM system.
• Process basic administrative requests.
• Support outbound customer communication initiatives when needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service across phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Provide backup support for Customer Care Representatives during peak periods.
• Assist with data entry and CRM updates.
• Support cross-functional departments as needed.
• Participate in departmental meetings and ongoing training.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job 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 programmes, 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.

Position Summary

The Front Desk & Member Services Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for members, guests, exhibitors, and employees visiting or contacting SEMA. This role is responsible for creating a welcoming and professional experience while efficiently managing front desk operations, answering incoming calls, directing inquiries, supporting Customer Care operations, and assisting with administrative tasks. The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer‑focused, and thrives in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining exceptional professionalism and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Front Desk Operations

• Welcome visitors, members, vendors, and guests with professionalism and exceptional customer service.
• Manage the front desk and reception area to ensure a positive first impression.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls to the appropriate departments.
• Assist visitors with general information regarding SEMA services and events.
• Coordinate visitor check‑in procedures and maintain visitor logs.
• Receive and distribute incoming mail and deliveries.
• Maintain conference room schedules when applicable.
• Monitor lobby appearance and ensure a clean, organized reception area.

Customer Service & Member Support

• Respond to basic member inquiries regarding membership, events, and general organization information.
• Assist members with account lookups and route complex requests to the appropriate department.
• Create and assign customer service tickets within the CRM system.
• Process basic administrative requests.
• Support outbound customer communication initiatives when needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service across phone, email, and in‑person interactions.

Team Support

• Provide backup support for Customer Care Representatives during peak periods.
• Assist with data entry and CRM updates.
• Support cross‑functional departments as needed.
• Participate in departmental meetings and ongoing training.

Pay Range

$20 - $23 Hourly

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of customer service or receptionist experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional phone etiquette.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using CRM systems is preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a membership association or nonprofit organization.
• Experience with Salesforce, Nimble, NetForum, or similar CRM platforms.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Previous administrative support experience.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all‑inclusive list of 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 assign other duties as necessary.