Executive Director

Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association (GPADA) is seeking an innovative Executive Director to lead both our trade association and charitable foundation through growth, modernization, and long-term financial sustainability. The role includes identifying new revenue opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and reimagining signature events that strengthen GPADA and the GPAD Foundation.

The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership with a small team,

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of executive leadership experience within a trade association, nonprofit, foundation, chamber of commerce, or similar organization.
• Track record of growing organizations through revenue, programs, and membership.
• Experience partnering with a Board of Directors and reporting to volunteer leadership.
• History designing and launching revenue-generating initiatives and sponsorships.
• Strong business development and corporate partnership experience.
• Financial leadership with budgeting, forecasting, and resource maximization.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the Association and Foundation and oversee day-to-day operations with a small team.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors with strategic counsel and transparent financial reporting.
• Lead long-term revenue strategy through earned-income, philanthropy, grants, and partnerships.
• Develop and execute a corporate partnership strategy with sponsors and long-term value.
• Provide strategic leadership for premier events and reimagine programs to boost participation and financial performance.
• Build and strengthen relationships with dealers, manufacturers, community partners, and policymakers.

Skills

Fundraising & revenue growth

Board governance

Strategic partnerships

Nonprofit leadership

Financial management

Public speaking

Event management

Job description

Executive Director - Growth & Strategic Partnerships

Position Title: Executive Director - Growth + Strategic Partnerships

• Organization: Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association (GPADA)
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid / On-site)
• Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership
• Reports To: Board of Directors
• Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, **plus benefits??
• Travel: Occasional regional travel and evening/weekend attendance at Association events required.

Are you a transformational executive who thrives on building organizations, creating sustainable revenue, and bringing bold ideas to life?

The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association (GPADA) is seeking an innovative Executive Director to lead both our trade association and charitable foundation through an exciting period of growth, modernization, and long-term financial sustainability.

Working alongside a dedicated team of two professionals, the Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for one of Western Pennsylvania's most respected trade associations. This is an opportunity to shape the organization's future by identifying new revenue opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, expanding philanthropic impact, and reimagining signature events that strengthen both the Association and the GPAD Foundation.

The successful candidate will be expected not only to manage today's organization, but to help define what GPADA becomes over the next decade.

Key Leadership Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management

Provide visionary leadership for the Association and Foundation while overseeing day‑to‑day operations in partnership with a dedicated team of two professionals. Foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture, ensure operational excellence, and balance strategic planning with hands‑on execution.

Board Relations & Governance

Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing strategic counsel, transparent financial reporting, and thoughtful recommendations that advance the Association's mission, strengthen governance, and support informed decision‑making.

Revenue Growth & Strategic Development

Lead the organization's long‑term revenue strategy by identifying, developing, and launching innovative earned‑income opportunities, philanthropic initiatives, grants, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and other sustainable non‑dues revenue streams. Cultivate new funding sources that strengthen both GPADA and the GPAD Foundation while positioning the organization for long‑term growth.

Corporate Partnerships & Business Development

Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy that delivers meaningful value to sponsors while expanding GPADA's network of regional and national business partners. Create compelling sponsorship packages, cultivate long‑term relationships, and secure multi‑year investments that support the Association's mission and signature events.

Signature Events & Organizational Innovation

Provide strategic leadership for GPADA's premier events including the Pittsburgh International Auto Show, Dancing with the Cars, annual golf outing, and other member and workforce initiatives. Reimagine these events through innovative programming, enhanced attendee experiences, strategic marketing, and creative sponsorship activations that increase participation, community impact, and financial performance.

Member & Industry Engagement

Build and strengthen relationships with automobile dealers, manufacturers, business leaders, community partners, elected officials, and philanthropic organizations. Serve as the public face of GPADA, advocating for the Association, expanding member value, and fostering collaboration across the Western Pennsylvania automotive community.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Seven or more years of progressive executive leadership experience within a trade association, nonprofit, foundation, chamber of commerce, or comparable organization, with responsibility for organizational strategy, operations, and financial performance.
• A demonstrated history of organizational growth, including expanding revenue, developing new programs, increasing membership or community engagement, and successfully leading organizations through periods of change.
• Proven experience partnering with and reporting to a Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance, fostering strong governance, and building productive relationships with volunteer leadership.
• A track record of designing and launching innovative revenue‑generating initiatives, including fundraising campaigns, sponsorship programs, strategic partnerships, grants, or other sustainable non‑dues revenue streams.
• Strong business development and corporate partnership experience, with the ability to cultivate relationships, secure major sponsorships, and create long‑term value for partners and stakeholders.
• Exceptional financial and operational leadership, including experience managing budgets, P&L responsibility, forecasting, and maximizing organizational resources.
• A collaborative, people‑centered leadership style with the ability to inspire and engage staff, volunteers, members, donors, sponsors, and community partners around a shared vision.
• A player‑coach mentality—someone who is equally comfortable setting long‑term strategy as rolling up their sleeves to execute alongside a small, high‑performing team.
• Outstanding communication, relationship‑building, and presentation skills, with the confidence to represent GPADA throughout the regional business and philanthropic community.

Compensation & Classification

This is a full‑time, exempt position. In addition to a competitive base salary, the Executive Director is eligible to participate in an annual performance based incentive program tied to the financial success of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show and other Board‑approved organizational objectives.

Why Join GPADA

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Western Pennsylvania's most established trade associations at a pivotal moment in its history. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape the future of the organization, expand its community impact, strengthen the automotive industry throughout the region, and leave a lasting legacy through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At GPADA, we believe our strongest asset is our people. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace where employees with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals.