Sr. Industry Relations Manager

Be essential at Cars Commerce

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.  

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don’t take our word for it. As a U.S. News & World Report Best Company to Work For in 2024, we're obsessive about the employee experience. We are among the top 20% being declared “Best” of our industry based on six critical factors that are important to employee wellbeing, like quality of pay, benefits, work life balance and more.

Cars.com Inc. (Cars Commerce) is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. The Cars Commerce platform includes our flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site, Cars.com, innovative digital marketing technology and services from Dealer Inspire, industry-leading trade and appraisal technology from Accu-Trade, an exclusive in-market media network, and powerful and predictive AI technologies that enable more efficient and profitable retail operations. Cars Commerce is focused on simplifying car buying and selling by eliminating complexity and increasing transparency throughout the local retail experience, where sales and service are best facilitated.

About This Role:

We are looking for an Industry Relations Sr. Manager to join the Cars Commerce Communications department. In this enterprise role, the ideal candidate will develop an industry influencer strategy working with the B2B Marketing team that aligns with the company’s overarching business and communications strategies. This person will collaborate with teams and business units across the company to determine the most effective approach to increase dealer count and generate incremental revenue through partnerships, custom events, thought leadership, dealer meetings and influencer relationships. This person will also help develop compelling content with our internal influencers to share across our owned social channels.

This person will be responsible for accurately tracking results and implementing an automated process in partnership with Tech and Finance so that a true return on investment can be demonstrated at the end of each business cycle. This role requires the ability to write speeches and create the supporting presentation materials (slide decks, short video clips, graphics, etc.).

This role reports to the Senior Director of Industry Relations. There is significant interaction with and accountabilities to other leaders across the organization and industry partners outside the company. 

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute a strategy for industry events and sponsorships that aligns with the goals of increasing dealer count and generating incremental revenue.

• Develop and execute a strategy to support the OEM/National Sales Team to strengthen relationships and grow opportunities to achieve additional revenue.

• Develop an influencer strategy that taps dealers and dealer consultants with large social media audiences to advocate for the Cars Commerce brand and its platform of technologies and solutions.

• Partner closely with B2B Marketing to create off-the-shelf presentations and event support materials that can be used across a wide range of opportunities. Create a booth strategy for the small conferences that appropriately represents all of the brands and can easily be transported and set-up by anyone.

• Manage the day-to-day budget reconciliation and sponsorship contracts.

• Drive measurable, data-driven results and manage analytics dashboards for industry events and sponsorships to ensure effectiveness of programs and a true return on investment. 

• Travel to support the business (30%)

Your expertise:

• 10+ years of experience in communications, content creation, dealer relations and/or sponsorship management roles.

• A creative mindset, and passion for automotive retail is a must, as is thriving in a fast-paced environment.

• Very strong attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities.

• Ability to be a self starter and a team player.

• Ability to meet aggressive timelines across different departments.

• Ability to see the Corporate-level perspective, the business group goals & objectives, and the fine details needed to implement complex programs.

• Experience supporting conferences and events. 

• Ability to develop interactive, well designed presentations.

• Ability to confidently present to company leadership and external audiences.

• Experience using G Suite, Slack, Canva, and/or similar tools is required.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Integrated Marketing, Events Management, or related field.

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans
• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up
• Generous PTO
• Refuel - a service based recognition program where employees receive additional paid time away to learn grow and reset
• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. California Applicants: Click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.