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Automotive Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aston Martin of Chicago

Automotive Porter

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

The Ed Napleton Automotive Group is looking for our next Automotive Porter. Located at Aston Martin ... Keeping vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed by the Sales/Service managers and in ...

Aston Martin of Chicago

Automotive Porter

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

The Ed Napleton Automotive Group is looking for our next Automotive Porter. Located at Aston Martin ... Keeping vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed by the Sales/Service managers and in ...

River Oaks Honda

Automotive Porter

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Ed Napleton Automotive Group is looking for our next Automotive Porter. Located at River Oaks ... Keeping vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed by the Sales/Service managers and in ...

River Oaks Honda

Automotive Porter

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Ed Napleton Automotive Group is looking for our next Automotive Porter. Located at River Oaks ... Keeping vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed by the Sales/Service managers and in ...

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Automotive Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep knowledge of automotive operations, and experience in sales and dealership management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or automotive management. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM platforms, and industry certifications such as NADA or manufacturer-specific training is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams and drive results. These competencies are crucial to achieving operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustained profitability in a competitive automotive market.

What are the main challenges an Automotive Director faces when managing multiple dealership locations?

One of the primary challenges for an Automotive Director overseeing multiple dealerships is ensuring consistent performance and customer experience across all locations. This involves coordinating diverse teams, aligning sales and service strategies, and maintaining strong communication channels. Additionally, adapting to market trends, managing inventory efficiently, and meeting financial targets require strategic planning and strong leadership skills. Regular travel between sites and staying updated with industry standards are also essential for success in this role.

What is an Automotive Director?

An Automotive Director is a senior management professional who oversees the operations of an automotive dealership or group of dealerships. Their responsibilities typically include setting sales goals, managing budgets, developing business strategies, supervising department managers, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Automotive Directors play a key role in driving profitability, maintaining manufacturer relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. They often have extensive experience in automotive sales, service, or management. Successful Automotive Directors possess strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

What is the difference between Automotive Director vs Automotive Manager?

AspectAutomotive DirectorAutomotive Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, develops strategic plans, manages budgets, and sets overall goals for the dealership or automotive company.Manages daily operations of a specific department, such as sales or service, and implements company policies at the departmental level.
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree in Business, Automotive Management, or related field; extensive industry experience; leadership skills.Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience; industry certifications may be preferred; managerial skills.
Work EnvironmentCorporate office or dealership headquarters, strategic planning meetings, high-level decision-making.Dealership floor, service center, or sales department, direct interaction with staff and customers.

In summary, an Automotive Director focuses on strategic leadership and overall company performance, while an Automotive Manager handles day-to-day operations within specific departments. Both roles require industry knowledge and leadership skills but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Automotive jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Automotive Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Automotive Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Automotive Director job openings:
Automotive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Account Director, Automotive

Account Director, Automotive

Interdependence

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

*This is a contractor role*

WHO WE ARE

The PR industry hasn't really changed in fifty years. Relationships, lunches, luck, and a clip report at the end of the month.

Interdependence is rebuilding it from the ground up. Interviewed, our proprietary platform, analyzes 300,000+ stories every day across a network of 250,000 journalists. We turn earned media into something measurable, repeatable, and worth paying for — and apply the same data and discipline across paid, social, content, and brand. Integrated marketing run by one team, on one system, accountable to one result.

Forbes named us one of America's Best PR Agencies. Our 100+ person team works with brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs across consumer, healthcare, tech, B2B, travel and entertainment.

We move fast. The best argument wins. We hire for sharp thinking, real craft, and ownership from day one. If you want comfortable, this isn't the place. If you want to win, build with us.

THE ROLE

Interdependence is seeking a strategic, well-connected, and entrepreneurial PR Account Director – Automotive (Contractor) to lead high-profile client programs across the automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on luxury and high-end automotive brands. The ideal candidate has deep agency experience, an established network across automotive media, events, influencers, and celebrity talent, and a passion for storytelling that drives cultural relevance and brand desirability.

This is a contract role combining hands-on client leadership, strategic planning, experiential activation, and influencer/celebrity engagement. The Account Director will serve as the senior day-to-day client contact, responsible for delivering measurable outcomes, orchestrating premium events and product launches, and shaping narratives that elevate our clients' presence in competitive automotive and luxury lifestyle markets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel

  • Serve as senior lead for automotive account – 20 to 30 hours per week - providing high-level strategy, vision, and counsel to brand, marketing, and executive stakeholders.
  • Build trusted partnerships with client executives, aligning PR and integrated programs to drive measurable business and brand impact.
  • Oversee integrated communications programs, including product launches, executive visibility, lifestyle storytelling, and brand positioning within the luxury and performance automotive landscape.
  • Anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions to ensure long-term client success.

Events & Experiential Activation

  • Lead the strategy, planning, and flawless execution of high-touch automotive events, including vehicle launches, ride-and-drive programs, auto shows, concours events, press previews, and VIP experiences.
  • Manage event logistics, vendor partners, talent coordination, and on-site execution to deliver brand-defining moments.
  • Develop experiential concepts that connect automotive clients with luxury, lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment audiences.

Influencer & Celebrity Engagement

  • Leverage existing relationships with top-tier influencers, tastemakers, and celebrity talent to drive brand visibility and cultural cachet.
  • Lead influencer and celebrity seeding, partnerships, and integrations across product launches and tentpole moments.
  • Oversee talent vetting, contracting, and on-site management at events, drives, and brand experiences.
  • Identify culturally relevant moments and personalities that align with each client's positioning.

Media Strategy & Thought Leadership

  • Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business-impacting coverage across automotive, lifestyle, luxury, and business outlets.
  • Shape executive narratives and messaging frameworks for complex automotive stories — including design, performance, innovation, heritage, and lifestyle angles.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with top automotive journalists (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road & Track, Robb Report, duPont REGISTRY, etc.) as well as luxury lifestyle and consumer media.
  • Oversee production of strategic content including press releases, bylines, and feature pitches.

Team & Project Management

  • Direct cross-functional internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality work with efficiency and precision.
  • Provide direction and feedback to account staff and contractors supporting the business.
  • Manage program budgets, timelines, and staffing allocations across concurrent initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience supporting automotive clients; experience with luxury or high-end automotive brands is a strong plus.
  • Proven track record leading integrated PR programs that include large-scale events, influencer partnerships, and celebrity engagement.
  • Established relationships with automotive and lifestyle media, as well as influencer and talent networks.
  • Deep understanding of the automotive landscape, including key trends across luxury, performance, EV, and emerging mobility.
  • Exceptional writing, pitching, and storytelling abilities.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and client portfolios.
  • Strong presentation, negotiation, and client relationship-building skills.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally in a fast-paced, all-remote environment with frequent travel to events and on-site activations.
  • Available to work on a contract basis – 20 to 30 hours per week - with flexibility to scale hours around client programs and event cycles.

THE ENGAGEMENT

This is a contract position with competitive project- or retainer-based compensation, flexible remote work, and the opportunity to work alongside a top-tier agency team on premier automotive and luxury brand programs.