Director State Affairs-Northeast

Organization Description

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,200 member companies and 263,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal level, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry.

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders who start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named by the Washington Post as a 2023 and 2024 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times.

Position Summary

The Northeast Regional Director is responsible for the development and implementation of SEIA’s policies and positions in the dynamic and growing solar markets in the Northeast. The position reports to the Vice President of State Affairs, and will work in close collaboration with other SEIA departments including Research, Communications and Membership.

The ideal candidate should have the desire and demeanor to build a strong network within the solar and clean energy industries and will have had professional exposure to energy policy and/or markets, and be familiar with enabling technologies such as storage, demand response, distribution management systems and electric vehicles. The successful candidate must be able to build relationships and be a natural collaborator. This candidate should be able to manage project teams effectively and facilitate dialogue with both internal and external colleagues.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees regulatory & legislative activity in SEIA priority states in the Northeast, with a particular focus on New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
• Drafts regulatory filings
• Manage SEIA Northeast Committee, and day-to-day activities in collaboration with company leads. This includes facilitating regular calls/meetings with SEIA members.
• Participates in legislative/lobbying initiatives.
• Works with outside counsel, contract lobbyists and technical consultants as needed.
• Collaborates with local and regional trade associations, SEIA state affiliates, other stakeholders and parties, consultants, etc.
• Participates as available/necessary in other states and overall SEIA activities as time permits.
• The candidate will need to be comfortable working out of their home office or other suitable space.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• 5 - 7 years of experience in solar energy, advocacy, or related fields.
• Regulatory experience in the region is preferred and legislative experience is a plus.
• Preference given to candidates with demonstrated experience in electricity/utility/renewables/generation sectors.
• Ability to travel, primarily in-region
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to manage challenging and diverse views of member companies.
• Self-starter – can work independently and remotely.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and is able to perceive when to lead and when to build consensus.

Working Conditions

• Work is in an office environment or in a remote-office environment that is suitably equipped with internet and telephone access.
• Prefer location in the greater Albany, NY, or Boston, MA areas. Consideration will be given to candidates based elsewhere in the region.
• Travel is required for this role.
• Frequent speaking engagements

Compensation Range

• $115,000 -$125,000 annually, based on experience and an excellent benefits package.

Working at SEIA

SEIA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SEIA is an EVERIFY employer.