Sr. Manager, State Affairs

Job 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 Senior Manager, State Affairs position is responsible for providing thought leadership, policy support, and industry expertise to SEIA's regionally-based State Affairs team, with a focus on the topics of interconnection and energy storage. The position reports to the Vice President of State Affairs, works closely with the Senior Vice President of Policy, and regional State Affairs staff, and will work in close collaboration with other SEIA departments including Policy Analysis, Regulatory Affairs, 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 electrification. Familiarity with topics such as interconnection and grid modernization policies, is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be able to build relationships and be a natural collaborator. He or she is able to manage project teams effectively and facilitate dialogue with both internal and external colleagues.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and support for the residential industry post OB3
• Serve as point person for policy outreach to, and evaluate and develop policy opportunities for, the "grid edge" and broader DER community
• Provide support to SEIA staff for state energy storage plan development, advocacy and implementation
• Provide support for SEIA staff for interconnection issues, including flexible interconnection
• Provide ad hoc support to State Affairs staff as needed for general legislative work and regulatory dockets, including drafting comments in regulatory dockets
• Lead ad hoc legislative or regulatory efforts in non-Priority states
• 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.
• Help develop policy positions, priorities, and draft model legislation on topics as needed (examples of topics include automated permitting, PV Recycling, state tax credit).
• Participate as available/necessary in other states and overall SEIA activities as time permits. Assists in planning yearly regional events with SEIA event staff
• In coordination with SEIA's Communications team, speaking and building positive relationships with local and regional news media on critical solar energy issues

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• 4 - 8 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.
• Experience with energy storage and interconnection issues.
• Ability to travel.
• 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 in SEIA's Washington, DC office, and/or in a remote-office environment that is suitably equipped with internet and telephone access.
• Travel is required for this role.
• Frequent speaking engagements

Compensation Range

• $85,000 -$115,000 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.