Deputy Chief of Staff (m/w/d)

Job Description

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and 255,000 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 levels, 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

SEIA is seeking a Deputy Chief of Staff to provide scheduling and advance support for the President and CEO and to serve as an aide to the Chief of Staff. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Office, leading key administrative functions for the President and CEO, such as scheduling and effective time management, managing travel and expenses, and preparing briefing materials for meetings and events. The Deputy Chief of Staff also assists the Chief of Staff with executing cross-departmental projects and meetings, managing CEO-led initiatives and events, the administration of Board of Directors meetings and activities, and internal communications.

The goal of the Deputy Chief of Staff is to serve as a trusted partner for the CEO, ensuring seamless daily operations and that projects for the Chief of Staff and Executive Office are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.

As part of this role, the Deputy Chief of Staff will have daily contact with the CEO and insight into the strategy and operations of a successful and impactful clean energy trade association. The Deputy Chief of Staff will also have the opportunity to shadow SEIA’s policy and public affairs departments to gain additional exposure and experience into the other departments at SEIA. After the successful completion of two years in this role, the Deputy Chief of Staff will have the opportunity to apply for a policy or public affairs-focused role within the organization.

The Deputy Chief of Staff should have an interest in clean energy policy and a demonstrated ability to handle multiple complex, simultaneous, and time-sensitive projects. The ideal candidate is exceptionally well organized, resourceful, a problem solver, and an all-around team player. Candidates should have a proactive mindset and natural ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing, team-based environment.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Scheduling and Executive Support (70%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for scheduling requests for the President and CEO, managing internal and external communications professionally and efficiently.
• Manage meeting logistics and provide advance support for the CEO’s external engagements, ensuring smooth execution and follow-up.
• Manage the CEO’s travel, including booking travel arrangements, providing support for multi-city travel schedules and itineraries, and arranging ground transport.
• Contribute to internal and external communications on behalf of the Executive Office, including drafting memos, talking points, briefing documents, presentations, member emails, invitations, and other communication products.
• Draft and distribute letters, emails, and other correspondence on behalf of the CEO.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational processes and enhance operational efficiency across the Executive Office.
• Execute additional administrative tasks on behalf of the CEO, including expense reporting, time reporting, and other duties or projects as assigned to support the CEO.

Support for the Chief of Staff (30%)

• Assist the Chief of Staff with their portfolio of projects, including support for cross-departmental meetings and projects, CEO-led initiatives and events,
• Assist the Chief of Staff with the administration of SEIA’s Board of Directors, including record keeping and the preparation and execution of quarterly board meetings, in-person and virtual events, and other board-level activities.
• Assist the Chief of Staff with change management efforts and activities that enhance cultural awareness and the staff experience at SEIA.
• Track and manage action items for the Chief of Staff and Executive Office, ensuring timely follow-up and execution.

Requirements

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

SEIA is seeking a dynamic individual to join the Executive Office. Qualified candidates will possess:

• 3-5 years of work experience, including at least 1 year of experience in administrative or executive support roles. Experience working in a policy or communications capacity and/or experience directly supporting a C-suite level executive is desired but not required.
• Graduate or Bachelor’s degree in public policy or public administration, communications, political science, hospitality, or a related field.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work on multiple complex and simultaneous projects
• Fluency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, Google Docs, as well as the ability to quickly learn other software and event management platforms
• Strong communication and writing skills and ability to effectively manage and respond to a high volume of requests from internal and external stakeholders
• A strong work ethic, cheerful customer-service attitude, and flexible mindset in order to thrive in our fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Project management and leadership experience is desired.
• Interest in clean energy and experience in trade associations or membership organizations is desired
• Must maintain professionalism at all times, be respectful, and exhibit a 24/7 white-glove mentality

Working Conditions

• This position is based in headquarters in Washington, DC.
• SEIA employees in the Washington, D.C. region follow a hybrid remote and in-person office model. Employees work 3 days a week in an office environment and as needed when there are special events or meetings but otherwise, can be remote.
• This position may require periodic travel to support the CEO and other executives.

Compensation Range

$85,000-$90,000 annually, based on experience and 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.