Director State Affairs (m/w/d)
Solar Energy Industries Association
Company Overview
Solar Energy Industries Association
Washington, DC, United States
1974
Approximately 550 employees (source: growjo.com). Revenue of $37.6 million in FY 2024 (source: propublica.org).
What They Do
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is dedicated to advancing solar energy in the United States, focusing exclusively on solar technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar + storage integration. SEIA plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that support solar deployment, including lobbying for tax credits and other incentives that have historically driven the growth of the solar market. The association does not produce physical products but instead provides essential services through research, education, and public outreach aimed at making solar energy a mainstream power source in America (source: energydigital.com). With a membership base of approximately 1,100 companies, SEIA influences federal, state, and local policies to facilitate the widespread adoption of solar energy (source: ecologycenter.org). The organization is recognized as the authoritative voice of the U.S. solar industry, leveraging its extensive advocacy history to promote a sustainable energy future.
Projects & Track Record
As a trade association, SEIA does not directly execute solar projects but has been instrumental in advocating for policies that have led to significant growth in the U.S. solar sector. The association's efforts have contributed to solar energy becoming one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the country, with goals to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation from solar by 2030 (source: solsmart.org). SEIA's advocacy has resulted in landmark policy victories, including the establishment of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2005, which has been crucial for the industry's expansion. While specific project names and details are not attributed to SEIA, its influence is felt across the solar ecosystem, supporting member-led installations and fostering partnerships that drive the industry forward (source: energydigital.com). The association's focus on removing market barriers and promoting solar + storage frameworks continues to shape the future of solar energy in the U.S.
Recent Developments
In 2024, SEIA celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of advocacy and progress in the solar industry. The association highlighted its role in achieving 85% global growth in solar PV as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and projected a significant economic impact of $565 billion along with the creation of 200,000 jobs over the next decade (source: energydigital.com). Financially, SEIA reported total revenues of $37.6 million in 2024, reflecting a strong reliance on membership dues, while also maintaining a focus on lobbying efforts with expenditures reaching $1,870,000 (source: propublica.org). The association's commitment to supporting pro-solar candidates through its SolarPAC further underscores its active role in shaping policy and public perception of solar energy.
Working There
SEIA employs a diverse range of professionals across various departments, including advocacy, policy, research, communications, and regulatory affairs. The leadership team, which includes President & CEO Abigail Hopper and other key executives, reflects a strong commitment to the organization's mission and stability in leadership (source: growjo.com). Most hiring occurs at the headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the Arlington, VA office, with a collaborative culture that emphasizes advocacy and policy expertise. While specific employee benefits are not detailed in available sources, the competitive compensation structure is evident from payroll data, indicating a significant investment in talent to drive the organization's goals (source: propublica.org). SEIA's workforce is dedicated to promoting solar energy and influencing policy at all levels of government.
Contact
Last updated on 2025-12-27 | Report an issue
Job Description
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.
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.
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About the role
November 20, 2025
Full Time
Non-profit
December 30, 2025
Flexible
USD 115k–125k yearly
Solar Energy Industries Association
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Albany, New York, United States
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
5 - 7 years
UTC-05:00
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