Director of Regulatory Affairs

Company Profile

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 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 that 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 the Washington Post as a 2023 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times.

Position Summary

The Director of Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the development and implementation of SEIA policy goals before federal Executive Branch agencies, especially those related to federal tax policy and the Inflation Reduction Act. Working at the intersection of tax and environmental policy, the Director develops policy positions in conjunction with SEIA members and staff, drafts regulatory filings, and engages in direct advocacy with the Administration. The position reports to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, who reports to the SVP of Policy. The Director is based in Washington, D.C., and is expected to attend in-person meetings in and around Washington regularly.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Represents SEIA regarding tax, labor, and other policy matters of importance to the solar industry before federal Executive Branch agencies.
• Manages and leads SEIA members and coalition partners in multiple venues to advance SEIA’s policy objectives at federal agencies, including consensus-building on complex federal policy matters.
• Develops and maintains relationships with relevant agency staff and others involved in the policymaking process.
• Drafts filings on behalf of the organization for submission in rulemaking and other regulatory proceedings.
• Coordinates with other policy staff on cross-cutting issues.
• Collaborates with SEIA’s communications team to formulate talking points and incorporate communications strategy into SEIA’s advocacy initiatives.
• Produces written materials in support of SEIA’s advocacy and regulatory efforts.
• Communicates with SEIA members, organizes committee and working group activities, and responds to member company inquiries.
• Attends meetings and briefings on behalf of the Association, providing summaries and analyses of proceedings and advising senior management on emerging issues.
• Supports the conferences and tradeshows SEIA organizes through panel participation, content generation, speaker identification, and on-site staffing of the conferences.

Requirements

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a public policy-related discipline. A law degree is preferred but not required. Experience drafting regulatory filings is required.
• 3-6 years of public policy or regulatory advocacy experience.
• Familiarity with tax law, renewable energy project finance, or labor policy is a plus. Experience working in or with the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Labor is also a plus.
• An open-minded and creative approach to regulatory advocacy, with coalition-building skills to leverage like-minded organizations and situational allies.
• The ability to work directly with SEIA members, with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent written communication skills and the proven ability to draft rulemaking or other comments on behalf of a client.
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
• A strong work ethic, service-oriented approach, excellent judgment, and highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Working Conditions

• The position is based in Washington, D.C.
• SEIA employees in the Washington, D.C. region follow a hybrid remote and in-person office model. Employees are expected work a minimum of 3 days a week in an office environment and as needed when there are special events or meetings.
• Travel will be necessary for up to approximately 15% of the time.

Compensation Range

$125,000-$135,000 annually, based on experience and excellent benefits package.

Working at SEIA

SEIA values diversity, inclusion, and equity within our organization and the promotion of these values across the solar industry. We strive to welcome different perspectives, identities, and backgrounds, regardless of job function, to create a more resilient organization supporting a strong, equitable solar industry. SEIA envisions an industry that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity. We aim to achieve this by encouraging openness and transparency about diversity issues and progress. We will develop strategies, programs, and tools that seek to equalize opportunities within SEIA and allow for discussing and sharing best practices within the solar industry.

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.

Learn more here