Director of Regulatory Affairs

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of the solar energy industry representing nearly 1,000 companies from around the world.

Our mission is to build a strong solar industry to power America. We achieve that aim by supporting pro-solar policy at the federal and state level, developing cutting-edge industry research, and speaking as the voice of the solar industry to press and public.

At SEIA, our staff arrives every morning knowing that their work improves our country's energy independence, empowers our member businesses and strengthens our economy through the creation of more than 250,000 U.S. jobs. Combining a strong sense of purpose and a great work environment has resulted in SEIA being selected as one of the “Best Non-Profits” to work for in America in 2022.

Position Summary

The Director of Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the development and implementation of SEIA’s policies and positions and execution of solar + storage policy goals at a host of federal agencies, including but not limited to Treasury, EPA, Interior, DOE, FERC, and in Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). Tax policy, land use, wildlife issues, energy markets, transmission and interconnection, carbon regulation and other environmental policies are critical arenas for the organization and its member companies. The Director develops policy positions in conjunction with SEIA members and staff, drafts regulatory filings, and engages in direct advocacy.

Reporting & Location: The position reports to the Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, who reports to the VP of State and Regulatory Affairs. 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 energy, natural resources, and environmental 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 energy and environmental agencies, including consensus-building on complex federal policy matters.
• Develops and maintains relationships with relevant agency staff and others involved in the policymaking process and conducts direct advocacy with the Administration.
• Drafts regulatory filings and legal pleadings on behalf of the organization for submission in RTO, regulatory, and court proceedings.
• Coordinates with SEIA’s Director of Energy Markets, Director of Storage Markets & Policy, and other regulatory affairs and state relations 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.

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.
• 4-8 years of public policy or regulatory advocacy experience; experience working in an Executive Branch agency or in Congress a plus.
• Experience working with the Department of the Treasury, Interior (including the Fish and Wildlife Service), U.S. EPA, FERC, and/or the Department of Energy.
• 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

• Work is in an office environment
• May be occasionally required to stand, walk, or reach with arms
• Travel required (approximately 15%)

Compensation Range

• $115,000 - $135,000 annually, based on experience

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement, with the subject “Director of Regulatory Affairs (2022-06).” Submissions that are in the form of a single Word or PDF document facilitate review and are preferred.
• Please name all files using the following format: "[name]_[document title, e.g. Resume]_SEIA." No calls please; direct applicants only, no search or placement firms. Applications will be accepted through July 5, 2022.

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 in order to create a more resilient organization that supports 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 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SEIA complies with applicable 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.