Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs

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Organization Description

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, cleans our air and water, and strengthens our economy through the creation of more than 200,000 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.

Position Summary

The Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs represents the trade association and its members to the Administration and federal regulatory agencies to advance policy goals and programs.  SEIA has business at FERC, DOE, Interior, Treasury, and EPA, among others.  Energy markets, transmission & interconnection, and land use are critical arenas for the organization and its member companies.  The position, which may be filled by an attorney, supervises the Manager of Federal Regulatory Affairs and reports to the VP of State and Regulatory Affairs.

The Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs:

  • In close collaboration with the executive team, creates and executes a strategic vision for the transformation of the electricity system and the leading role of solar + storage in that transformation.
  • Oversees the representation of SEIA regarding energy, natural resources, and environmental policy matters of importance to the solar industry before federal Executive Branch agencies and Regional Transmission Organizations.
  • Works with Administration officials and regulators to draft, analyze, and track regulation and secure bi-partisan support.
  • Creates coalitions with industry and trade associations to advocate for favorable regulatory policies.
  • Fosters and solidifies credible, professional relationships with Members of the Administration.
  • Engages executives in regulatory proceedings.
  • Leads SEIA’s RTO engagement strategy at the RTOs, at FERC, and in the Courts.
  • Collaborates with SEIA’s Communications team, Federal Affairs staff, and SEIA members to formulate talking points and incorporate communications strategy into SEIA’s advocacy initiatives.
  • Communicates with SEIA members, organizes committee and working group activities, and responds to member company inquiries.
  • Supervises SEIA's Manager of Federal Affairs
  • Supports the conferences and tradeshows SEIA organizes through panel participation, content generation, speaker identification, and on-site staffing of the conferences

Professional Experience, Education and Other Qualifications

SEIA is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Federal Affairs team. Qualified candidates will possess:

  • A bachelor’s and preferably an advanced degree in political science, law, or other public policy discipline.  A law degree and experience drafting regulatory filings is desirable.
  • 6-10 years of public policy or regulatory advocacy experience, including at least 5 years working in an executive branch agency.
  • Experience working with FERC, DOE, Interior, and/or Treasury Department.
  • 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, team environment.
  • A strong work ethic and cheerful customer-service attitude in order to thrive in our fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Successful candidate must be located in the Washington, D.C. area. Until SEIA’s Washington office re-opens, the candidate will need to be comfortable working out of home or other suitable space

Working Conditions

  • Work is in an office environment
  • May be occasionally required to stand, walk or reach with arms

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject “Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs 2021.” Submissions that are in the form of a single Word or PDF document facilitate review and are strongly preferred. Please name all files using the following format: [applicant name]_[document title, e.g. Resume]_Fed Reg Director.

No calls please; direct applicants only, no search or placement firms.

SEIA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, and a woman’s right to breastfeed), disability (physical or mental), age (18 and older), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital status, veteran or military status, tobacco use, credit information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.