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Director of Grassroots Engagement & Political Organizing

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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, 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.

Position Summary

SEIA is seeking a seasoned political organizer to engage with small businesses and local, state and regional organizations across the country to build long-term political power within the U.S. solar industry. The Director of Grassroots Engagement & Political Organizing will serve as a resource to companies, individuals and partner organizations in key jurisdictions nationwide, helping increase their capacity to act as advocates for policy priorities and other efforts that will accelerate the clean energy transition and increase solar adoption. 

This position is cross-cutting in nature in order to provide support and resources to a wide range of SEIA’s functional areas. The Director will report to SEIA’s Chief of Staff and Chief Content Officer and will work in close collaboration with SEIA’s Congressional Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Public Affairs teams to build strong relationships with state solar associations and strategic state partners, and to help ensure concurrence on common policy interests and support a variety of campaigns and outreach programs.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

  • Building and strengthening relationships with state and local solar organizations, including official SEIA Affiliates and their member companies, to provide access to SEIA’s national expertise in specialist subject areas including federal tax policy, environmental justice, codes & standards, ratemaking, research, circular economy, interconnection, and more.
  • Growing and enhancing SEIA’s grassroots and grasstops political organizing efforts through strategic list-building, training and information gathering from key advocates and stakeholders, and regular engagement opportunities to increase participation in priority campaigns.
  • Supporting federal advocacy objectives by coordinating state solar organizations, SEIA State Affiliates and their member companies, and other strategic partners and stakeholders in directly engaging with their federal representatives. The Director will work closely with the entire Congressional Affairs team to generate local stories and advocates in support of key federal priorities, including:
    • Investment tax credit policy (Sections 25d and Section 48)
    • SolarAPP+ funding and other federal appropriations strategies
    • Infrastructure policy and opportunities for funding to accelerate solar deployment in underserved communities
    • Nexus between federal and state workforce development policy
  • Supporting the partnership of state or local solar organizations into the SEIA Affiliates network and formalize agreements and resources with new affiliates.
  • Coordinate outreach and engagement with state affiliates and other local partners in efforts that extend beyond federal or Congressional affairs priorities, including accelerated implementation of the SolarAPP+ platform, key state policy campaigns, storytelling and public affairs, and other projects that may arise.

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

SEIA is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team. Qualified candidates with possess:

  • A bachelor’s and preferably an advanced degree in political science, law, business, or public policy discipline.
  • 5-10 years of public policy or regulatory advocacy experience, preferably on a national scale and /or leading coordination of multi-state advocacy on behalf of their organization.
  • Political campaign experience a plus.
  • Experience in solar or clean energy advocacy is strongly preferred.
  • An open-minded and creative approach to advocacy, with coalition-building skills to leverage like-minded organizations and situational allies.
  • The ability to work directly with SEIA members, state and local solar associations, and solar supporters at a campaign-level 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, collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

  • Work is in an office environment or in a remote-office environment that is suitably equipped with internet and telephone access
  • May require travel

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement [email protected] with the subject “Director of Grassroots Engagement & Political Organizing (2021).” 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. SEIA is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about SEIA at www.seia.org. Applications will be accepted through April 9, 2021.

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.

SEIA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Learn more about SEIA at www.seia.org.