Senior Manager, State Affairs-Midwest Region

Solar Energy Industries Association•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Senior Manager, State Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing SEIA policies and positions in the Midwest’s growing solar markets, with particular focus on Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. The role oversees regional regulatory and legislative activity and manages the SEIA Midwest Region Committee and its day-to-day activities in collaboration with company leads. It reports to the Vice President of State Affairs and works closely with SEIA’s Research, Communications, and Membership departments. The position involves building relationships and networks across the solar and clean energy industries, facilitating dialogue with members and other stakeholders, and managing project teams. The successful candidate will collaborate with member companies, other associations, SEIA state affiliates, outside counsel, contract lobbyists, technical consultants, and other parties. The role may also contribute to activity in other states and to broader SEIA initiatives as needed. The work takes place in an office or suitably equipped remote-office environment with internet and telephone access. The candidate is preferably based in the greater Chicago area; candidates in Springfield, Illinois, or Lansing, Michigan, will also be considered. Travel is necessary, primarily within the region, and also to Washington, DC, for SEIA meetings and events. Compensation is $85,000–$115,000 annually, based on experience, plus an excellent benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
4–8 years of experience in clean energy research, energy policy, utility program or policy development, or related fields.
Experience with regulatory and legislative processes in the region, in the traditional or renewable energy sector.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to manage challenging and diverse member views.
Ability to work independently and remotely as a self-starter.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and recognize when to lead and when to build consensus.
Ability and demeanor to build a strong network within the solar and clean energy industries.
Professional exposure to energy policy and/or markets.
Familiarity with topics such as storage, demand response, virtual power plants, distribution management systems, and interconnection policies.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate naturally.

Nice To Haves

Regulatory experience in Illinois, Michigan, or Minnesota.
Legislative experience.
Location in the greater Chicago area; candidates in Springfield, Illinois, or Lansing, Michigan, will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement SEIA policies and positions in Midwest solar markets.
Oversee regulatory and legislative activity in SEIA priority states in the Midwest, particularly Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Manage the SEIA Midwest Region Committee and its day-to-day activities in collaboration with company leads.
Facilitate regular calls and meetings with SEIA members.
Participate in legislative and lobbying initiatives.
Work with outside counsel, contract lobbyists, and technical consultants as needed.
Collaborate with other associations, SEIA state affiliates, stakeholders, parties, and consultants.
Participate in activities in other states and broader SEIA activities as time permits.
Build relationships and facilitate dialogue with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.
Manage project teams effectively.