State Government Relations Manager

First Solar (US)

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and proactive Manager of State Government Relations to manage and advance our state-level legislative and regulatory priorities across key jurisdictions. This role will be responsible for tracking all relevant actions, building and maintaining relationships with state policymakers, agencies, and stakeholders, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader government affairs strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
5 plus years of experience in state government legislative staff or state government legislative advocacy.
Experience monitoring state legislation and policy activities, updating and advising on relevant policy proposals and actions, and working with colleagues to analyze potential impacts on the organization’s issue areas.
Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of state legislative processes, agencies, procedures.
Working knowledge of renewable energy technologies.
Proven leadership track record and relationships with state government agencies and administrations.
Proactive and motivated to deliver key business objectives.
Ability to work across the aisle.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong public speaking, presentation and advocacy skills.
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple high-priority initiatives.
Strong critical thinking skills with ability to identify and solve problems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with proven ability to prioritize, multi-task, and re-prioritize assignments while working both independently or within a team.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively during legislative time periods, and as needed during non-legislative time periods, often with little notice.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute state government relations strategies that support the organization’s policy goals.
Monitor, analyze, and report on state legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the organization.
Represent the organization before state legislatures, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong relationships with state elected officials, staff, and key influencers.
Collaborate with internal teams to assess policy impacts and coordinate advocacy efforts.
Draft policy briefs, testimony, and other advocacy materials.
Support coalition-building efforts with industry partners, trade associations, and advocacy groups.
Assist the Director of Government Relations in developing strategic plans and reporting outcomes to senior leadership.
Hosts plant tours with state officials and other key stakeholders.
Prepares regular reports and briefings for internal stakeholders.
Identifies and seek out opportunities to represent the company and industry in ad hoc multi agency and/or stakeholder working groups.
As needed, represents First Solar in meetings with project/community stakeholders, in support of key customers/customer projects.
Maintain subject matter expertise on First Solar’s technology, differentiation, and the company’s commitment to responsible solar.
Other duties as assigned.