Director, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel

Company Profile

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,200 member companies and 263,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.  

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal level, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry. 

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders who start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named by the Washington Post as a 2023 and 2024 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times. 

Position Summary

The Director of Regulatory Affairs and Counsel supports SEIA and its members on legal and policy issues, including tax and manufacturing policy. This position will draft comments and supporting materials related to federal rulemaking, analyze legislative proposals, and represent SEIA before the Department of Energy, Department of the Treasury, IRS, and other executive branch agencies. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney to work directly with key policymakers on issues of critical importance to the growing renewable energy and domestic manufacturing sectors.

The Director is based in Washington, DC, with occasional travel as requested. The Director will report to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The position will also offer public speaking and publishing opportunities on matters related to clean energy.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and draft comments and supporting materials for advocacy before the Department of Energy, Department of the Treasury, other executive branch agencies, and Congress.
• Lead member meetings to advise on and discuss legal and tax policy issues and build member consensus.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders to advocate for members’ interests.
• Advise SEIA management and staff on regulations, legislation, and commercial issues.
• Manage external counsel and consultants.

Qualifications

• J.D. required; active and in good standing with at least one U.S. State bar.
• 2-6 years’ experience as an attorney in a law firm, government, trade association, in-house legal department, or similar experience. Experience with clean energy tax credits and/or working with Treasury or IRS is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, general corporate and tax law, and administrative law is a plus.
• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

 Working Conditions

• Work is in an office environment or in a remote-office environment that is suitably equipped with internet and telephone access.
• SEIA employees in the Washington, D.C. region follow a hybrid remote and in-person office model. Employees work 3 days a week in an office environment and as needed when there are special events or meetings, but otherwise, they can be remote.
• Travel is required for this role.
• Frequent speaking engagements.

 Compensation Range

•  $135,000 -$160,000 annually, based on experience and an excellent benefits package. 

Working at SEIA

SEIA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA complies with applicable federal, 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 is an EVERIFY employer.