Director of Trade Policy

First Solar; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 206,000 - 293,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar seeks a Director of Trade Policy to lead its strategy on U.S. and international trade issues, including tariffs, trade remedies, and supply chain security.

The role partners with the EVP of Corporate Affairs to set strategic direction and respond to major actions affecting the company’s domestic manufacturing model. The ideal candidate has extensive experience briefing federal agencies and Congress, strong relationships with policymakers, and a proven ability to drive policy

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. and international trade processes and tariff actions.
• Experience briefing C-suite executives and government officials on risk and strategy.
• Strong track record building coalitions and independent policy leadership.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead execution of First Solar's trade policy strategy at federal and international levels.
• Own response to Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices, including onshoring initiatives.
• Develop advocacy strategies and lead coalition efforts with policymakers and industry groups.
• Represent First Solar in meetings with agencies, coalitions, and associations.
• Draft policy briefs, letters, and position papers on trade issues.
• Brief executive leadership on risk and strategic implications of trade actions.
• Track and analyze trade remedy cases and advise accordingly.
• Maintain senior-level relationships with policymakers and thought leaders.

Skills

Trade policy expertise

Public speaking

Cross-functional leadership

Policy risk briefing

Capitol Hill experience

Relationships with agencies

Independent judgment

Tariff policy

WTO knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

JD or graduate degree in policy/law

10+ years in trade policy

Senior-level government representation

Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions

The Director of Trade Policy will lead First Solar’s strategy and engagement on U.S. and international trade policy issues, including tariffs, trade remedy actions (Section 201/301/232), trade agreements, supply chain security, and customs compliance. This role serves as the company’s principal representative on trade matters, setting strategic direction in partnership with the EVP of Corporate Affairs and advising executive leadership on the trade policy implications of First Solar’s fully domestic, vertically integrated manufacturing model. The Director will own First Solar’s response to significant trade actions affecting the company’s supply chain — including the Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices on polysilicon and its derivatives — and will support the Director of Government Relations in advocating for policies that support domestic manufacturing and a level playing field in the global solar market.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, law, or a related field required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• JD or graduate degree in public policy, trade, or international law strongly preferred given the complexity and seniority of this role.
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in trade policy, government affairs, or international trade law, including direct experience with trade remedy proceedings (e.g., Section 201, 301, 232, antidumping/countervailing duty cases).
• Demonstrated experience representing an organization at a senior level before federal agencies (USTR, Department of Commerce, CBP), Congress, and/or the Executive Office of the President.
• Established relationships with senior policymakers, industry coalitions, and trade associations relevant to the solar, critical minerals, or semiconductor supply chain.
• Experience briefing C-suite executives or government equivalent on trade policy risk and strategy.
• Strong understanding of U.S. trade policy, WTO rules, and global trade dynamics, including tariff and minimum-import-price mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven public speaking and testimony experience.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage complex, high‑stakes policy issues independently.
• Experience working with or within federal government agencies or Capitol Hill strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Deep knowledge of federal and international trade processes and procedures, including Section 232 national security tariff actions.
• Demonstrated leadership track record and established relationships with federal government agencies and the administration to advance trade‑related issues at a senior level.
• Ability to set and drive trade policy strategy with minimal oversight, exercising independent judgment on matters with significant financial and reputational stakes.
• Ability to work across the aisle and build durable coalitions.
• Executive presence and the ability to represent First Solar credibly before senior government officials, industry leaders, and internal executive leadership.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and advocacy skills, including experience with congressional testimony or equivalent high‑visibility engagements.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple high‑priority, high‑complexity initiatives.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the judgment to advise executive leadership on ambiguous or fast‑moving policy developments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs, with preference for use of AI.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with proven ability to prioritize, multi‑task, and re‑prioritize assignments while leading both independently and cross‑functionally.

Essential Responsibilities

• Set and lead execution of First Solar’s trade policy strategy, including monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on trade‑related legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at the federal and international levels.
• Own First Solar’s strategy and compliance posture in response to the Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices on polysilicon and its derivatives, including engagement on the associated onshoring incentive program.
• Develop and lead advocacy strategies to advance First Solar’s trade policy objectives, including coalition leadership where appropriate.
• Serve as First Solar’s principal representative in meetings with government agencies (e.g., USTR, DOC, CBP), industry coalitions, and trade associations.
• Draft and approve policy briefs, comment letters, and position papers on trade issues.
• Partner with internal stakeholders including legal, supply chain, finance, and sustainability teams to assess and act on trade risks and opportunities.
• Directly brief executive leadership on trade policy risk and strategy.Track and analyze trade remedy cases (e.g., AD/CVD, Section 201/301/232) and lead the company’s response to their implications for First Solar’s operations.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with key policymakers, industry partners, and thought leaders in the trade policy space.
• Maintain subject matter expertise on First Solar’s technology, differentiation, and the company’s commitment to responsible solar manufacturing.
• Analyze legislation and trade actions and coordinate with internal stakeholders to address problematic provisions, including managing outside counsel and consultant relationships as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• This position will report to EVP, Corporate Affairs.
• This position may have direct reports.

Travel

• 30% - 40%

Estimated Salary Range

• $205,735- $293,250 Annually

US Physical Requirements

Office Physical Requirements: All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face‑to‑face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.