Manager, Regulatory Affairs & Counsel

Solar Energy Industries Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is seeking a Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel to support regulatory and legal issues including federal siting, permitting of energy infrastructure, and FERC proceedings. The role, ideally based in Washington, DC, offers remote options for qualified candidates and occasional travel.

Reporting to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, you will help advocate for priority solar and storage issues, build relationships with stakeholders, and

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ experience involving federal permitting and/or the Federal Power Act and related regulations
• Experience working in government or in a corporate, law firm, trade association, or other advocacy organization environment
• Experience drafting legislation is a plus
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required; active and in good standing with at least one U.S. State bar
• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills
• Familiarity with federal administrative law; litigation experience is a plus
• Exceptional interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Reviews filings and drafts comments and pleadings for submission to the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Council on Environmental Quality, FERC, and federal appeals courts.
• Drafts stakeholder comments before the Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and non-RTO Transmission Providers.
• Leads member meetings to discuss and advise on developments related to federal permitting, FERC, and RTOs, and builds member consensus on priority issues.
• Meets with Administration officials, RTOs, and other stakeholders to advocate for members’ interests.
• Advises State and Congressional Affairs staff on permitting, transmission, interconnection, and market reform issues.

Skills

Regulatory affairs

Federal permitting

Legal drafting

Research/writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Company Profile

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and an industry workforce of more than 255,000 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 advocate for policies that create jobs and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and an industry workforce of more than 255,000 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 advocate for policies that create jobs 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 fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that values our employees’ varied backgrounds and experiences and celebrates team success. The Association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named The Washington Post as a Top Workplace in 2023 and 2024 and by the Nonprofit Times as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” in America in April 2022.

Position Summary

The Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel supports SEIA and its members on regulatory and legal issues, including federal siting and permitting of energy infrastructure, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proceedings, and other matters. The Manager is ideally based in Washington, DC, with remote options considered for qualified candidates, and occasional travel as required. The Manager will report to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and will assist with building relationships, advocating on priority solar and storage industry issues, and monitoring stakeholder proceedings on behalf of the trade association. Experienced candidates may be considered for a Senior Manager role.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviews filings and drafts comments and pleadings for submission to the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Council on Environmental Quality, FERC, and federal appeals courts.


• Drafts stakeholder comments before the Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and non-RTO Transmission Providers.


• Leads member meetings to discuss and advise on developments related to federal permitting, FERC, and RTOs, and builds member consensus on priority issues.


• Meets with Administration officials, RTOs, and other stakeholders to advocate for members’ interests.


• Advises State and Congressional Affairs staff on permitting, transmission, interconnection, and market reform issues.

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ experience involving federal permitting and/or the Federal Power Act and related regulations


• Experience working in government or in a corporate, law firm, trade association, or other advocacy organization environment


• Experience drafting legislation is a plus


• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required; active and in good standing with at least one U.S. State bar


• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills


• Familiarity with federal administrative law; litigation experience is a plus


• Exceptional interpersonal skills

Working Conditions

• This position is based in SEIA headquarters in Washington, DC


• SEIA employees in the Washington, D.C. region follow a hybrid model. Employees are expected to work a minimum of 3 days a week in SEIA’s offices (or engaged in in-person meetings on behalf of SEIA)


• Some travel is required for this role

Compensation Range

$75,000-$85,000 annually, based on experience and an excellent benefitspackage.

Working at SEIA

SEIA welcomes different perspectives, identities, and backgrounds, working collaboratively in support of our mission, regardless of job function. We believe this creates a more resilient organization that supports a strong, equitable solar industry. SEIA envisions an industry that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for all.

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 applicable federal, state, and 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.