Grassroots Engagement Manager @ Solar Energy Industries Association

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

SEIA is seeking a seasoned political organizer to engage with solar companies and local, state, regional, and national partner organizations across the country to build long-term political power within the U.S. solar industry. The Grassroots Engagement Manager will serve as a resource to companies, individuals, and partner organizations in key jurisdictions nationwide, helping increase their capacity to act as advocates for policy priorities and other efforts that will accelerate the clean energy transition and increase solar adoption. 

This position is cross-cutting in nature in order to provide support and resources to a wide range of SEIA’s functional areas. The Director will report to SEIA’s Senior Director of Grassroots Engagement and Political Organizing and will work in close collaboration with SEIA’s Congressional Affairs, State and Regulatory Affairs, and Communications teams to build strong relationships with state solar associations and strategic partners and to help ensure concurrence on common policy interests and support a variety of campaigns and outreach programs.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Policy Advocacy:

• Growing and enhancing SEIA’s grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts through strategic identification and recruitment of advocates and external validators and information gathering from key stakeholders to support storytelling on policy priorities.
• Supporting federal advocacy objectives by coordinating supporters and allies to directly engage with their federal representatives. Working closely with the Congressional Affairs team, the Manager recruits grassroots support for activities such as hosting events and facility/project tours and engaging with local media.
• Maintains regular contact with and creates engagement opportunities for grassroots advocates and solar companies.
• Trains advocates on how to utilize grassroots tactics
• Collects and maintains contacts and data on solar companies in key jurisdictions.
• Assists with the development and execution of digital grassroots advocacy campaigns for federal and state policy priorities.
• Supports the Senior Director on building and maintaining external partnerships in key stakeholder constituencies.

  Community Engagement:

• Supports the sharing of best practices and resources for engaging local communities and key stakeholders to ease the siting and permitting process.
• Conduct research and provide insight on emerging issues and trends in community engagement.
• Maintain communication with SEIA’s working group and assist with growing the network of practitioners and experts.
• Assist with outreach to key constituencies and identify external validators that support project deployment.

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 2-4 years of public policy legislative or regulatory advocacy experience, preferably on a national scale and /or multi-state advocacy on behalf of their organization,
• Interest in and experience with solar or clean energy advocacy is preferred.
•  Experience working for or with political campaigns, field organizing, labor unions, or trade associations is preferred.
• Experience with grassroots advocacy software (e.g., Quorum Grassroots, NationBuilder) and advocate/volunteer/voter file data management is strongly preferred.
• An open-minded and creative approach to advocacy, with coalition-building skills to leverage like-minded organizations and situational allies.
• The ability to work directly with SEIA members, state and local solar associations, and solar supporters at a campaign level with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the proven ability to draft communications such as mobilization emails and other advocacy tools.
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team environment.
• A strong, self-motivated work ethic and cheerful customer-service attitude in order to thrive in our fast-paced, collaborative, and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to effectively collect and analyze information and stories.
• Excellent public speaking and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and run meetings and events both in and outside the organization (e.g., manage logistics for a site visit by an elected official).
• Ability to effectively collaborate across stakeholder groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and team member skills.
• Computer literacy skills (Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint).

 Working Conditions

• This position is based in headquarters in Washington, DC.
• 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.
• A limited amount of travel (5-10%) may be required

Compensation Range

$65,000-$70,000 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.