ABOUT VOTE SOLAR

Vote Solar's mission is to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people first approach. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advances just and equitable clean energy policy in state legislatures and public commissions across the United States. Our expertise comes from a deep understanding of the legislative process, regulatory interventions, and the ability to identify and accelerate solar solutions. We are adept at bridging communities and bringing diverse stakeholders together to forge inclusive coalitions and winning campaigns.

Our goal is to effect real, tangible change. And we have the track-record to prove we can do it: Twenty years in, our work has made it so that one in three people live in a state with a 100% clean energy commitment. We’ll not only expand that number, but ensure that more people can participate in holding utilities and decision makers accountable for greater equity and justice in our energy system.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND JUSTICE

Vote Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the workplace and in the communities with which we partner. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including multilingual and multicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

THE ROLE

This role will report to the Senior Regional Director for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic as part of the Programs team, which also includes the National Programs Director. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Director is Vote Solar’s voice in the region, and will bring Vote Solar’s social justice values, technical know-how, and consensus building skills to the region to advance fair and expansive solar policy. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Director will develop and direct legislative and other public-facing campaigns in the Mid-Atlantic. In their first year, this role will prioritize passing equity-focused legislation in New Jersey, and building authentic relationships while making the case for further solar ambition in Pennsylvania.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mid-Atlantic Director primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

CAMPAIGNS DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTION (40%)

• Develop Vote Solar’s legislative & public-facing campaign strategy for key states within the region. This will involve developing an understanding of solar policy needs and opportunities in target states across our five program areas of rooftop solar, community solar, utility-scale solar, grid modernization, and access & equity.
• Strategically plan and execute comprehensive regulatory and legislative campaigns to advance solar policy, including hiring lobbyists and tracking budgets.

COALITION BUILDING (30%)

• Recruit solar champions through relationship building and education of key policymakers in the region.
• Ensure that our work in the region advances socially just energy policies and programs that will benefit underserved communities.
• Leverage grassroots supporters and organizations as well as key influencers to turn solar’s broad popularity into effective political power.
• Build strong, authentic partnerships, following our Just Partnership Principles, within coalitions to increase the effectiveness and inclusivity of our campaigns. Lead or participate in coalitions, existing and new, that are working on bold campaigns to improve energy and climate policy.

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY (20%)

• Work with Vote Solar’s Communications team to develop strong campaigns outreach, in conjunction with coalition partners.
• Implement media and social media strategies and tactics to support campaign objectives

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND JUSTICE (10%)

• Continue personal learning and contributions to organizational work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Work to embed equity in all organizational internal practices and culture, as well as our programs.
• Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning on race, class, gender, justice, and equity.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Applicants should have knowledge of the legislative process, and familiarity with the components of an advocacy campaign: lobbying, grassroots and grass-tops organizing and media relations.
• Interest in energy policy and a proven ability to become conversant with policy details.
• Experience working in coalitions and finding common ground among diverse and occasionally competing perspectives.
• Compelling communication skills, including the ability to speak in public and with media outlets.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• A personal commitment to building an inclusive and supportive work environment.

OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE ACCOMPLISHED OR WOULD BE EXCITED TO LEARN HERE

• Expertise on solar or other energy policy and regulatory topics, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic.
• Strong relationships with regional stakeholders, especially environmental justice, frontline and traditional environmental groups as well as the solar industry.

MINDSETS

• A personal commitment to being a part of an inclusive and just workplace, including a commitment to being on a journey with Vote Solar to develop personal, and inter-personal core competencies related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
• Passion for building new capacity at a growing organization.
• Understanding how we work (in collaborative, authentic partnership), is as important as what we work on.

LOCATION

This position will ideally be based in a major city in the Mid-Atlantic, but other locations between the District of Columbia and New Jersey will be considered. As this position will require some regional travel, proximity to transportation hubs is important. Workplace arrangements can be flexible, including options to work from home. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applicants who identify as people of color, women, non-binary, and LGBTQ to apply.

Benefits

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $95,000. Vote Solar provides full-time staff with a competitive package, including 4 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 4 days of personal leave and 16 paid holidays. We also offer 100% employer-provided health, dental and vision care for both the employee and dependents; a retirement savings plan and an employer match of up to 3.5%; and a paid parental and medical leave policy for all regular employees.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a letter of interest and resume through the Workable portal. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.