Vote Solar is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to making solar energy accessible to all and a primary source of electricity across the country. We are in search of a Regulatory Director to help shape and guide state-level regulatory and legislative policies to advance markets and inclusive programs for solar power generation -- both distributed and utility-scale – in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states, primarily in Georgia, Florida, and Washington D.C., but with support for work across the region.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Vote Solar seeks a candidate committed to helping advance sustainable, equitable solutions to the challenges facing solar expansion in the electricity market. This senior position will require both strategic thought leadership in advocating for technical solutions before state regulatory bodies, and collaborative coalition building and management in getting those solutions implemented. The position will work closely with legal counsel and a campaign manager in leveraging media and Vote Solar’s grassroots activists to advance concrete goals in regulatory and legislative venues. The position is responsible for managing one Vote Solar regulatory staff based in the region. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented person who excels at building relationships and managing complicated projects.
We are looking for a candidate that can support our mission in the following areas:
- Intervene in utility general rate cases and other regulatory proceedings to develop solar-friendly policies and tariffs for distributed solar. This includes preparing expert testimony, framing discovery for utility and other witnesses, and advocating for Vote Solar’s positions in cross-examination—all in pursuit of regulatory outcomes that provide fair compensation for distributed solar and technologies that help grow solar markets.
- Pursue innovative regulatory policies that address historical racial, economic and structural inequities and remove barriers for solar adoption by residential and businesses customers. This includes policies that encourage utilities to incorporate solar (distributed and wholesale) into their planning and operations.
- Prepare thorough reviews of proposed changes to customer rate structures, net metering programs, and compensation for qualifying facilities, and assess the impact of those policies on utility revenue requirements.
- Develop both offensive and defensive strategies to preserve and advance policies and programs providing fair compensation for customer-owned solar generation and other distributed energy resources.
- Plan and implement regulatory interventions to dramatically increase wholesale purchases of solar power.
- Pursue policies and programs that allow energy consumers to purchase off-site renewable energy.
- Provide thought leadership in designing new regulatory paradigms that prioritize renewables, climate justice and maximizing participation in (and benefit from) distributed energy resources.
- Build and collaborate with coalitions of stakeholders – frontline communities, environmental justice advocates, consumer advocates, energy efficiency proponents, energy storage providers, electric vehicle advocates – to develop and pursue win-win strategies.
This is a high-level, regionally-focused position with the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of renewable energy policy in key targeted states.
This position will be based in the Washington D.C. metro area or more broadly in the Southeast -- regional travel is required, proximity to transportation hubs is important. Salary commensurate with experience and training.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A relevant graduate degree is an advantage, but is not required. Applicants should have at least five years of relevant work experience. Beyond that, the most important qualification is a GSD[1] and enthusiasm for the Vote Solar mission.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Qualified candidates must have: strong analytical and strategic skills; ability to write well for policy and general audiences; excellent project management skills; and a general understanding of US electricity markets and regulation. Ideal candidates for this position have a combination of technical expertise in clean energy policy and practice (particularly in the solar sector) and interpersonal skills/lived-experience to facilitate collaborative work with diverse populations and allies. Previous experience with formal regulatory proceedings is a plus. Knowledge of utility ratemaking, procurement and grid operations are also a plus.
BENEFITS
Excellent benefits: Vote Solar provides full-time staff with a competitive package, including paid vacation and sick time, health care and a retirement savings plan. Vote Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
Apply with your resume, cover letter and relavant writing sample(s) at
https://vote-solar.workable.com
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