Interior West Regional Director (Arizona/Nevada/Utah)

Description

Vote Solar advocates for a transition to a just and equitable 100% clean energy system that puts the interests, health and well-being of people at its center. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advocates for clean energy in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level, where most decisions about electricity are made. Operating in over 20 states, we focus on bringing deep policy expertise, working in just partnerships with broad coalitions, and engaging the public to win on solar and energy justice campaigns. Vote Solar is seeking to fill a key role on our Interior West regional team, covering Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Position Details

This position will be remote, but ideally be based in Phoenix with other locations in Arizona, Nevada, or Utah strongly considered. Applicants in other Interior West states are also encouraged to apply. This position will report to the Senior Regional Director, Interior West, and will work closely with Interior West teammates based in New Mexico and Colorado. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Vote Solar staff have been working from home and have ceased work travel. Once travel resumes, this position will require some regional travel making proximity to transportation hubs an important consideration. Workplace arrangements can be flexible, including options to work from home or a co-working space. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage people of color, women and those who identify as LGBTQ to apply.

Responsibilities

The Interior West Regional Director will develop and direct legislative and other public-facing campaigns in the Interior West, and will be point on the following activities:

Develop Vote Solar’s legislative & public-facing campaign strategy in key states within the region. This will involve developing an understanding of solar and energy justice 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 legislative campaigns to advance solar and energy justice policy, including hiring lobbyists and tracking budgets.
Closely collaborate with Vote Solar’s Interior West Regulatory Director to develop public-facing campaigns and engagement strategies around regulatory efforts in key states.

Ensure that our work in the region advances equitable 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 within coalitions to increase the effectiveness and inclusivity of our campaigns. Commit to our just partnership principles in the assigned Interior West states. Lead or participate in coalitions, existing and new, that are working on bold campaigns to improve energy and climate policy.
Ensure top-notch communications campaigns in the region by working with our internal communications team and coalition partners to plan and implement media and social media tactics to support campaign objectives.

Requirements

Applicants should have knowledge of the legislative process, and familiarity with the components of an advocacy campaign: lobbying, coalition building, grassroots and grasstops organizing and media relations.

Interest in clean energy and energy justice 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 being a part of an inclusive and just workplace, including a commitment to be on a journey with Vote Solar to develop personal, and inter-personal core competencies related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
Comfortable working in a remote team setting, with demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and driven.

Preferred Skills

Expertise on solar energy policy and regulatory topics, particularly in the Interior West.
Strong relationships with regional stakeholders, especially environmental justice, frontline and traditional environmental groups as well as the solar industry.

Benefits

Vote Solar provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including 3 weeks paid vacation in year one, four weeks starting in year two, plus sick time, and best-in-class health care and a retirement savings plan.