Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Senior Director of State Policy and Government Relations, the Director of State Policy leads Qcells’ legislative, regulatory and public policy engagement across the Eastern and Midwestern United States. In this role, you will also collaborate closely with the Government Relations team focused on federal-level advocacy to ensure strategic alignment.

This role requires an experienced and passionate solar and storage policy advocate to influence and create policies that affect the clean energy market. The Director will primarily support Qcells’ diverse business lines, including module sales, direct-to-homeowner financing, residential grid services, recycling, and commercial business. Your work will go beyond monitoring to involve thought leadership and finding creative solutions to complex regulatory challenges.

We are seeking a leader who thrives when faced with challenges in a dynamic industry. The ideal candidate possesses deep experience working with regulatory agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and Illinois Commerce Commission, state legislatures, trade associations and environmental groups, having successfully led the distributed energy resource transformation. A successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of building relationships with state-level decision-makers to influence laws and regulations that promote the rapid growth of market segments. This role demands in-depth knowledge and strategic thinking around consumer finance, state incentives, and grid service programs.

This is a Remote position; candidate must reside within the East Coast or Mid-West preferably with easy access to a major airport. Travel up to 30%

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Market Expansion

• Regional Strategy & Revenue Growth: Develop and lead proactive strategies to open new market opportunities and drive business revenue in the East Coast and Midwest regions.
• Proactive Policy Initiatives: Partner with the Senior Director to design and implement policy initiatives that position Qcells as a market leader in solar, storage, and grid services.
• Defensive Advocacy (Protection): Protect existing market policies and regulatory benefits (e.g., Net Metering, SRECs) by actively opposing harmful legislative or regulatory proposals that would burden the business or increase costs.
• Consultant Management: Manage and direct outside consultants and lobbyists in key states to maximize the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns.

Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy

• Direct Engagement: Serve as Qcells’ primary subject matter expert and representative in meetings with state regulators (e.g., PUCs), legislators, utilities, and key decision-makers.
• Testimony & Representation: Testify on behalf of the company in legislative hearings and regulatory proceedings to advance Qcells’ policy positions.
• Coalition Building: Organize and lead industry coalitions to amplify Qcells' voice in response to legislative and regulatory actions; serve as the primary liaison to state trade associations ensuring the company’s interests are advanced.
• Stakeholder Relations: Build new relationships and leverage existing networks with industry leaders, environmental groups, and consumer advocates to build consensus around key policy goals.

Business Intelligence & Internal Alignment

• Policy Analysis: Analyze and respond to state regulatory and legislative policies, specifically regarding interconnection, rate design, consumer finance, and grid services, assessing their potential impact on Qcells’ business lines.
• Strategic Recommendations: Synthesize complex regulatory updates into actionable business intelligence; provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership to advantage the business based on emerging industry trends.
• Internal Communication: Research and communicate critical changes in policies, laws, and incentive programs to internal stakeholders (Commercial, Residential, Financing teams) to support informed decision-making.
• Monitoring: Continuously monitor and report on relevant legislative and regulatory updates in key markets.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or Law Degree (JD) preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10+ years of relevant experience in government affairs, energy policy, or legislative advocacy, with a specific focus on designing and executing successful advocacy campaigns.
• Thorough understanding of state and local legislative and regulatory processes as well as deep insights into the political and third-party interests that influence policy debates.
• Extensive network of contacts in the executive and legislative branches of government, particularly within key East Coast and Midwest states.
• Experience developing and executing strategic plans in a highly matrixed organization and collaborating effectively with internal and external teams to build consensus and advance the company’s policy objectives.
• Strong business acumen based on a broad and in-depth understanding of business needs and how public policy strategies enable sought-for commercial outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to operate autonomously and represent the company in high-level discussions with trade associations, policymakers, non-profits, and senior leaders.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex policy updates into actionable development strategies.
• Resourceful and committed work ethic with the ability to organize and manage several priorities simultaneously under pressure and deadlines while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in policy communications, government affairs, or issue advocacy is a strong plus.
• Ability to distill complex topics into clear, engaging messaging.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility Standing 20% of time Sitting 70% of time Walking 10% of time Strength Pulling up to 10 Pounds Pushing up to 10 Pounds Carrying up to 10 Pounds Lifting up to 10 Pounds Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Typing F Handling F Reaching F	Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Turning F Twisting F Bending O Crouching O Balancing N Climbing N Crawling N Kneeling N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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