Director of State Policy and Government Relations

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

HQCA is looking for a Director of State Policy and Government Relations. You will report to the Vice President, General Counsel (or his or her designee), and work closely with our Corporate Affairs team focused on federal-level advocacy. The Director of State Policy and Government Relations will primarily support state-level legislative, regulatory, compliance, and public policy objectives of HQCA’s direct-to-homeowner financing and residential grid services businesses. Efforts will be focused in states initially designated by the business as the highest priorities, which include California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and others identified by the Director of State Policy and Government Relations as requiring particular focus based on levels of government/enforcement activity and incentive/grid services programs.

This role requires in-depth knowledge of and strategic thinking around state regulatory and enforcement policy relating to residential solar installation, consumer finance, and behind-the-meter power sales, as well as state incentive and grid services programs, including VPP and SRECs. In addition, the successful candidate will have had strong experience working and building relationships with state-level regulators such as attorneys general offices and legislatures to help craft, influence, and advance state-level laws and regulations that are compatible with and promote the continued rapid growth of particular industries or market segments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and direct activities that further opportunities and priorities for HQCA’s residential solar financing and grid services businesses.
• Develop a thorough understanding of and continuously monitor for and analyze trends and changes in, policy, regulatory activity, legislation, and incentive and grid services programs (including funding and budgets) in states of strategic focus.
• Ensure that relevant operational, commercial, and compliance functions within HQCA’s residential solar and grid services business are apprised of current and anticipated laws, regulations, and program requirements and restrictions, including periodic assessments of existing business practices and contracts to ensure compliance, and determining risks and opportunities for the business.
• Serve as HQCA’s representative and primary point of contact, and develop relationships and thought partnerships with, state and local regulators and policymakers, including state attorneys general offices, utilities, and energy commissions, to advocate and influence the design of regulatory and incentive programs to foster the continued growth and stability of HQCA’s residential solar, consumer finance and grid services businesses.
• Provide strategic insights and counsel to senior business leadership, explaining legislative and regulatory developments to inform actionable business solutions and strategies.
• Act as a key liaison with state and local decision-makers to facilitate project approvals and incentive program participation.
• Collaborate with relevant internal and external teams to help secure support and funding from state and local agencies for strategic renewable energy projects.
• Coordinate and work closely with HQCA’s Corporate Affairs team to ensure consistency in efforts across the organization when engaging with government leaders, industry trade associations, policy institutes, opinion leaders, and external stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Law, Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, or other renewable development-related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in state and local government or government relations in challenging policy and political environments.
• Thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and local levels, and deep insight into the political, commercial, and third-party interests influencing state and local policy debates.
• Strong business acumen with a broad and in-depth understanding of business needs and how public policy strategies enable sought-for outcomes and success.
• A network of contacts in the executive and legislative branches of government in key states.
• Experience developing and executing strategic plans in a highly matrixed organization and collaborating with internal and external teams with a demonstrated ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders and advance a company’s policy objectives.
• A resourceful and committed work ethic based on pursuing excellence in executing all responsibilities.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize policy updates into commercial and development strategies.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced business environment, and manage multiple objectives with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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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