Executive Director, Washington Solar Energy Industry Association
THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 2013, the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA) is the state’s solar and storage industry trade association. WASEIA’s mission is to be a unified voice for the common business interests of its members, particularly related to public policy, legislation, and governmental relations. WASEIA educates legislators and regulators while promoting public understanding about the impacts of policies related to solar energy in the State of Washington.
WASEIA members reach across market segments (residential, commercial, community solar) and consist of installers, project developers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, financiers, and nonprofits. WASEIA’s members see the benefit in investing in the organization and working collectively toward a clean energy future, expanding and sustaining the growth of solar energy across Washington.
WASEIA collaborates with a range of state, local and national organizations, including the national Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Northwest Energy Coalition, Vote Solar, Renewable Northwest, and more to advocate for pro-solar policy and promote solar energy in Washington. For more information, please see the trade association’s website: http://www.WASEIA.org
THE POSITION
WASEIA aims to attract a top-talent, dynamic Executive Director (ED). The ED’s key performance metrics will evolve over time in accordance with the evolving nature of the industry, but will include: expanding the organization’s base of members and allies that represent Washington’s diverse solar industry; strengthening and expanding WASEIA’s revenue base and fiscal management; leading staff and day-to-day operations; acting as a representative of the organization with critical stakeholders and members of the press; and developing/ implementing pro-solar policy objectives in partnership with the Board of Directors (BOD).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leadership and Strategic Vision:
- Develop and communicate a compelling vision and mission for the association to its members and stakeholders. Work with the board to develop and execute on strategic plans. Identify and pursue new opportunities for the association’s growth and impact.
- Governance and Board Relations:
- Work closely with the board to implement policies and strategic initiatives. Facilitate effective communication between the board, committees, and staff. Support board development and ensure compliance with governance best practices.
- Financial Management:
- Explore and secure funding opportunities through membership dues, sponsorships, partnerships, and grants. Develop and oversee the association’s annual budget in collaboration with the finance committee to meet financial and operating objections. Implement financial policies and procedures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Membership Engagement and Retention:
- Develop and execute strategies to attract new members and retain existing ones. Foster a sense of community and engagement and find opportunities to create value among association members.
- Advocacy and Public Relations:
- Lead the development and implementation of the lobbying, policy-making and educational activities of WASEIA statewide. This includes working with Washington’s legislature, the State of Washington, the Utilities and Transportation Commission, regulators, and other policymakers across various jurisdictions. Build relationships with key stakeholders, policymakers, and influencers. Serve as the chief spokesperson for the solar industry in public forums and media appearances.
- Program Development and Management:
- Oversee the planning and execution of events, conferences, and educational programs. Collaborate with committees to develop industry-specific initiatives and projects. Ensure the quality and relevance of programs to meet the needs of the membership.
- Staff Management and Development:
- Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team. Foster a positive and inclusive work culture. Support professional development opportunities for staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
WASEIA seeks a well-rounded ED with proven strong strategic planning and communications skills and broad management competencies. A successful candidate must be a seasoned manager, ideally with experience working with both large and small organizations, entrepreneurial businesses, utilities, government and non-profit organizations. A successful candidate will be a high-impact, inspirational individual with a personal passion for WASEIA’s mission and for developing the team around them.
- A track record of success in executive leadership experience in a non-profit or association setting. Experience in overseeing profit and loss and cash flow management.
- Strong understanding of the industry or sector the association represents.
- Experience in setting a clear vision and a strategic plan for an organization, thinking commercially, and driving an organization to execute successfully.
- Proven success in fundraising, financial management, and membership growth.
- Experience communicating and promoting an organization’s unique and compelling value proposition to members, partners, investors, elected officials, donors, and other influencers.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Fluency in multiple virtual workspaces – eg. Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps Suite, Slack, Monday.com and other online platforms
REPORTING STRUCTURE & EVALUATION:
The Executive Director will report to the association’s Board of Directors and work closely with the Board President and relevant committees. The performance of the Executive Director will be evaluated annually by the Board of Directors based on predetermined metrics and goals.
DURATION:
This position is a full-time role with an initial term of 1 year, subject to renewal based on performance and mutual agreement. This Scope of Work serves as a general guideline and may be subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the association and its stakeholders.
EEO STATEMENT:
WASEIA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Please send resumes to: hiring@waseia.org
