About the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (Fla SEIA)

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (Fla SEIA) is Florida’s trade association for the solar and storage industry.  Fla SEIA is seeking an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership and advocacy for the organization and its members. This is a vital role for the industry in a state with significant solar energy challenges, and the successful candidate will bring a passion for the sustainability of the solar industry in Florida, along with the skills and experience to inspire and lead the vision at the state, federal and local levels, The Executive Director represents the best interests of over 200 solar and energy contractors, installers, developers, engineers, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, and other organizations.  This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest clean energy industry associations in the nation, and interface with large national and small local firms alike.

Application Instructions:

Location of position: This position is required to be in Florida and is a fully remote arrangement.  Out of state candidates will be expected to relocate to Florida. Frequent travel throughout the state of Florida is important to the role.

Salary and benefits: Salary range $125,000 - $160,000, plus bonus potential and commensurate/negotiable with experience. Includes a benefits plan stipend. Relocation support may be available to out-of-state candidates.

To apply, please submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three References will be requested late in the process

Submit Applications to: FlaseiaSearch@outlook.com

Application deadlines: We are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. Interested candidates are asked to submit their materials promptly, ideally before June 30. Position will remain open until it is filled.

Job Summary

The Executive Director reports to Fla SEIA’s Board of Directors and frequently meets and communicates with the Executive Committee of the Board.  This role is the organizational leader and can articulate a vision in collaboration with the Board of Directors while developing the strategies and tactics to realize the vision.

The Executive Director’s primary responsibilities are to build upon Fla SEIA’s current advocacy practices and expand them significantly in support of the solar industry across Florida. This includes mobilizing the membership to support grass roots efforts across the state and to advocate for the industry. The Executive Director additionally provides effective leadership to staff, promotes Fla SEIA goals and objectives with key stakeholders, manages the annual conference and other events in support of membership needs, and ensures the effective and efficient management of its human and financial resources. The Executive Director also administers the daily functions of the organization, including growing and managing the membership of the association, and leading policy and regulatory initiatives. The Executive Director ensures the organization has a strong commitment to excellence, member service, and integrity. Finally, they oversee staff and contractor functions and manage human and financial resources efficiently and effectively. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensures that Fla SEIA serves the needs and interests of members in support of the mission and as guided by the Board of Directors.
• Develop short-term and long-term strategies to effectively execute the board’s vision.
• Promotes activities related to legislation and policies that support the Fla SEIA mission.
• Monitors legislation and engage elected officials and key decision makers on policy and measures that could affect the industry.
• Inspires and mobilizes membership efforts across the state with their contacts, networks, conferences, events and partnerships to support the solar industry in Florida.
• Actively oversees work with multiple media sources to educate the general community about the importance of the solar industry in Florida.
• Plan and implement legislative and regulatory initiatives with the support of Fla SEIA board and members.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Fla SEIA, advocating for policies which advance solar and energy storage in Florida.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including public officials, utilities, nonprofit organizations, reporters, and other interested parties
• Serve as a direct supervisor to current and future employees, and manage relationships with Fla SEIA lobbyists and contractors.
• Develop and manage Committees and work with Committee Chairs to manage association priorities, work groups, and policy campaigns
• Serve as representative of the Association to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and its state affiliates, at industry events, conferences and public forums.
• Manage financial resources responsibly, including budgeting and financial reporting.
• Enrich and grow Fla SEIA’s membership base through policy, communications, regulatory initiatives and education.
• Oversee and manage annual conferences and events, in support of the mission and members’ educational needs.
• Oversee management of the subsidiary organizations including Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation (501c4); Keep Solar Jobs Local (501c3) and the Solar Power Political Action Committee (PAC).
• Develop the proposals and strategies to secure funding through both public and private sources.

Required Qualifications 

• A passion for our mission combined with professional integrity, fairness, and honesty in interactions with all parties.
• A combination of comparable experience and education, with a bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience, in a leadership role in an organization with management, leadership and budget accountability. Experience with trade and membership associations is preferred.
• Experience and background in solar energy and an understanding of the issues.
• Demonstrated abilities and experience leading and inspiring key stakeholders, policy makers, legislators, and decision makers in support of the Fla SEIA vision and membership.
• Demonstrated abilities to communicate comfortably and effectively with multiple constituencies and within a broad range of educational backgrounds.
• Proven experience in cultivating key relationships and partnerships, public and private, and skilled in collaboration and negotiation.
• Experience in mobilizing individuals to advocate for a common cause.
• Experience with public relations and marketing skills.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Possesses Human Resources knowledge and expertise in leading, motivating, managing and developing staff and contractors.
• Demonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and respect for process.
• Ability to think analytically and strategically.
• Ability to use current computer applications and hardware, along with an appreciation for how future technology and social media can advance the mission.
• Proven ability to network statewide with other organizations and agencies that hold governmental responsibility, whether that be federal, state, local, city or county.