Public & Government Affairs Director (Washington, D.C)

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America , we believe in Energy that Changes . Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.

But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.

We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

Public & Government Affairs Director -- Washington, D.C.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas

Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible

Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible

AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS

We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content

Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation will be disqualified from consideration without further review

We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience

RECRUITMENT FRAUD NOTICE

All SMA America openings are posted on our official careers page and all recruiter communication comes from an @sma-america.com address. We never request payment, banking information, or a Social Security number during the recruitment process. If you are contacted about an SMA America role from a personal email account, or asked for any of the above, please forward the message to HRGeneralmailbox@sma-america.com .

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Public & Government Affairs Director serves as a key member of SMA's Global Public Affairs team, responsible for shaping and executing the company's lobbying, public affairs, and advocacy strategy in alignment with business priorities, regulatory objectives, and corporate communications. Based in Washington, D.C. or the immediate surrounding area, this position partners cross-functionally with leadership, legal, regulatory, communications, marketing, innovation standardization, and business development teams to deliver advocacy initiatives that support SMA's broader commercial and strategic initiatives. This is a travel-intensive role requiring regular engagement with federal agencies, elected officials, industry associations, and policy stakeholders, with periodic international travel as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate with internal teams on messaging, policy development, and strategy; make recommendations for policies that support SMA's organizational goals

Lead SMA's internal task force on government relations and standards / National Electric Code (NEC) related issues and suggested code updates and revisions

Represent SMA on external task forces and trade / industry associations and advocate elected officials to promote SMA and our public policy positions

Manage external consultants and develop scopes of work, negotiate terms, deliverables, and quotes

Provide input to strategic decisions that affect functional areas of responsibility to help guide development of policy positions

Advise senior management and leadership with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory and code activities related to our business and industry

Build and maintain professional relationships with members of government and policy entities and agencies

Collaborate with industry advocates to build areas of common interest and provide support

Collaborate with the Marketing, Communications, Operations, and global Public Affairs teams on a variety of initiatives

Develop and execute SMA's U.S. public policy and advocacy priorities in alignment with global strategies

Monitor and assess local, state, and federal legislative, regulatory, and standard developments impacting SMA's business

Prepare executive briefings, policy papers, regulatory comments, and strategic recommendations for internal and external stakeholders

Advise senior management on political, regulatory, and market developments that may affect SMA's business, products, strategy, and market access

Represent SMA in Washington D.C. and other key policy environments before federal agencies, government bodies, industry associations, boards, and stakeholder groups

Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, regulators, public agencies, congressional stakeholders, industry partners, and advocacy organizations, including engagement with DOE, FERC, Treasury, Commerce, USTR, EPA, DHS, and relevant congressional committees

Lead SMA's U.S. government relations and standardization task force and ensure alignment with global political and program strategies

Collaborate with industry partners and associations to advance coalitions focused on domestic manufacturing, trade policy, FEOC restrictions, tariffs, supply chain resiliency, and domestic content requirements

Manage consultants to deliver work which supports SMA's strategic advocacy objectives

Contribute to the development of SMA's policy positions and provide strategic input on regulatory, political, and market-related business decisions

Develop and execute an annual policy roadmap that supports productive market engagement and business growth

Strengthen SMA's public profile and brand visibility through targeted political engagement, stakeholder management, and external representation

Support strategic initiatives related to innovation, funding opportunities, business development, and market expansion

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in law, political science, business, policy, or related field

Minimum 10 years of professional experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory strategy, or related role (experience range flexible based on candidate profile)

Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with government agencies, elected officials, and policy stakeholders

Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes

Proven ability to develop and execute advocacy strategy and policy positioning

Experience representing organizations in Washington, D.C. or major policy environments

Familiarity with energy, utility regulation, trade policy, or related industries is preferred

Ability to manage external consultants and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives

Ability to travel extensively, including regular travel to Washington, D.C., and periodic international travel

OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Deep knowledge of U.S. federal legislative and regulatory processes

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Excellent presentation and strategic communication abilities

Ability to build and maintain complex professional networks

Experience developing policy positions and strategic recommendations

Strong project management and organizational skills

Excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization across multiple teams

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Ability to balance competing priorities and work effectively under pressure

Strategic and analytical thinking skills

Ability to influence decision-making at senior levels

Comfort with political engagement and advocacy

International experience or multilingual capability is a plus

Experience with trade policy, energy regulation, or manufacturing advocacy is a plus

WE OFFER

Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000 annually

Location: Washington, D.C. or immediate surrounding area; in-office presence expected

Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage with $0 premium options

401(k) plan with company match

Professional development and conference attendance opportunities

Exposure to global energy policy and strategic business initiatives

Opportunity to influence market strategy and public policy at the federal level

Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment

NOTE: This role is based in Washington, D.C. Candidates must be willing and able to work in-office in the D.C. area and travel extensively.

Our EEO Policy

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.