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

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.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com