How to apply for Sr. Regional Director, California (Remote- California)

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is a mission-driven nonprofit that has been pivotal in advancing clean energy policies across the U.S. for over two decades, with a strong commitment to equity and justice. Working here means being part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented team that has already helped one in three Americans live in a state with a 100% clean energy commitment.

About the role

As the Sr. Regional Director for California, you will lead Vote Solar's policy and advocacy efforts in the state, working to shape clean energy legislation and regulations. This role is central to advancing equitable solar policies and building diverse coalitions, directly impacting California's transition to a just and clean energy future.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with coalition partners or state legislators to discuss upcoming clean energy bills, analyzing regulatory proposals, and strategizing with your team on campaign tactics. You'll also likely spend time on advocacy calls, preparing testimony for public hearings, and coordinating with national policy staff to align California efforts with Vote Solar's broader goals.

Who Vote Solar is looking for

• Experienced in state-level clean energy policy, with a proven track record of successful legislative or regulatory campaigns.
• Skilled in coalition building, able to unite diverse stakeholders including community groups, utilities, and policymakers.
• Strategic thinker with strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex power dynamics.
• Deeply committed to equity and environmental justice, with experience centering frontline communities.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of your policy wins in California or similar states, quantifying your impact where possible.
• Showcase your experience with regulatory bodies like the CPUC or California Energy Commission, and your understanding of the state's clean energy goals.
• Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and lead a team across different regions, with examples of successful remote collaboration.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize coalition-building and community engagement, not just policy expertise.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal mission to Vote Solar's values of equity and justice.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for Vote Solar's mission and your personal commitment to a 100% clean energy future.", "Your specific experience with California energy policy, including any successful campaigns you've led.", 'Your ability to build and manage diverse coalitions, with examples of bridging different interests.', 'Your strategic approach to advancing equitable policies, showing you understand the intersection of energy and social justice.']

Research before applying

• Review Vote Solar's recent campaigns and successes in California, such as their work on community solar or net metering.
• Understand California's current clean energy policies, including SB 100 and the latest CPUC decisions on solar and storage.
• Read Vote Solar's equity and justice commitments and see how they are applied in practice through their programs.
• Check out the backgrounds of current leadership and regional directors to understand their career paths and what they value.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing a campaign to pass a specific clean energy bill in California?
• Describe a time you had to balance competing interests among coalition partners. How did you handle it?
• What strategies would you use to ensure that clean energy policies benefit underserved communities?
• How do you stay current on California's evolving energy landscape, and how would you adapt your strategy accordingly?
• Given the remote nature, how do you plan to maintain strong relationships with California-based stakeholders and your team?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid being too general about your policy experience; focus on specific, quantifiable achievements in clean energy.
• Don't overlook the equity and justice aspect of the role; it's core to Vote Solar's mission, so address it directly.
• Avoid appearing unfamiliar with California's unique energy politics, such as the role of IOUs and community choice aggregators.