Director of Government Relations

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Vice President and Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, this position supports the company’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy objectives. The Director of Government Relations is responsible for lobbying and outreach with federal, state, and local government officials. Proactively focusing on opportunities to engage government, policy institutes, industry, trade associations, and other third-party stakeholders, the Director of Government Relations will incorporate legislative and regulatory policy into corporate and business strategy, tactics, and communications in advancing Qcells’ bottom-line growth. In addition, the Director of Government Relations will be expected to manage productive relationships, expanding awareness of Qcells’ domestic manufacturing and renewable energy initiatives in the United States. Qcells seeks a seasoned and highly motivated professional with a minimum of 7 years of experience in government or government relations in challenging policy and political environments. Previous direct experience as a legislative staff member or member of a federal regulatory agency is required. The Director of Government Relations will be skilled at developing and articulating public policy priorities for internal and external stakeholders. Outstanding analytical and communication skills are essential. This position is based in Washington, DC in office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help develop, execute, and communicate a comprehensive public policy strategy that advances Qcells’ legislative and regulatory priorities and business objectives within government, political and industry environments.
• Assist the Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs and the Head of Corporate Affairs in engaging high-level government leaders and nurturing relationships with industry trade associations, influential policy institutes, opinion leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure legislative and regulatory policy priorities are included in corporate and business strategies, tactics, and decision-making to enhance Qcells’ commercial and reputational goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior business leadership, explaining legislative and regulatory developments to inform actionable business solutions and strategies.
• Help lead advocacy campaigns – often in coalition with other stakeholders – in furtherance of Qcells’ policy priorities.
• Be recognized as an active solar energy, clean energy manufacturing and energy security public policy leader.
• Monitor and analyze policy trends and political threats, determining risks and opportunities for the company’s business goals and reputation.
• Collaborate closely with the communications function to support and leverage identified priorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strategic public policy thinker with a record of delivering legislative and regulatory outcomes.
• Thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and deep insights into the political, commercial, and third-party interests influencing public policy debates.
• Successful management of advocacy campaigns before multiple levels of government in the energy, manufacturing and environment policy arenas.
• Ability to set the direction and strategy for a government relations function.
• An extensive network of contacts in the federal legislative and executive branches of government.
• Politically savvy with experience in electoral politics and working constructively within coalitions.
• Collaborative and constructive professional demeanor based on strong interpersonal skills.
• A resourceful and committed work ethic based on pursuing excellence in executing all responsibilities.
• Proven ability to be a motivated member of a high-performing corporate government relations team capable of advancing the company’s public policy objectives.
• Experience developing and executing strategic plans in a highly matrixed organization and collaborating with external stakeholders.
• Capable of articulating a compelling and convincing vision of public policy objectives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships, strategic alliances, and coalitions.
• Reputation for fostering strong, durable relationships with government officials and staff.
• Executive presence and strong leadership skills committed to initiative, resourcefulness and leading by example.
• Strong business acumen based on a broad understanding of business needs and how public policy strategies enable sought-for outcomes and success.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.