Director - Codes & Standards

About IREC

IREC is an independent nonprofit that builds the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet. Our vision is a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. IREC develops and advances the regulatory reforms, technical standards, and workforce and community-based solutions needed to enable the streamlined integration of clean energy. IREC provides independent leadership and trusted clean energy expertise through three interrelated strategies:

• Workforce Development - IREC leads initiatives to build a diverse and qualified clean energy workforce while ensuring that clean energy workers have access to family-sustaining careers.
• Local Initiatives - IREC supports communities to develop policies and promote best practices that accelerate the equitable deployment of clean energy.
• State Regulatory Engagement - IREC represents the public interest in state regulatory proceedings and develops and disseminates best practices to ensure that distributed energy resources (DERs) can be equitably and efficiently integrated on the electric grid.

About the Position

Type: Full-time; exempt

Salary: $95,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications

Location: Remote; flexible

Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, retirement contribution, personal time off, flexible work schedule, home office stipend

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is seeking a highly motivated Director to lead programs focused on renewable energy codes & standards and support jurisdictions in developing and implementing large-scale solar siting best practices. The position will sit within IREC’s Local Initiatives department, which supports local governments in reducing barriers to clean energy adoption and develops best practices that accelerate the equitable deployment of clean energy. Initial programs will include a solar siting program supporting the state of Mississippi and leading the Sustainable Energy Action Committee (SEAC). The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of renewable energy-related codes and standards along with a deep understanding of large-scale solar energy installation challenges and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategy, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs to improve the safety and efficiency of renewable energy codes and standards and to support jurisdictions in developing and implementing large-scale solar siting policies
• Lead engagement for 10 working groups addressing code-related issues (this includes managing the process for approving and publicizing recommendations developed by the working groups)
• Manage team members and external contractors to ensure projects are delivered according to scope and budget
• Develop a playbook for large-scale solar siting and permitting
• Collaborate with partners to develop training on large-scale solar siting and permitting
• Identify key stakeholders and build meaningful partnerships
• Promote programs by effectively communicating program benefits to stakeholders
• Develop new resources (e.g., white papers, fact sheets, presentations, tools) to help local governments learn from and replicate model practices
• Exhibit leadership by supporting colleagues’ professional development
• Assist with grant writing and fundraising
• Support other IREC programs and initiatives as needed

IREC team members collaborate primarily in the virtual environment, leveraging remote meetings, project management, and other collaboration tools to stay connected and on task.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Qualities for This Role:

The successful candidate will bring the following qualities to our organization:

Required:

• An undergraduate degree in public policy, economics, planning, local government management, public affairs, environmental studies, or other related field
• 5+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in municipal/regional government affairs, public affairs, the solar industry, EV charging, or other renewable energy field;
• Working knowledge of renewable energy-related codes and standards such as those for the deployment of solar energy, batteries, and EV charging
• Knowledge of large-scale solar energy installation policies and practices
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to be flexible, adapt to new technologies, learn, and shift course as needs arise
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)

Preferred:

• A graduate degree in public policy, economics, planning, local government management, public affairs, environmental studies, or other related field. Additional work experience will be considered in place of a graduate degree

Apply with: A cover letter and resume. All application materials must be submitted in English.

IREC understands that certain demographic groups may be less inclined to apply for jobs unless they meet all job requirements. Therefore, we actively encourage applications from individuals who may not fulfill every criterion but believe they are well-suited for the role.

IREC Foundational Values

• We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts and believe they result in better outcomes and greater organizational impact.
• We value the uniqueness and dignity of each individual and their right to be their true and complete self.
• We believe in the potential of the clean energy transition to advance equity in our nation.

IREC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and embracing a workplace with diverse voices and perspectives. We strongly encourage and seek applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. Applicants are not discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical conditions, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1/3/25 or until the position is filled.

Applicants must be based and authorized to work in the United States.