What are the responsibilities and job description for the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association Policy Director position at Illinois Solar Energy Association?
Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) Policy Director
Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association
Location: Chicago area (100% remote/work-from-home)
Reports to: Executive Director
About the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association
The Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) is the statewide trade association
representing the solar and energy storage industry in Illinois. ISEA engages in regulatory,
legislative, and program implementation processes to support effective deployment of clean energy
resources consistent with state law and policy objectives. Illinois is one of the nation’s
fastest-growing solar and storage markets, and ISEA is at the forefront of shaping that growth.
Position Overview
ISEA seeks a Policy Director to lead the association’s regulatory and implementation-focused policy
work, with a primary emphasis on the Illinois Shines program and related proceedings before the
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). This role is ideal for a policy professional with state
government or regulatory experience—who wants to have a direct, meaningful impact on energy policy
in Illinois.
The Policy Director will monitor, analyze, and shape the implementation of the Clean and Reliable
Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) and related clean energy statutes, working closely with ISEA members,
state agencies, utilities, environmental advocates and other stakeholders. This position requires
strong analytical, writing, presentation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to
operate independently in a fast-moving regulatory environment.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead ISEA’s policy and regulatory strategy related to the Illinois Shines program and the Clean
and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), including monitoring program implementation and
participating in various proceedings
● Educate ISEA members about proposed regulations and build consensus around organizational
priorities
● Represent ISEA in ICC proceedings, workshops and stakeholder processes, including drafting
comments, testimony, and policy memos.
● Engage on a broad range of related clean energy and grid topics, including but not limited to:
- Illinois’ energy storage rebate
- Interconnection policy and the ICC Interconnection Working Group
- Virtual power plant programs (VPPs)
- Net crediting and customer compensation mechanisms
- Utility multi-year grid plans
- Resource adequacy and capacity markets
- Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
● Participate in multi-stakeholder negotiations involving utilities, regulators, consumer
advocates, environmental organizations, and industry participants
● Provide strategic policy guidance to ISEA staff, members, and leadership, translating complex
regulatory developments into clear and actionable insights.
● Coordinate with ISEA’s Contract lobbyist, external partners and coalitions to advance shared
policy goals.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree, preferably in political science, public policy, economics, or communications;
master’s degree in a relevant area or law degree and Illinois law license is a plus.
● Minimum three (3) years of experience working in energy, environmental, or related public policy
(Illinois experience strongly preferred; relevant experience in other jurisdictions will be
considered).
● Experience working in or around state government, regulatory agencies, or legislative bodies
● Strong understanding of utility regulation, administrative law, or clean energy program
implementation preferred; experience reviewing utility tariffs is a plus.
● Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive arguments
and policy analyses.
● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex issues simultaneously with a high level of
attention to detail.
● Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a remote
environment.
● Experience in multi-stakeholder negotiations or consensus-driven processes is a plus.
Location & Work Arrangement
● This position is 100% remote/work-from-home, but candidates must be located in Illinois and be
willing to travel within Illinois to attend in-person meetings as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
● Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
● This position does not include employer-provided health insurance; however, employees are
eligible for a health insurance stipend to offset coverage costs.
● Flexible work environment.
Why Join ISEA
This position offers a direct role in shaping the implementation of Illinois’ clean energy laws and
regulatory frameworks at a critical moment for solar and energy storage deployment. The Policy
Director will have sustained, hands-on influence over regulatory outcomes in one of the nation’s
most active clean energy markets.