As the world pivots toward decarbonization and clean energy, the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is accelerating this transformation, empowering utilities, federal and state regulators, technology companies, and other energy stakeholders to navigate the complexities of grid modernization, electrification, and equitable access. With rapid growth in the clean energy sector, we have nearly doubled our staff across 23 states since 2022 and are on track to surpass 100 employees by 2026—the time has come for a strategic Chief Human Resources Officer. We are seeking a service-oriented leader with proven success in building a remote work culture and broad expertise across all areas of HR to enhance our HR function and evolve it from a process-driven to a people-centered approach. We will look to you to foster a connected environment in which all employees have the resources, support, skills, training, and management to do their best work.
Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer and leading three to four direct reports, you will be a key member of the Executive Team, translating SEPA’s strategic goals into actionable HR initiatives while leading staff through structural changes and the inevitable challenges of growth. You’ll drive forward-looking workforce strategies and DEI, talent management, and performance management programs that ensure SEPA’s staff is engaged and fully equipped to meet our 2030 strategic plan goals that are currently in development.
How You’ll Make an Impact
You will shape the future of SEPA’s geographically distributed, multi-generational, and highly educated workforce. By implementing effective workforce strategies, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a shared commitment throughout the organization, and guiding both staff and leadership development through key phases of transformation, you will ensure that every team member contributes meaningfully to our strategic objectives. Under your leadership, SEPA’s people resources will be the driving force behind our service to members working toward our nation’s clean energy future.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- This role offers a remote working environment with the option of a Washington, DC, co-working space. Limited travel is required for all-hands events, executive team meetings, and department retreats.
- The budgeted salary range for this position is $240K – $260K. We offer an outstanding benefits package, including fully paid health, dental, vision, and HRA; Flexible Spending Account; fully paid short & long-term disability; life insurance; 24 days of PTO; travel assistance; 401(k) with 4% employer match; telecommuting reimbursement; professional development reimbursement; employee assistance program; health and wellness reimbursement; and pet insurance discounts.
- We walk the walk on DEI. Creating diversity in the energy industry is just as important to SEPA as diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to ensure our workforce reflects the organizations we serve and that our staff is engaged.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leader and Partner. Collaborate as a member of the Executive Team to develop HR initiatives aligned with our strategic plan and represent that unified partnership when communicating with the Board, staff, and applicants. Ensure that workforce strategies align with the changing needs of the clean energy sector and SEPA’s membership. Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process and contribute to the development of SEPA’s strategic goals and objectives.
- Change Management. Lead the organization through transitions, helping employees adapt to change while maintaining engagement and productivity. Address concerns, promote transparency, and foster a resilient work culture that embraces innovation.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy. In partnership with the Executive Team, develop SEPA’s DEI initiatives ensuring that they are embedded throughout our culture, policies, and processes with shared ownership at all levels. Lead initiatives that promote inclusive hiring and equitable career development.
- HR Team Leadership. Supervise the Human Resources Team. Set performance goals, establish priorities, and provide continuous feedback.
- Workforce Strategy and Development. Evaluate the current workforce landscape to identify gaps and opportunities. Develop and execute a strategy that addresses challenges, anticipates future needs, and aligns talent capabilities with SEPA’s strategic goals.
- Talent Management. Lead efforts to develop and retain a talented workforce. Evaluate and improve strategies for onboarding, professional development, and career progression that leverage the unique strengths of our teams and allocate staff resources for the greatest mission impact.
- Performance Management. Oversee performance management processes that drive accountability and support structured, equitable compensation practices. Mentor managers in fostering high team performance, promoting continuous growth, and addressing areas for improvement.
- Employee Engagement, Communication, and Culture Building. Develop and implement strategies that promote engagement, job satisfaction, and retention, accounting for the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities of a remote workforce. Facilitate open communication between staff and leadership. Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages belonging, shared responsibility, trust, and accountability.
- Recruitment and Hiring Strategy. Develop and implement a recruitment strategy that attracts diverse talent, strengthens our employer brand, and builds a workforce ready to meet SEPA’s future needs. Ensure the talent pipeline reflects the communities we serve.
- Compliance and Operational Oversight. Ensure that HR operations comply with all relevant state and federal regulations, maintaining operational integrity and mitigating risk. Oversee benefits administration, compensation processes, HRIS management, and other HR operations.
Qualifications
- 15-20 years of experience in HR leadership, overseeing an organization of 50 or more, leading a team of 2 or more, with expertise across all functions of HR (comp, benefits, and payroll; employee relations, engagement, and satisfaction; recruiting; training and development; compliance; HRIS management, etc.) and deep knowledge of multistate employment laws. Association experience is a plus.
- A record of success in building culture in a remote environment.
- Proven ability to develop and implement DEI initiatives as a central component of structural processes and culture.
- Experience with energy/sustainability is preferred. SHRM-SCP or SPHR certifications are a plus but not required.
About SEPA
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit organization that envisions a carbon-free energy system that is safe, affordable, reliable, resilient, and equitable. SEPA concentrates on the following areas to maximize impact: Transportation Electrification, Energy Storage, Resilience, and Emerging Technologies, Policy and Energy Equity & Inclusion. The search for equitable and inclusive energy solutions and a desire to provide members with key policy insights across these areas animates our work.
SEPA delivers value to our members through research, education, events, working groups, peer engagements, and member projects. We facilitate collaboration, develop innovative strategies and guidance to inform discussions about technology development and deployment and supportive regulatory and policy interventions. We seek to provide actionable solutions for our members and partner organizations.
Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.
