Trade Policy Manager (Based in Washington DC)

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. 

Basic Job Functions: 

The Manager of Trade Policy will lead First Solar’s engagement on U.S. and international trade policy issues, including tariffs, trade agreements, supply chain security, and customs compliance. This role will support the Director of Government Relations in shaping and executing the company’s trade strategy, advocating for policies that support domestic manufacturing and a level playing field in the global solar market.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong preference for JD or graduate degree related to public policy, trade, or international law.
• 5 plus years of experience in trade policy, government affairs, or international trade law.
• Strong understanding of U.S. trade policy, WTO rules, and global trade dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and manage complex policy issues.
• Experience working with or within federal government agencies or Capitol Hill is a plus.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Knowledge of federal and international trade processes and procedures.
• Proven leadership track record and relationships with federal government agencies and administration to advance trade-related issues.
• Proactive and motivated to deliver key business objectives.
• Ability to work across the aisle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong public speaking, presentation and advocacy skills.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple high-priority initiatives.
• Strong critical thinking skills with ability to identify and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with proven ability to prioritize, multi-task, and re-prioritize assignments while working both independently or within a team.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Monitor, analyze, and report on trade-related legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at the federal and international levels.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance First Solar’s trade policy objectives.
• Represent First Solar in meetings with government agencies (e.g., USTR, DOC, CBP), industry coalitions, and trade associations.
• Draft policy briefs, comment letters, and position papers on trade issues.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including legal, supply chain, and sustainability teams to assess trade risks and opportunities.
• Support the Director of Government Relations in preparing materials for executive briefings and stakeholder engagements.
• Track and analyze trade remedy cases (e.g., AD/CVD, Section 201/301/232) and their implications for First Solar’s operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, industry partners, and thought leaders in the trade policy space.
• Maintain subject matter expertise on First Solar’s technology, differentiation, and the company’s commitment to responsible solar.
• Analyzes legislation and coordinates with internal stakeholders to address problematic provisions.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Director of Government Relations.
• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• Up to 40%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $112.300-$160,000 Annually. 

US Physical Requirements: 

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.