Director of Trade Policy

Description

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

The Director of Trade Policy will lead First Solar’s strategy and engagement on U.S. and international trade policy issues, including tariffs, trade remedy actions (Section 201/301/232), trade agreements, supply chain security, and customs compliance. This role serves as the company’s principal representative on trade matters, setting strategic direction in partnership with the EVP of Corporate Affairs and advising executive leadership on the trade policy implications of First Solar’s fully domestic, vertically integrated manufacturing model.

The Director will own First Solar’s response to significant trade actions affecting the company’s supply chain — including the Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices on polysilicon and its derivatives — and will support the Director of Government Relations in advocating for policies that support domestic manufacturing and a level playing field in the global solar market.

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, law, or a related field required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• JD or graduate degree in public policy, trade, or international law strongly preferred given the complexity and seniority of this role.
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in trade policy, government affairs, or international trade law, including direct experience with trade remedy proceedings (e.g., Section 201, 301, 232, anti-dumping/countervailing duty cases).
• Demonstrated experience representing an organization at a senior level before federal agencies (USTR, Department of Commerce, CBP), Congress, and/or the Executive Office of the President.
• Established relationships with senior policymakers, industry coalitions, and trade associations relevant to the solar, critical minerals, or semiconductor supply chain.
• Experience briefing C-suite executives or government equivalent on trade policy risk and strategy.
• Strong understanding of U.S. trade policy, WTO rules, and global trade dynamics, including tariff and minimum-import-price mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven public speaking and testimony experience.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage complex, high-stakes policy issues independently.
• Experience working with or within federal government agencies or Capitol Hill strongly preferred.

• Deep knowledge of federal and international trade processes and procedures, including Section 232 national security tariff actions.
• Demonstrated leadership track record and established relationships with federal government agencies and the administration to advance trade-related issues at a senior level.
• Ability to set and drive trade policy strategy with minimal oversight, exercising independent judgment on matters with significant financial and reputational stakes.
• Ability to work across the aisle and build durable coalitions.
• Executive presence and the ability to represent First Solar credibly before senior government officials, industry leaders, and internal executive leadership.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and advocacy skills, including experience with congressional testimony or equivalent high-visibility engagements.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple high-priority, high-complexity initiatives.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to advise executive leadership on ambiguous or fast-moving policy developments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs, with…