The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with over 1,000 members, accelerates the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system for all. SEPA engages with its diverse membership—including utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies—through education, collaboration and convening to advance innovative policy, regulatory, and technology solutions. SEPA is the industry’s “big tent”—a trusted, nonpartisan convener where diverse energy stakeholders come together to solve the sector’s most pressing challenges.
As Chief Experience Officer (CXO), you will report to the President & CEO and supervise 4 direct reports with a total team of approximately 40. You will lead the strategic direction and integration of SEPA’s programs, events, research, membership, and fundraising efforts—ensuring they deliver measurable impact, reflect member priorities, and anticipate future industry needs. Under your leadership, members will see SEPA as the go-to partner for insights, connections, and credibility that supports their leadership in the clean energy transition.
This role is highly visible in both the electric power and clean energy industries and requires a combination of technical expertise, marketing insight, and business development acumen. Your ability to execute the strategic vision, target key audiences (utilities, industry, regulators, legislators, policymakers, advocates, customers, and other energy stakeholders), and ensure that internal teams are aligned will be essential to your success.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Success in your first 1–2 years will be demonstrated by: deeper engagement across all member segments; measurable growth in SEPA’s reach, reputation, and revenue; and a clear alignment between SEPA’s offerings and the evolving needs of the energy sector. Key focus areas include:
Position SEPA’s events as must-attend gatherings that attract top executives from utilities, technology companies, and regulatory agencies. Feature compelling content, influential speakers, and unique networking opportunities.
Strengthen SEPA’s membership community in the U.S. and internationally with increased engagement from large investor-owned utilities (alongside electric cooperatives and public power utilities), technology companies, and policymakers.
•Research & Industry Strategy.
Establish SEPA as the leading resource for research and insights, producing actionable content that anticipates trends 5–10 years ahead.
Lead SEPA’s fundraising strategy, overseeing efforts to secure federal and state grants, foundation support, and corporate partnerships, shape compelling cases for support, and build strategic relationships in the energy and climate sectors.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
•This role is remote, with the option of a Washington, DC, co-working space. Travel up to 30-40% is required for internal and external events and meetings.
•The salary range for this position is $250-275K. Benefits include fully paid health, dental, vision; HRA and FSA; fully paid short & long-term disability; life insurance; 24 days of PTO; travel assistance; 401(k) with 4% employer match; a 457(b) option; telecommuting reimbursement; professional development reimbursement; employee assistance program; health and wellness reimbursement; and pet insurance discounts.
•At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making.
•SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.
Responsibilities
Organizational Strategy and Leadership
•Partner with the Executive Team to translate the strategic plan into actionable priorities with measurable goals. Advise the President and CEO on governance to support decision-making.
•Optimize resource allocation, service delivery, and operations for impact and efficiency.
•Oversee budget and key revenue areas, ensuring a strong return on investment (ROI).
Department Strategy and Leadership
•Lead SEPA’s research and industry strategy, membership, development, and programs and events teams to deliver on goals.
•Build a high-performance culture rooted in productive feedback, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
•Refine and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.
•Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach. Provide leadership and professional development opportunities.
External Affairs and Outreach
•Identify and build strategic partnerships and work with the Executive Team to nurture those relationships.
•Represent SEPA at executive-level industry forums and bring insights and analysis to members and stakeholders.
•Act as a “face of SEPA” to external executives to reinforce SEPA’s role as a trusted advisor.
Development and Strategic Partnerships
•Provide executive oversight of fundraising efforts in partnership with the VP of Development. Ensure collaboration with communications, development, programming, research, and events.
•Align funding priorities with trends in clean energy, climate, and equity-focused philanthropy.
•Expand and diversify funding through government, philanthropic, and corporate channels.
•Cultivate and steward relationships with major funders, institutional partners, and philanthropic donors.
•Engage the Executive Team and Board in high-level partnership opportunities.
•Strengthen SEPA’s leadership in the national energy ecosystem through data-driven storytelling and external engagement.
Content Creation
•Lead the development of content that meets the current and anticipated needs of members and the industry and establishes SEPA as a thought leader on priority topics.
•Find ways to share market intelligence and subject matter knowledge across departments to support various programs, products, and services.
•Identify gaps in talent and solutions to execute our strategy.
Programs and Events
•Provide executive oversight of all programs and events, ensuring alignment across content, membership, marketing, and operations.
•Guide the vision and execution of SEPA’s flagship convenings and learning experiences to drive industry engagement.
•Ensure programs are high-quality, inclusive, and designed for meaningful learning, networking, and member value.
•Foster innovation in event formats and learning experiences, including online communities and working groups.
•Oversee program-related revenue and ensure offerings support financial sustainability.
Membership
•Provide executive oversight of membership recruitment, retention, and engagement. Ensure collaboration with programming, sponsorship, development, and research to deliver integrated value.
•Evolve SEPA’s value proposition to reflect changing industry needs and expand reach across utilities, corporate partners, and other key groups.
•Guide teams in using data to inform the strategy and drive engagement across member segments.
•Promote a member-first culture rooted in service and responsiveness.
•Oversee the Annual Member Meeting and support Board-related engagement in partnership with the President and CEO.
Qualifications
•20+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex, mission-driven organizations, preferably in the energy, climate, or infrastructure sectors.
•A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, business, law, energy systems, or nonprofit management) is preferred.
•Deep knowledge of the U.S. electric power sector and the perspectives of utilities, regulators, technology providers, and clean energy advocates.
•Experience designing events or initiatives that shape public discourse and drive industry alignment.
•Experience building partnerships, convening diverse stakeholders, and advancing multi-sector initiatives with diplomacy and credibility.
•Proven success in executive strategy across multiple domains (membership, programs, fundraising, marketing, and stakeholder engagement are highly desired).
•Record of securing grants, philanthropy, and sponsorships.
•Experience leading high-performing, remote teams and creating inclusive, high-trust environments.
•Experience using data to inform decision-making and measure performance.
•Experience serving as a spokesperson in high-profile settings.
About SEPA
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with over 1,000 members, accelerates the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system for all. SEPA engages with its diverse membership—including utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies—through education, collaboration and convening to advance innovative policy, regulatory, and technology solutions.
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.