Description
Important Note for Candidates:
SEPA has partnered with Staffing Advisors to manage the initial screening and recruitment process for the Vice President, Programs and Events role. Although SEPA is the hiring organization, please be aware that all communication, including updates on your application status and interview scheduling, will come directly from our designated Staffing Advisors representatives, not our internal HR team. If you apply for this position, you will be doing so through the Staffing Advisors careers page at: . We assure you that your information will be used only for this specific employment purpose and will not be shared without your consent.
About SEPA
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.
Through its thought leadership, convenings, and trusted analysis, SEPA helps its members navigate change and implement solutions that advance the energy system of the future. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s work focuses on three core priorities:
- Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable.
- Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably.
- Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress.
With more than 1,000 member organizations, SEPA serves as a neutral, collaborative platform that drives progress through education, connection, and shared action—helping the energy industry realize a future that works for everyone.
Position
The Vice President, Programs & Events is a key leader responsible for shaping SEPA’s flagship convenings and educational programming. Reporting to the Chief Experience Officer (CXO), this role oversees the strategic direction, design, and delivery of SEPA’s programs and events—including RE+ (the largest clean energy event in North America), SEPA’s in-house conferences, webinars and missions.
This leader must bring deep knowledge of the energy industry—utility experience strongly preferred—and the vision to design convenings that shape industry dialogue, strengthen member value, and expand SEPA’s influence. This role also supports SEPA’s efforts to further deepen its global engagement—building partnerships and exchanges that amplify SEPA’s impact and position the organization as a convener of global best practices in clean, affordable, and resilient energy.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment
- Serve as a key member of SEPA’s executive team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational decision-making.
- Champion SEPA’s global strategy under the ‘Globe’ pillar—integrating international insights into programming and elevating SEPA’s visibility abroad.
- Translate SEPA’s strategic goals and priorities (Grid, Growth, Globe) into compelling programs and events that showcase solutions to members’ most pressing challenges.
- Partner with peers in Membership, Research & Industry Strategy, and Development to ensure programs and events are integrated into SEPA’s overall strategy and deliver maximum member and market impact.
- Represent SEPA at high-level industry convenings, reinforcing its role as a trusted convener and thought leader.
- Participate in SEPA’s Board of Directors meetings, providing insights on programs, events, and member engagement.
- Partner with the CEO and CXO to secure international speaking opportunities and represent SEPA on the global stage.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with peer organizations worldwide to advance SEPA’s Grid, Growth, and Globe priorities.
Programs & Events Strategy and Execution
- Lead the strategy, design, and execution of SEPA’s full portfolio of events and learning experiences.
- Ensure SEPA convenings are recognized as the places where the energy industry gathers to tackle critical issues, share innovations, and forge partnerships.
- Oversee RE+ in collaboration with partner associations, ensuring continued excellence, growth, and alignment with SEPA’s strategic plan.
- Innovate new event formats and expand SEPA’s portfolio to ensure a high-quality experience.
- Ensuring alignment with SEPA’s focus areas of Grid Growth, Globe into all programs and events.
- Establish and track event-related metrics that reflect progress toward SEPA’s strategic goals (e.g., member engagement, external recognition, revenue diversity).
External Engagement & Partnerships
- Cultivate relationships with senior utility executives, corporate partners, regulators, and policymakers to ensure SEPA programs address emerging challenges.
- Strengthen collaborations with funders, sponsors, and peer associations to expand resources and amplify impact.
- Position SEPA events as platforms that elevate member innovation and accelerate policy, technology, and program adoption.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide executive oversight to the Programs & Events team.
- Mentor and develop staff, creating opportunities for growth.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Requirements
- Minimum 12 years of progressive leadership experience in program and event management.
- Deep knowledge of the energy industry; direct utility experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success designing and leading high-profile events that shape industry dialogue.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and driving revenue growth.
- Proven success leading and mentoring senior staff and building high-performing teams.
- Knowledge of distributed energy resources, grid modernization, regulatory dynamics, and clean energy markets.
- CAE or equivalent credential preferred.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel up to 40%.
What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?
- Your work will help accelerate our nation’s transformation to a carbon-free electricity system.
- You will enjoy working in a collaborative and highly-supportive work environment with a great team of trustworthy and approachable colleagues. You will experience a culture driven by these organizational behaviors:
- Adaptability - Be flexible and capable of change to achieve maximum impact.
- Innovation - Drive new understanding & methods to grow ambitiously as an organization and as individuals.
- Comradery - Work hard and have fun.
- Humility - Start with questions, rather than answers. Explore all sides of an issue.
- Ownership - Think and act like owners of SEPA. Hold ourselves and each other accountable for our shared success.
- Transparency - Communicate honestly, frequently and openly.
Our Culture
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.
ADA Requirements and Disclaimer
This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.