VP, Programs & Events

VP, Programs & Events

From the executive-focused Energy Evolution Summit and International Fact-Finding Missions to RE+, North America’s largest clean energy conference (produced in partnership with SEIA), the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) delivers events and learning experiences that convene utilities, technology providers, and policymakers around the most pressing energy challenges of our time. As VP, Programs & Events, you will define the strategy behind this portfolio—who needs to be in the room, what they need to accomplish together, and how SEPA creates unique value that drives continued engagement. Your leadership will ensure SEPA’s programs and events foster dialogue that leads to action on affordability, resilience, interoperability, cybersecurity, integration, and other issues central to realizing an energy future that works for everyone.

Reporting to the Chief Experience Officer and leading a five-person team, you will provide strategic oversight of SEPA’s flagship convenings and educational programming, with primary focus on event experience, content, and competitive positioning. You will work closely with partner associations to shape RE+, while also strengthening SEPA’s in-house events and programs to ensure each offering advances SEPA’s strategic priorities and is financially sustainable. Drawing on energy sector knowledge and event programming expertise, you will curate topics, formats, and speakers that attract the right mix of C-suite and senior decision-makers.

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will also contribute to organizational strategy, represent SEPA in industry forums, and support SEPA’s global engagement by building partnerships and exchanges that amplify impact and position the organization as a convener of global best practices in clean, affordable, and resilient energy.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Success in your first 1-2 years will be demonstrated by:

• A clear, intentional strategy, where each offering has a well-defined purpose, target audience, and value proposition, informed by industry trends and member feedback.
• Must-attend experiences that consistently attract key utility executives, technology providers, regulators, and policymakers, with increased C-suite presence.
• Elevated awareness of SEPA events, recognized as must-attend platforms of influence with repeat attendance and high net promoter scores.
• Financially sustainable events, with RE+ continuing to deliver significant value and SEPA in-house offerings generating margin contributions that support long-term organizational sustainability without sacrificing impact or quality.
• A disciplined approach to event and program delivery that enables consistently high-quality execution across the portfolio.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

This role offers a remote working environment with the option of a Washington, DC, co-working space. Travel is required up to 40% for events and meetings. The budgeted salary range for this position is $175–$210K. 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.

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.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Serve as a key member of SEPA’s executive team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational decision-making.
• Translate SEPA’s strategic goals and priorities (Grid, Growth, Globe) into compelling programs and events that showcase solutions to members’ most pressing challenges.
• Champion SEPA’s global strategy under the ‘Globe’ pillar—integrating international insights into programming and elevating SEPA’s visibility abroad.
• Partner with peers in Membership, Research & Industry Strategy, Development, and Communications, Brand & Marketing 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 as needed, providing insights on programs, events, and member engagement.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), and Chief Experience Officer (CXO) to identify and secure global speaking engagements that will enhance SEPA’s presence and representation on the international 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).
• Drive the strategic vision for the SEPA Academy’s online course portfolio, ensuring timely and crucial learning content for energy industry professionals.
• Design and execute programs and experiences, such as leadership cohorts and virtual and in-person events, to address the needs of leaders throughout the energy sector.

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of progressive leadership experience in program and event management. CAE or equivalent credential preferred.
• Knowledge of the energy industry (e.g., distributed energy resources, grid modernization, regulatory dynamics, and clean energy markets); 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 in leading and mentoring senior staff and building high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

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.

Key skills/competency

• Event Strategy
• Program Management
• Clean Energy Sector
• Executive Leadership
• Budget Management
• Partnership Development
• Content Curation
• Team Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Financial Acumen