What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development (Utility-Scale Solar & BESS) position at Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global)?
This role is based in Arlington, VA. On-site presence is required.
About the Company
Join a leading independent power producer at the forefront of renewable energy development. With a footprint across Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky, our client develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale solar energy projects. As a subsidiary of a publicly traded Israeli clean energy firm with over 1GW commissioned and a 7GW pipeline globally, the company is shaping the future of sustainable power in the U.S. and beyond.
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Project Development to lead utility-scale solar project development across the PJM region (VA, WV, PA, KY, OH). This role is critical to the client's U.S. expansion and is responsible for managing a team of project developers while coordinating zoning, permitting, and stakeholder engagement from site acquisition through NTP.
This position requires an experienced developer who can drive execution, manage regulatory risk, and work cross-functionally across departments to advance a complex project pipeline. The role is based in Arlington, VA and requires full on-site presence.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
- Strategic Oversight - Lead the development strategy and execution for utility-scale solar projects from site acquisition through NTP across multiple U.S. markets, focusing on zoning, permitting, community engagement, and project readiness.
- Team Leadership - Manage, mentor, and grow a team of project developers. Set performance goals, standardize development processes, and ensure alignment with corporate objectives and timelines.
- Stakeholder Management - Serve as the senior representative with local and state officials, permitting agencies, landowners, and community organizations. Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to support project advancement.
- Permitting & Regulatory Navigation - Oversee all permitting strategy and execution at the county and state level, including public presentations and expert testimony where required.
- Interdepartmental Leadership - Coordinate closely with internal Legal, Interconnection, GIS, Real Estate, Environmental, EPC, External Affairs, and Finance teams to ensure seamless project progression.
- Risk Management - Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation plans. Track and report on key project metrics, timelines, and budgets to executive leadership.
- M&A & Pipeline Expansion - Support project acquisition efforts, including due diligence and integration of acquired assets into the pipeline.
- Executive Reporting - Provide regular project pipeline updates, budget forecasts, and progress reports to the executive team.
Qualifications & Skills:
- 8-10 years of experience in renewable energy development, with a strong focus on utility-scale solar.
- Proven track record of taking projects from origination to NTP, preferably in PJM or similar regulatory environments.
- Prior team leadership or senior management experience in development.
- Expertise in county zoning, permitting strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including familiarity with development-stage budgets and capital planning.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
- Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in business, policy, environmental studies, or related field preferred.
