Manager of Solar Project Development

This position is based in our Arlington, VA headquarters; however, remote work is available for candidates located on the US East Coast only.

In this role, you will manage the development of a portfolio of solar energy projects in the US. The ideal candidate has a strong knowledge of the solar industry and solar project development, from local permitting through to construction. A key requirement is a track record of bringing solar projects from origination through development to NTP. A broad understanding of county zoning and solar energy is a necessity, and at the manager level, significant solar project development experience is required.

In this role, you will lead community and stakeholder relationships throughout the development process, and you'll marshal our internal teams at every stage to successfully get your projects across the finish line. Unlike many solar developers, client has all functions in-house, from Interconnect, GIS, Real Estate, Law and Environmental to EPC and O&M. You should be able to quickly discern local zoning/ordnance requirements, the path to permit approval, stakeholder management and risks/opportunities. In addition to organization, project management and development skills, the ideal candidate effectively communicates with internal and external stakeholders, presenting coherent arguments using facts and fact-based opinions following detailed research and analysis. You will be a resource to less-experienced developers and can assist the company with acquisition (M&A) of additional solar projects.

Today our client's projects in the US are located in the greater mid-Atlantic and Appalachian region (PJM). We are a fast-growing company with a large and expanding pipeline of opportunities. The specific location of your projects will depend both on company need, your location and your experience. We enjoy a diverse company culture of smart and vibrant people. We are seeking great talent to join our growing and dynamic Development Team, so we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

• Research all required permits for selected sites, coordinate with local consultants and attorneys to prepare and submit permit applications and other filings.
• Represent the company at permitting hearings, including providing expert witness testimonies when necessary.
• Build positive stakeholder relationships with state & county officials, local residents, and industry groups to bolster support for project permitting efforts.
• Provide clear guidance to the early-stage Origination teams on specific County Ordinances, local sentiment and permitting process risks/opportunities. Serve as internal/external Project Champion from Origination through Construction (EPC).
• Interface with our client internal Development, Engineering, Environmental, Legal, Project Finance, EPC, and executive team to keep projects moving forward, manage the resources required, identify and mitigate risks and manage schedule/budget.
• Frequent travel to meet with customers and key stakeholders to develop relationships and shape successful outcomes for the projects.
• Develop and execute project marketing strategy in close collaboration with our External Affairs Team
• Provide project budget, progress and timeline updates to management
• Oversee project consultants: environmental, engineering, transmission, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of project development experience; direct utility-scale wind, BESS or solar development experience strongly preferred
• Experience with county and state permitting processes
• Strong work ethic and ability to productively take ownership of projects while communicating collaboratively throughout the project’s life cycle
• Possess subject matter expertise in a business function related to the development process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Undergraduate degree in development-related field with a strong academic record
• Ability to create forms, letters and fundamental spreadsheets using MS Word and Excel, create presentations in Power Point and perform internet-based research.
• Self-motivated with ability to work in a team and independently.
• Safe driving record, valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to walk over undeveloped land unassisted, travel unassisted and work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to work evenings to attend meetings and community events.
• 30-50% travel in region will be required during business hours in support of the position responsibilities.