Director, Development

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Development Director is responsible for setting and executing the regional development strategy for the PJM market, including building the project pipeline through greenfield development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and leading all project development efforts from origination through Notice to Proceed for construction. This role manages, develops, and holds accountable a team of Development professionals focused on utility-scale solar and storage projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Set and execute the regional development strategy for PJM, including submarket and state prioritization, portfolio planning, competitive positioning, and the balance of greenfield origination and M&A opportunities required to achieve growth targets.
• Originate and evaluate greenfield and M&A opportunities, including strategic fit, development risk, commercial potential, diligence findings, valuation inputs, and integration into the regional portfolio.
• Create and manage project schedule and development budget to coordinate internal and external stakeholders with respect to completing all development milestones relating to PPA, interconnection, permitting, site control, and real estate curative work to prepare projects for financing requirements and Notice to Proceed (NTP) for construction.
• Lead site diligence and permitting for utility-scale solar and storage projects.
• Meet with landowners, manage to lease terms, and amend leases for solar development.
• Manage and oversee the creation and submission of permitting documents for solar and storage projects, expansion, and maintenance.
• Manage third-party consultants and contractors to complete required diligence items related to a portfolio of projects.
• Manage and work within quality, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Complete title curative items for project finance requirements, collaborating with the Legal department.
• Prepare project deliverables and reports for executive-level leadership.
• Lead personnel management for the regional Development team, including workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, goal setting, workload allocation, coaching, performance management, succession planning, employee development, and management of the department budget.
• Collaborate with individual department, as well as cross-functionally with other departments within the organization.
• Maintain organizational excellence in terms of project timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrates the Clēnera Core Values of Caring, Committed, and Courageous.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, business, finance, economics, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience leading renewable development projects from start to finish.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the defined market for the role.
  • Demonstrated experience establishing and executing regional growth strategies through a combination of greenfield development and M&A.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience directly managing and developing professional employees.
• Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and an ability to learn company-specific software programs, tools, processes, and machines.
• Skills/Attributes:
  • Significant project management experience driving utility-scale solar and storage projects from greenfield through Ready to Finance (RTF).
  • Complex understanding of cross-functional responsibilities throughout the development cycle, including EPC, PPA, and financing agreements.
  • Detailed understanding and working knowledge of power markets, interconnection, and financing requirements.
  • Proven track record of negotiating complex, high-value procurement and logistics contracts with global vendors.
  • Proven ability to build, navigate, and manage complex interpersonal relationships and conflicts, fostering collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Travel: 30%

BENEFITS

• Clēnera pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums for a suite of medical, dental, and vision coverages.
• Hybrid Work Environment
• HSA and FSA Plans Available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Public Holidays)
• Incentive Pay and RSU Plans

*Recruiting agencies, we are not currently accepting unsolicited referrals for this or any open role. We will not pay any fee associated with unsolicited referrals.