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VP, Development Director (Solar and Renewable Energy)

J&T • Full-time • Chicago, IL, US • 15h ago

Title: Director, Development

Supervisor: VP, Development

Location: State of Illinois

Salary Range: $140,000 – $170,000 USD

Bonus Opportunity: 35% of annual salary

Overview

We are seeking a Director of Development to lead the identification and advancement of community solar, standalone energy storage, and distributed generation opportunities. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, managing a team of developers while collaborating across departments to bring projects from origination through Notice to Proceed (NTP). The ideal candidate is a proven leader with a passion for renewable energy, strong knowledge of market dynamics, and the ability to drive results in a dynamic and mission-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a regional development strategy, aligning pipeline growth with company objectives while managing development associates and managers. Manage and mentor a regional development team, building capabilities and driving performance.
Pipeline & Project Oversight: Oversee full-cycle development of a large project pipeline (100+ MW), from origination to NTP. Oversee all aspects of project development, including siting, permitting, interconnection, stakeholder engagement, and budget management. Ensure timely execution of project schedules and proactively identify/mitigate risks.
Market & Business Development: Apply strong knowledge of retail and wholesale markets, with significant experience in C&I and MUSH customer sectors. Negotiate with key counterparties and execute behind-the-meter project developments with commercial clients. Negotiate service agreements and vendor contracts supporting project development.
Financial & Risk Management: Set and track stage-gates for capital investments; evaluate project risks and success likelihood at each stage. Accelerate project development in key markets to ensure the maximization of the value of the ITC while it remains in place. Identify revenue-stacking opportunities to find economic paths to build projects without the federal ITC. Analyze opportunities to deploy energy storage to balance against the sunsetting of the ITC for solar projects.
Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with landowners, regulators, utilities, and community stakeholders. Collaborate closely with Interconnection, Real Estate, Finance, Engineering, Construction, Accounting, and Legal to ensure alignment and smooth project delivery.
Reporting & Optimization: Report on portfolio progress, budgets, and risks to senior leadership; drive process improvements for efficiency and scalability.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, renewable energy, or a related discipline; Master’s degree or PMP certification preferred.
10+ years of experience in renewable energy project development or related engineering/energy sector roles.
Proven leadership skills with direct team management experience.
Deep knowledge of renewable power market dynamics and development cycles.
Strong track record of managing external consultants, regulators, and permitting stakeholders.
Strong understanding of project finance and financial structuring.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Willingness to travel regularly throughout the region.