Role Summary/Purpose: The Sr. Director of Project Development will oversee the development project management group and drive post-award projects forward with a goal of completing the development and documentation required to achieve financial notice to proceed as quickly as possible. This is a senior and highly visible role in the organization with broad authority, bearing the responsibility to coordinate all internal resources required to meet company objectives for awarded projects and set expectations on the viability and timing of a project’s ability to achieve major milestones as necessary for meeting financing deadlines and company goals. The candidate for this role will be a collaborative team player with exceptional communication and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of what is required to prepare all types of behind-the-meter and in-front of the meter solar projects for financing and construction. Must have the confidence to make critical decisions autonomously while being responsible for managing a large portfolio of projects in various stages of development simultaneously with a hands-on approach, while managing and guiding a team responsible for core functions. This position will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Remote working options considered.

 

Essential Responsibilities: As the Senior Director of Project Development, you will manage the development for the design and construction of commercial and utility scale solar projects with a focus on the following aspects:

 

·       Direct all company resources and team members on next steps required to drive awarded projects through due diligence, development, and contract execution activities in order to achieve financing approval from the Structure Finance team and facilitate hand-off to Construction PMs for mobilization.

·       Lead, teach, and direct the Development Project Management team through the tasks and development process required to ready a project to receive financing approval and start of construction.

·       Oversee the maintenance of project budgets, spending approvals, and schedules by coordinating and directing internal company-wide, and external stakeholder input.

·       Maintain reporting and communications on project status internally to inform long range planning and critical path activities required to achieve company objectives.

·       Serve as the first point of contact for technical due diligence on project acquisition and co-development opportunities under evaluation by the company and coordinate feedback from internal resources as needed.

·       Serve as the direct project development activity customer communication lead for select, high profile, and repeat C&I customers.  Attend customer meetings as needed.

·       Oversee and create development budgets and assist with the creation of construction budgets in times of high demand.

·       Direct/indirect oversight of initial meetings with the AHJs for permitting activities and identify permitting path requirements.

·       Work with legal counsel to identify easements, complete title searches and any associated real estate and entitlement activities. 

·       Manage surveys, geotech, underground detection, structural analysis, phase 1 esa’s etc as needed for non carport projects.

·       Direct/indirect management of civil engineers, permitting expeditors and attorneys, etc. as applicable for the site plan, zoning board, and all AHJ approval processes.

·       Review and interpret zoning and permitting requirements and bylaws and work with internal engineering and external consultants to design a layout to meet these requirements.

·       Present or prepare team resources for presentation at Planning and Zoning Board meetings.

 

 

Qualifications/Requirements/Desired Characteristics

 

·       Exceptional and concise communication kills

·       Proven team leadership experience

·       10+ years of experience in development or construction of commercial or utility scale solar projects, general contracting, or real estate development industries.

·       5+ years of experience with subcontractor negotiation and management  

·       Ability to travel

·       Ability to present articulately in front of non-ministerial boards

·       Demonstrated skills in project planning software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera, etc.)

·       Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

·       Project management or other experience in power generation industries

·       Experience dealing with federal, state and local agencies for various permits and entitlements  

·       Financial forecasting and project scheduling experience