Director, Project Development

SolAmerica Energy is a private equity-backed firm who develops, builds, owns, and operates distributed generation (DG) solar projects and energy storage solutions. 

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, SolAmerica has successfully developed and built solar power projects throughout the eastern half of the United States and has a growing pipeline of project opportunities in more than 20 states. 

SolAmerica is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and believes in attracting, retaining, and advancing employees who will best serve and represent its customers, partners, and communities. 

We promote fostering a work culture of mutual respect and teamwork, ensuring that everyone can grow and contribute at their greatest potential. For additional information about SolAmerica, visit www.solamericaenergy.com.

Requirements

The Director of Project Development will manager a team of five talented developers while overseeing a portfolio of distributed generation solar projects through their developmental journey. We are looking for a candidate with in-depth expertise in the solar sector and comprehensive experience in solar project development, encompassing everything from real estate negotiations to interconnection issues and local permitting processes.

A vital aspect of this role includes a proven history of guiding solar projects from land acquisition through to development, effectively transitioning them to construction or through a sales hand-off to partners.

Understanding county zoning regulations and permitting practices, as well as demonstrating robust knowledge of solar energy and the diligence needed for project development, are essential. You will be pivotal in advising and mentoring your team as they navigate intricate zoning matters and interconnection procedures. Prior experience in solar project development is mandatory.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mentor developers to increase their skill level in the development process, planning and identification of project risks and mitigation planning.
• Provide guidance and serve as a solar development expert to internal members of the development team. Lead, assist, and train direct reports in development planning, zoning discussions / negotiations and risk identification and mitigation.
• Identify and manage market-wide risks and issues to facilitate development success in the region.
• Work with VP Development on identifying process issues and improving development and related processes.
• Manage direct reports and dotted-line SMEs to ensure progress toward and achievement of the completion of development / NTP.
• Ensure that the team has provided project budget, progress, and timeline updates to management.
• Identify, negotiate with, onboard, and manage development consultants.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENT DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage consultants to approved budgets, scope, and schedule.
• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external interconnection teams.
• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external environmental diligence teams.
• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external zoning / permitting teams.
• Oversee zoning application preparation, inclusive of local tax modeling and community relationships and outreach.
• Meet with landowners and community stakeholders prior to and during permitting to establish a positive, long-term relationship with host communities.
• Ensure project milestones are met throughout the development process, including collection, organization, and presentation of relevant data to management to assess development risk at various stages of the development process.
• Work cross-departmentally to maintain clear communication and smooth collaboration at all stages of the project development process.
• Develop and manage project budgets.
• Travel to project site locations and attend stakeholder meetings as needed.

EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years managing multiple solar development projects.
• Prior supervisory experience is expected.
• Possess subject matter expertise in business functions related to the development process.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under various deadlines.
• Ability to create forms, letters, presentations, and spreadsheets using MS Office.
• Ability to use all available resources to conduct research.
• Self-motivated with ability to work in a team and independently.
• Safe driving record and valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to walk over undeveloped land unassisted, travel unassisted, and sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in the evenings to attend meetings and community events as required.
• Up to 40% travel in support of the position responsibilities.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

SolAmerica Energy offers a competitive salary, benefits package (inclusive of equity-based compensation) and performance bonus opportunities with this position.

Our total rewards strategy is designed to support our employees to thrive professionally and personally while seeking to create a culture of work/life balance as we work toward our collective goals as a business.

We offer a monthly stipend to go towards communication expenses and all our health insurance benefits are effective from Day 1. It’s a great time to join SolAmerica Energy!

Third Party Agencies & Candidate Submissions

SolAmerica Energy will only consider candidates for this position while it is active.

SolAmerica Energy will not consider unsolicited candidate applications from third party agencies.