Director, Solar Development

The Director, Solar Development is responsible for optimizing New Energy’s development efforts in several state solar markets simultaneously and managing projects throughout the development process. The candidate selected for this position will coordinate with the policy, interconnection, engineering, land, permitting, real estate and business development teams to manage solar development efforts “from cradle to commissioning,” ensuring that all details are taken care of while also guiding New Energy teams to optimize overall development strategy tailored for each market. The role will also require the candidate to report on the current state of these markets and provide suggestions on the company’s direction & planning pertaining to these states. Depending on background, the candidate in this role may also support the policy, business development, finance, and/or interconnection teams on other matters that arise that fall within their area of expertise.

This is a hybrid position based out of one of our four office locations: Annapolis, MD; Roseville, MN; Boulder, CO; or Horseheads, NY. The role follows a flexible hybrid work arrangement, blending in-office work with remote work from an offsite location, such as a home office. Occasional travel may be required to support relationship building with developers and partner organizations across various U.S. state markets.

Job Duties include the following:

• Lead all development efforts in assigned markets, primarily focused on community solar (typically) 1-10MW, to ensure market level success.
• Attend local SEIA chapter, CCSA, Program Development, etc. meetings and conferences to ensure expertise is developed and maintained in responsible markets.
• Provide strategic input to regulatory and legislative stakeholders, shaping market program design and evolution to advance the company’s interests.
• Contribute to new market entry effort through coordinating with Policy, Legal, Land, IX and Permit teams.
• Organize and lead active market development efforts (Internal and Co-Developed) making strategic decisions, identifying, and resolving risk, limiting non-productive spend, and providing priority direction for development team members.
• Report on monthly KPIs to executive team
• Ensure steady communication with finance department to ensure smooth transition of projects and projecting NTP timelines
• Ensure projects comply with program development timelines, interconnection standards and state program/local permitting requirements.
• Manage submission of project and related applications (e.g. licensing/registration, RFP submission, grants, partnerships) for programs, credits, incentives, etc.
• Organize and lead late-stage development efforts, identifying risk and long lead items, assigning, and following up on tasks to ensure project development is 100% complete for financial transactions.
• Obtain internal investment committee approval for all projects in responsible markets.
• Support Commercial Deal Lead to diligence, identify, and resolve risk and support to obtain internal investment committee approval for acquisition projects in responsible markets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Candidate must also closely align with NEE’s core values, which may be found on our website.

Required Education and Experience:

MBA, Law, or Master’s degree AND four years or more of relevant experience. *

Bachelor’s degree AND six years or more of relevant experience. *

OR

Two-year technical degree AND eight years or more of relevant experience. *

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND ten years or more of relevant experience. *

*Experience working in either solar project development or solar project acquisition/transactions Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (required) MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce**(preferred)

• In-depth understanding of the renewable energy landscape
• Demonstrated experience with two or more community solar development and programs.
• Deep familiarity with local permitting and distribution-level interconnection procedures
• Demonstrated experience successfully leading teams.
• Experience negotiating contracts and agreements with partners.
• Strong attention to detail

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $170,000 - $220,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions 🌞. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments 💼. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers 🌍. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do 🌿. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority 💡. At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together 🎉. With over 250 projects across the U.S. 🌎, our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path 🌟. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future 🌍.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com