Project Developer

The Project Developer serves as the primary owner of assigned solar development projects after site control has been secured by the Land team. The Project Developer is responsible for managing all aspects of project advancement, including landowner relations, permitting, interconnection, environmental diligence, community engagement, consultant management, incentive program strategy, and development budgeting.

Working closely with internal and external subject matter experts across engineering, interconnection, legal, real estate, finance, and commercial teams, the Project Developer is accountable for delivering projects that are technically feasible, economically attractive, fully permitted, and ready for construction.

We are open to remote work for qualified candidates, though hybrid is preferred for candidates located near one of our four offices: Boulder, CO; Roseville, MN; Annapolis, MD; or Horseheads, NY. The total compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary plus commission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead distributed solar projects from early-stage development through construction readiness. Serve as the primary project manager and internal coordinator for assigned projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate the efforts of internal teams including engineering, interconnection, environmental, legal, real estate, and finance functions.
• Identify and mitigate development risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maximize project value by strategically advancing projects within applicable state incentive programs, community solar programs, distributed generation frameworks, and other policy-driven markets. Provide recommendations regarding project advancement, hold, sale, redesign, or termination decisions accordingly.
• Prepare and present materials necessary to obtain internal approvals for major project expenditures, development milestones, and investment decisions.
• Assess evolving program rules, incentive structures, queue reforms, and market conditions to optimize development strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with project stakeholders including landowners, municipalities, utilities, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community organizations.
• Support real estate activities including obtaining easements, access agreements, title curatives, and other land rights considerations.
• Coordinate studies including wetlands, endangered species, cultural resources, geotechnical, stormwater, and other required investigations.
• Secure land use permits, zoning approvals, environmental permits, stormwater permits, and other required authorizations. Develop permitting strategies and manage permit applications through approval.
• Represent the company before planning boards, zoning boards, permitting authorities, and public agencies. Address community concerns and communicate project benefits effectively.
• Ensure compliance with permit conditions and regulatory obligations.
• Lead the utility interconnection process from initial application through execution of an interconnection agreement.
• Coordinate interconnection submissions with internal engineers and external consultants.
• Drive projects toward obtaining executable interconnection agreements with commercially viable costs and timelines.
• Support project financing efforts by coordinating diligence materials and responding to lender, investor, or buyer requests.
• Assist with project M&A and portfolio transaction activities as needed.
• Coordinate development-related inputs required for financing and investment processes. Maintain organized project documentation and data rooms.
• Various other projects as needed or assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree, or bachelor’s degree and at least four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience advancing projects through permitting and regulatory approval processes.
• Strong project management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites and stakeholder meetings.

Preferred

• Experience developing community solar or distributed generation projects.
• Familiarity with utility distribution interconnection processes.
• Experience presenting before planning commissions, zoning boards, or public agencies.
• Knowledge of project finance, project economics, and renewable energy transactions.
• GIS and site-screening experience.
• Understanding of environmental permitting and land-use regulations.

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 $100,000 - $130,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity; this range does not include additional commission. 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