Development Manager (m/w/d)

Lightstar Renewables is seeking an experienced Development Manager to lead the development of solar PV projects, with a primary focus on our Illinois and Maryland portfolios. This individual will be responsible for advancing projects from early stage through non-ministerial permitting, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, and proactively resolving the commercial, permitting, interconnection, real estate, and community-related issues that affect project success.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of renewable energy project development experience and direct familiarity with the Illinois and Maryland markets. This is an excellent opportunity for a resourceful, commercially minded developer who enjoys taking ownership of projects and working across multiple disciplines.

This position is classified as remote with in-office presence available for those residing in the greater Boston Metro area.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of renewable energy projects in Illinois and Maryland from early-stage development through notice to proceed or other investment milestones.
• Lead site-control activities, including coordination of leases, easements, title work, surveys, and other real estate matters. *No origination of sites required.
• Manage local, state, and federal permitting and entitlement processes.
• Coordinate interconnection applications, studies, agreements, utility communications, and required payments.
• Support project participation in applicable state incentive and community solar programs, including Illinois Shines and Maryland community solar programs.
• Oversee consultants supporting environmental studies, civil engineering, land use, permitting, interconnection, and other development activities.
• Build productive relationships with landowners, local officials, utilities, community members, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Work closely with engineering, construction, finance, legal, policy, origination, and asset-management teams.
• Identify project risks early and develop practical strategies to mitigate them.
• Prepare project materials for internal reviews, investment decisions, financing, acquisitions, and project sales.
• Maintain accurate and timely project information within the company's project-management and reporting systems.
• Support project diligence, contracting, financing, and transaction activities as needed.
• Be proficient in regulatory and market developments that may affect projects in Illinois and Maryland.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least two years of project development experience in solar PV renewable energy project development.
• Experience managing multiple projects, workstreams, deadlines, and external consultants simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify risks, solve problems, and advance projects with autonomy.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical, commercial, legal, and regulatory information.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project sites and stakeholder meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct renewable energy development experience in Illinois and Maryland.
• Experience developing community solar, distributed-generation solar, utility-scale solar, or energy-storage projects.
• Familiarity with Illinois Shines, Maryland's community solar market, and related state incentive programs.
• Experience with utility interconnection processes, local land-use approvals, permitting, site control, environmental diligence, and community engagement.
• Experience advancing projects through late-stage development, financing, acquisition, sale, or construction readiness.
• Existing relationships with utilities, consultants, local officials, or industry participants in Illinois or Maryland.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will take ownership of assigned projects, maintain a clear understanding of their critical paths, communicate risks early, and consistently move projects toward key development and investment milestones. They will be equally comfortable working through detailed project issues and collaborating with senior leadership on broader portfolio strategy.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $145,000-$160,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and location. The position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus targeted at 20% of base salary, along with the company's standard employee benefits.

Equal Opportunity

Lightstar is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.