Development Manager

Job Description

The Development Manager will lead project development efforts for utility-scale solar, solar plus storage and stand-alone storage projects. This position will support Strata's development portfolio in the East region with a primary focus on Virginia and the Carolinas. Our desired candidate will be capable of supporting and managing complex and variable projects for the entire development life cycle including siting, land management, interconnection, entitlement, diligence, engineering and commercialization. This position will require managing multiple development projects at different levels of maturity as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate for this role will have a proven track record of success in project development, will be a self-starter with passion for renewables, will have a persistent approach to problem solving and be a creative thinker ready to tackle changing circumstances with flexibility and ingenuity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the development process of utility-scale solar, storage, solar plus storage and other infrastructure projects in Strata's East Region.
• Manage assigned development portfolio priorities based on probability for success, project proforma, schedule, and market changes.
• Support Senior Director of Development in creating an internal business case to drive new siting campaigns.
• Siting: Coordinate with internal land acquisition team, contracted land managers, and personally conduct land acquisition duties including identifying prospect sites, researching land ownership, contacting landowners, running desktop site diligence, and preparing and executing necessary paperwork.
• Interconnection: Coordinate and support Strata's Interconnection Team to prepare and file interconnection applications, drive interconnection studies, and advance multiple projects through the process towards achieving signed interconnection agreements. Utilize interconnection analysis to inform siting and development.
• Permitting: Work in concert with the Strata Permitting team to support permit applications and other filings represent Strata at permitting hearings, including providing expert witness testimonies when necessary. Development and Permitting work collaboratively through the development process from siting to commercialization.
• Community and Local Engagement: Build positive stakeholder relationships with state & county officials, residents, and industry groups to bolster support for projects.
• Origination and M&A: Support the efforts to secure project offtake and project sales, including preparing and submitting bids for RFP/RFI, supporting contract negotiations, and managing diligence processes in support of commercialization efforts.
• Project Management: Manage project budgeting, forecasting, invoicing and cost control duties across projects including creating and presenting project scopes, schedules, and budget.
• Internal Coordination: Interface with Development Engineering, Legal, Policy, Project Finance, EPC, and executive team members to accurately define and mitigate project risks to keep projects on track and on budget.
• Frequent travel to meet with landowners, key stakeholders, local officials and as needed for project development.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience; master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in renewables project development; experience in Virginia & the Carolinas is highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the policy, regulatory and competitive dynamics that contribute to project profitability and viability for Solar and Storage projects.
• Strong relationship management skills, and track record of success at managing internal and external technical experts.
• Strong project management skills, and able to flexibly manage work across multiple distinct projects.
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative, attention to detail and accountability. Ability to multi-task and work in a deadline driven environment.
• Interested in joining a dynamic, value-building environment, and being part of a high-performing and collaborative team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment, with frequent travel expected 30%-40% of the time. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist and lift up to 20 pounds.