Job Title: Director of Project Development
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid — minimum in-office presence, e.g., three days per week)
About the Role
Lead and elevate the development of large-scale energy storage infrastructure projects from initial concept through pre-construction. Drive strategic, financial, and operational oversight for a diverse portfolio while nurturing key stakeholder relationships and advancing best-in-class practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Portfolio Oversight
- Manage an expansive project portfolio—from desktop screening to Notice to Proceed (NTP)—ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and development goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Permitting
- Build and nurture critical relationships with landowners, regulatory bodies, first responders, environmental consultants, and interconnection entities to streamline permitting and licensing processes.
- Project Planning & Financial Management
- Create and maintain development plans, budgets, and timelines. Track performance and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget through all development phases.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead internal teams—permitting, interconnection, engineering—and external partners to drive execution toward NTP.
- Market & Technical Acumen
- Monitor evolving market dynamics, transmission trends, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes across regional markets (e.g., MISO, PJM, WECC).
- Due Diligence & Investment Support
- Oversee project due diligence for commercial and M&A opportunities. Prepare clear, compelling materials (e.g., board-level presentations) to support internal investment and approval processes.
- Best Practices Development
- Drive the establishment and adoption of development best practices to elevate processes, efficiency, and outcomes across the development team.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 5 + years of leadership experience in energy infrastructure or energy storage project development, preferably standalone energy storage.
- Leadership & Execution Ability
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects under tight timelines.
- Regulatory, Permitting & Technical Knowledge
- Familiarity with permitting processes, interconnection, environmental regulations, and regional markets.
- Financial & Analytical Skills
- Strong budgeting, financial modeling, risk analysis, and ROI evaluation capabilities.
- Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Excellent verbal/written communication, presentation skills, and relationship-building talent.
- Adaptability & Initiative
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and dynamic environments; takes ownership and works with a sense of urgency.
Education (optional but advantageous)
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Project Development or Management certifications (e.g., PMP, IPMA, GAQM) are a plus.
Work Environment & Travel
- Based in Chicago, IL, with a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence (e.g., three days per week).
- Travel expected, primarily to project sites and stakeholder meetings, especially during permitting or pre-construction phases.