Director, Senior Director, or VP of Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Project Development

We are partnered with a mid-sized utility-scale solar PV developer that is embarking on a strategic growth journey to evolve into a fully integrated independent power producer (IPP). The platform is backed by a highly reputable infrastructure investor with more than two decades of experience and a singular focus on renewable energy. This sponsorship provides deep sector expertise, solid capital support, and a strong track record in scaling successful renewable platforms.

It is seeking a Director, Senior Director, or VP of Project Development (commensurate with experience) to lead a significant portion of its utility-scale solar, wind, and storage portfolio across the south-central United States. This is a high-impact mid-level leadership role overseeing a mix of active development sites and new greenfield opportunities.

You will manage a diverse portfolio of pre-NTP projects, provide strategic oversight across permitting and interconnection, and guide a team as they advance projects toward construction and financial close.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development efforts for a multi-state portfolio, overseeing all phases of project development from greenfield prospecting through pre-NTP.
• Manage and mentor a team of project developers responsible for site control, permitting, due diligence, interconnection, and community engagement.

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• Oversee regional permitting strategies, environmental reviews, land coordination, and interactions with local governmental bodies.
• Direct the interconnection process in coordination with an internal grid/IC team, including application strategy, technical review, and negotiation.
• Evaluate project feasibility, budgets, schedules, and overall development risk.
• Collaborate with internal finance, construction, and commercial teams to support project readiness and financial closure.
• Partner with land teams, external consultants, community stakeholders, utilities, and regional transmission organizations.
• Take ownership of approximately one-third of an existing development portfolio while driving new greenfield pipeline expansion.
• Guide and train junior developers and contribute to hiring and talent development within the team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of utility-scale renewable energy development experience (solar, wind, or storage).
• Strong expertise in permitting, site control, and greenfield origination.
• Experience working within one or more of the major U.S. regional transmission organizations (such as PJM, MISO, or SPP).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Leadership experience: Director, Senior Director, VP, or equivalent development lead.
• Ability to travel regularly across the region; open to candidates willing to relocate or travel weekly.

Ideal Candidate

• Strategic developer with deep regional or market expertise.
• Comfortable leading both active projects and early-stage prospecting.
• Skilled in building relationships with landowners, community leaders, regulators, and utility partners.
• Strong communicator and mentor with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

**Please note this role would entail frequent travel on-site or to the developer's offices in Durham, North Carolina. Alternatively, a competitive relocation package is on offer for those open to relocation.**