Associate - Development, Distributed Generation

Crow Holdings; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Crow Holdings Renewables seeks an Associate – Development, Distributed Generation. Illinois-based candidates are preferred, though qualified candidates in other states will be considered.

The Associate will take the lead on permitting, interconnection, and related development activities for distributed generation solar and energy storage projects, primarily in Illinois, and may contribute to projects in other target markets.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in community-scale or utility-scale solar or energy storage development.
• Experience advancing at least one project to NTP, portfolio sale, or a comparable milestone is preferred.
• Familiarity with Illinois community solar programs, permitting, and interconnection processes is preferred.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and development trackers.
• Ability to interpret zoning ordinances, utility requirements, technical reports, contracts, and permit conditions.
• Experience coordinating external consultants and interconnection specialists.
• Ability to work independently and communicate proactively in a fully remote environment.
• Strong problem-solving and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day development of assigned projects with cross-functional teams.
• Manage interconnection applications, studies, milestones, fees, and upgrade requirements.
• Coordinate permitting processes, assemble application materials, and track approvals.
• Maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and action items.
• Foster relationships with landowners, utilities, municipalities, and stakeholders.
• Monitor legislation, incentives, and market developments affecting projects.
• Prepare budgets and requests for internal review and approval.
• Represent Crow Holdings Renewables at industry events and meetings.

Skills

Community solar experience

Interconnection knowledge

Permitting

Stakeholder management

Budget & risk tracking

Strong communication

Travel willingness

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Office

Project-management software

Job description

Crow Holdings Renewables is seeking an Associate – Development, Distributed Generation. Illinois-based candidates are preferred, though qualified candidates in other states will be considered.

The Associate will take the lead on permitting, interconnection, and related development activities for distributed generation solar and energy storage projects, primarily in Illinois, and may contribute to projects in other target markets. This position will execute project-level development schedules, contribute to market strategy, independently manage assigned workflows, and collaborate with senior team members on significant commercial and project decisions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day development of assigned projects, coordinating with real estate, permitting, interconnection, engineering, construction, legal, finance, and operations teams to achieve key milestones
• Manage utility interconnection applications and studies, including milestones, deliverables, deadlines, fees, deposits, and upgrade requirements
• Manage local, regional, and state permitting processes by coordinating consultants, preparing application materials, facilitating public meetings, and tracking approvals and permit conditions
• Maintain project schedules, development budgets, risk registers, and action items from early development through NTP or project sale
• Cultivate positive relationships with landowners, utilities, municipalities, project neighbors, and other key stakeholders
• Monitor legislation, regulations, incentive programs, and other market developments affecting assigned projects
• Prepare project budgets, expense requests, and related materials for internal review and approval
• Represent CHR at industry events, conferences, community meetings, and other stakeholder engagements

Desired Skills & Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience in community-scale or utility-scale solar or energy storage development, with responsibility for advancing projects through key milestones
• Experience advancing at least one project to NTP, portfolio sale, or a comparable late-stage milestone strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Illinois community solar programs, permitting, and utility interconnection processes strongly preferred
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and development trackers
• Ability to interpret zoning ordinances, utility requirements, technical reports, contracts, and permit conditions
• Experience coordinating external consultants, including civil engineers, environmental consultants, land-use counsel, and interconnection specialists
• Ability to work independently, communicate proactively, and collaborate effectively in a fully remote environment
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve complex issues and recognize when escalation or collaboration is appropriate
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project-management software; experience with Smartsheet or similar platforms preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites, municipal and community meetings, and utility meetings