Development Manager

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus 20%

Remote-friendly

Job summary

Lightstar Renewables is seeking an experienced Development Manager to drive solar PV project development in Illinois and Maryland, advancing concepts through permitting and investment milestones. You will coordinate internal teams and external partners to unlock project value.

This remote role with in-office presence in the Greater Boston area offers a dynamic environment, competitive compensation, and a 20% annual bonus eligibility, along with standard benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum two years of solar PV project development experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects, workstreams and external consultants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems, and advance projects autonomously.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project sites and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of renewable energy projects in Illinois and Maryland from early-stage development through notice to proceed or other milestones.
• Lead site-control activities including leases, easements, title work, surveys, and other real estate matters.
• Manage local, state, and federal permitting and entitlement processes.
• Coordinate interconnection applications, studies, agreements, utility communications and required payments.
• Support project participation in state incentive and community solar programs.
• Oversee consultants supporting environmental, civil engineering, land use, permitting, interconnection and other development activities.
• Build relationships with landowners, local officials, utilities, community members and other stakeholders.
• Work with engineering, construction, finance, legal, policy, origination and asset-management teams.
• Identify project risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare project materials for internal reviews, financing and asset decisions.
• Maintain accurate project information within PM and reporting systems.
• Support project diligence, contracting, financing and transaction activities as needed.
• Stay informed on regulatory and market developments affecting Illinois and Maryland.

Skills

Project development experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Overview

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.

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 informationWillingness 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.