Director of Development - Solar and Storage

Ellement Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellement Group is seeking an experienced project developer to advance a growing portfolio of solar and solar-plus-battery storage projects across the Midwest and Northeast markets. The role focuses on executing opportunities from origination through construction readiness, with strong cross-functional collaboration both internally and with external stakeholders.

The right candidate will have a proven track record in development lifecycle, familiarity with Northeast/Midwest markets, and a

Qualifications

• 6+ years of renewable energy project development across solar, storage, and/or community solar in the US.
• Proven track record advancing projects through development lifecycle, including land/site acquisitions, interconnection, zoning/permitting, offtake and EPC negotiation.
• Strong understanding of project economics, value drivers, risk identification and mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Originate and screen greenfield development opportunities via landowner outreach, partnerships, and brokers.
• Lead site selection, feasibility screening, interconnection process and ISA execution, and zoning/permitting for all projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams on financing and valuation, and with external consultants across engineering, permitting, legal.
• Monitor policy updates and market developments affecting development and construction, and mitigate risks.
• Travel to project sites for meetings, court proceedings, and industry events.

Skills

Renewable energy project development

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Business, Economics

Job description

Our client is looking for an experienced project developer to join their team to advance their portfolio of solar and solar-plus-battery storage projects across the Midwest and Northeast Markets. You'll be execution-focused, driving projects from origination/site selection through construction readiness, and collaborating cross-functionally internally and with external stakeholders.

If you have an ownership mindset, enjoy working with a lean yet powerful team, have a strong track record of taking projects through the development life cycle and into construction, are familiar with the Northeast and/or Midwest markets, and are committed to driving the energy transition, this is an opportunity to consider.

The Role: Director of Development

The Mission: Drive the execution of renewable energy projects through the development life cycle to construction readiness/notice to proceed.

Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Originate and screen greenfield development opportunities for renewable energy projects through direct landowner outreach, strategic development partnerships, and any broker relationships
• Lead site selection, feasibility screening, the interconnection process from initial request through interconnection services agreement execution, and zoning and permitting for all projects within the portfolio/pipeline
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams for project financing and valuation analysis, as well as externally with consultants across engineering, permitting, legal, etc.
• Stay informed on policy updates, regulatory changes, and any market developments that will affect projects under development and/or construction, and mitigate any risks accordingly
• Travel to project sites for meetings, court proceedings, and relevant industry events

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Business, Economics, or any other relevant area of study
• 6+ years of experience in renewable energy project development across solar, battery storage, and/or community solar projects across the US
• Strong track record of advancing projects through the development life cycle, including negotiating land and site acquisition agreements, interconnection application process and ISA execution, zoning, permitting, offtake agreements, and EPC contract negotiation (where applicable)
• Strong understanding of project economics, value drivers, risk identification, and mitigation
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for projects