M&A Associate

New Leaf Energy, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 91,250 - 105,830; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Open paid-time-off policy

Professional development assistance

Parental leave policy

Job summary

New Leaf Energy, Inc. is seeking an M&A Associate to participate in the development and financing of solar, wind, and energy storage projects. The role involves managing project tasks, overseeing legal documents, and ensuring project deadlines.

The ideal candidate has 2-4 years of experience in the renewable energy sector and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Business. Competitive compensation and a hybrid work environment support collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in the renewable energy industry focused on project development and financing.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage cross-functional teams for project development tasks.
• Lead the creation of detailed data rooms for project marketing.
• Track inter-departmental deliverables and forecast project milestone dates.
• Assist in drafting and negotiating critical project contracts.

Skills

Project development

Risk analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high‑value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long‑term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean‑energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking an M&A Associate to join our team. This individual will participate in the development and financing of solar, wind, and energy storage projects, including detailed risk analysis, milestone forecasting, and the entire project life cycle from origination to closing.

This position may be based out of our Boston, MA; Lowell, MA; Oakland, CA; Chicago, IL; or Troy, NY offices. We value in‑person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment with a minimum of two days in the office between Tuesday and Thursday.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage cross‑functional teams to complete critical project development tasks through an in‑depth understanding of real estate, permitting, and interconnection.
• Maintain checklists, critical‑path schedules, and other project‑management tools required to keep the process organized and allow transactions to close quickly.
• Lead the creation and organization of detailed data rooms and support all project marketing, award, and closing processes.
• Track inter‑departmental deliverables and forecast project milestone dates.
• Communicate effectively and build relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients (project buyers).
• Manage the progress of permitting, interconnection, and all associated contracts for projects.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of legal transaction documents including LOIs and Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs).
• Assist in the drafting and negotiation of critical project contracts, including the site lease, PPA, easements, and property‑tax agreements.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in the renewable‑energy industry, focusing on project development and financing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and project‑management skills.

Compensation

New Leaf Energy offers a market‑competitive base salary plus above‑market variable compensation and an equity‑like program. In Chicago, the expected base salary range for this role is $91,250–$105,830. Actual salary may vary based on location and experience.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company match (100% of the first 3% of pay, 50% for the next 2%).
• Open and self‑managed paid‑time‑off policy.
• Hybrid work policy supporting remote work part of the week.
• Parental leave policy for both birthing and non‑birthing parents, available immediately upon hire.
• Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, and local laws. EEO M/F/D/V.