Manager, Development

Strata Clean Energy; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Strata Clean Energy seeks a Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale solar, storage, and solar-plus-storage projects in the East Region, with a strong emphasis on Virginia and the Carolinas. You will manage multiple projects through the full development life cycle, coordinating siting, interconnection, permitting and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires 3+ years in renewables development, solid project management, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of renewables project development experience; Virginia & Carolinas preferred.
• Deep knowledge of policy, regulatory and competitive dynamics for Solar/Storage.
• Strong relationship management and ability to lead internal/external experts.
• Strong project management across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with initiative, attention to detail and accountability.
• Desire to join a dynamic, collaborative team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of utility-scale solar, storage, solar plus storage and related infrastructure in Strata’s East Region.
• Prioritize development portfolio based on probability of success, proforma, schedule, and market changes.
• Support Senior Director of Development in siting campaigns and internal business case development.
• Coordinate siting with land acquisition, conduct diligence, and manage necessary paperwork.
• Coordinate interconnection activities and advance projects toward interconnection agreements.
• Support permitting and hearings, including testimony when necessary.
• Engage stakeholders with state and local officials and industry groups to build support.
• Assist origination and M&A activities, bids for RFP/RFI, and diligence for commercialization.
• Oversee project budgeting, forecasting, invoicing and cost control; present scopes, schedules, budgets.
• Collaborate across Development Engineering, Legal, Policy, Project Finance, EPC, and executives to manage risks.
• Frequent travel to meet landowners and officials for project development.

Skills

Renewables project development

Project management

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Multi-project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Summary

The Development Manager will lead project development efforts for utility-scale solar, solar plus storage and stand-alone storage projects. This position will support Strata’s development portfolio in the East region with a primary focus on Virginia and the Carolinas. Our desired candidate will be capable of supporting and managing complex and variable projects for the entire development life cycle including siting, land management, interconnection, entitlement, diligence, engineering and commercialization. This position will require managing multiple development projects at different levels of maturity as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate for this role will have a proven track record of success in project development, will be a self-starter with passion for renewables, will have a persistent approach to problem solving and be a creative thinker ready to tackle changing circumstances with flexibility and ingenuity.

• Lead and manage the development process of utility-scale solar, storage, solar plus storage and other infrastructure projects in Strata’s East Region.
• Manage assigned development portfolio priorities based on probability for success, project proforma, schedule, and market changes.
• Support Senior Director of Development in creating an internal business case to drive new siting campaigns.
• Siting: Coordinate with internal land acquisition team, contracted land managers, and personally conduct land acquisition duties including identifying prospect sites, researching land ownership, contacting landowners, running desktop site diligence, and preparing and executing necessary paperwork.
• Interconnection: Coordinate and support Strata’s Interconnection Team to prepare and file interconnection applications, drive interconnection studies, and advance multiple projects through the process towards achieving signed interconnection agreements. Utilize interconnection analysis to inform siting and development.
• Permitting: Work in concert with the Strata Permitting team to support permit applications and other filings represent Strata at permitting hearings, including providing expert witness testimonies when necessary. Development and Permitting work collaboratively through the development process from siting to commercialization.
• Community and Local Engagement: Build positive stakeholder relationships with state & county officials, residents, and industry groups to bolster support for projects.
• Origination and M&A: Support the efforts to secure project offtake and project sales, including preparing and submitting bids for RFP/RFI, supporting contract negotiations, and managing diligence processes in support of commercialization efforts.
• Project Management: Manage project budgeting, forecasting, invoicing and cost control duties across projects including creating and presenting project scopes, schedules, and budget.
• Internal Coordination: Interface with Development Engineering, Legal, Policy, Project Finance, EPC, and executive team members to accurately define and mitigate project risks to keep projects on track and on budget.
• Frequent travel to meet with landowners, key stakeholders, local officials and as needed for project development.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the development process of utility-scale solar, storage, solar plus storage and other infrastructure projects in Strata’s East Region.
• Manage assigned development portfolio priorities based on probability for success, project proforma, schedule, and market changes.
• Support Senior Director of Development in creating an internal business case to drive new siting campaigns.
• Siting: Coordinate with internal land acquisition team, contracted land managers, and personally conduct land acquisition duties including identifying prospect sites, researching land ownership, contacting landowners, running desktop site diligence, and preparing and executing necessary paperwork.
• Interconnection: Coordinate and support Strata’s Interconnection Team to prepare and file interconnection applications, drive interconnection studies, and advance multiple projects through the process towards achieving signed interconnection agreements. Utilize interconnection analysis to inform siting and development.
• Permitting: Work in concert with the Strata Permitting team to support permit applications and other filings represent Strata at permitting hearings, including providing expert witness testimonies when necessary. Development and Permitting work collaboratively through the development process from siting to commercialization.
• Community and Local Engagement: Build positive stakeholder relationships with state & county officials, residents, and industry groups to bolster support for projects.
• Origination and M&A: Support the efforts to secure project offtake and project sales, including preparing and submitting bids for RFP/RFI, supporting contract negotiations, and managing diligence processes in support of commercialization efforts.
• Project Management: Manage project budgeting, forecasting, invoicing and cost control duties across projects including creating and presenting project scopes, schedules, and budget.
• Internal Coordination: Interface with Development Engineering, Legal, Policy, Project Finance, EPC, and executive team members to accurately define and mitigate project risks to keep projects on track and on budget.
• Frequent travel to meet with landowners, key stakeholders, local officials and as needed for project development.

Education And/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience; master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in renewables project development; experience in Virginia & the Carolinas is highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the policy, regulatory and competitive dynamics that contribute to project profitability and viability for Solar and Storage projects.
• Strong relationship management skills, and track record of success at managing internal and external technical experts.
• Strong project management skills, and able to flexibly manage work across multiple distinct projects.
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative, attention to detail and accountability. Ability to multi-task and work in a deadline driven environment.
• Interested in joining a dynamic, value-building environment, and being part of a high-performing and collaborative team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment, with frequent travel expected 30%-40% of the time. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist and lift up to 20 pounds.

About Us

Strata Clean Energy is a leading developer, EPC, and service provider for utility-scale solar and storage systems in the United States. We control and self-perform all processes from our nationwide solar and storage developments, to construction, O&M, and Asset Management. Our employees are empowered to drive our business in a collaborative, creative, and passion-driven environment that fosters long-term professional growth. There is a lot to learn at Strata, but we’re here to help you give your best and have a good time doing it. At Strata, you’re part of something big. We’re leading the industry in sustainable energy careers. We are driving innovation to make a difference for our customers, our employees, and our planet. Join us in powering the future.

Strata Solar is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Strata Solar is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.