Project Developer

SunVest Solar, LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health/Vision/Dental

Paid time off

Company holidays

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

SunVest Solar, LLC is seeking a Project Developer to support the development of distributed solar and standalone BESS projects from concept to construction. Work location includes Chicago, IL or Geneva, IL with significant travel.

The role involves securing site leases, engaging with local governments, handling permitting, and tracking development costs against budgets. Competitive base salary with discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in developing ground-mounted PV and stand-alone BESS systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify viable ground mount PV and BESS sites.
• Negotiate leases or purchase options with landowners.
• Manage development budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate permitting and zoning activities.

Skills

Ground-mounted PV dev

Site acquisition

Permitting

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Leasing

Team leadership

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL or Geneva, IL with travel

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Are you passionate about renewable energy and eager to have a meaningful impact through your career? SunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with assets across the country. We are expanding our team and seeking aProject Developerto play a pivotal role in supporting the development needs of our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. As a leader in solar development with a robust project pipeline, SunVest offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to thrive in the dynamic world of renewable energy.

About SunVest:

SunVest’s mission is to cultivate access to renewable energy for America. We are a rapidly growing leader in renewable energy with expertise across the energy transition value chain, including development, construction, financing, and operations. SunVest is advancing an industry-leading pipeline of nearly 2 gigawatts of development projects, with a growing portfolio of assets under management expected to reach 300 megawatts in 2026. SunVest is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, in the Loop neighborhood. For more information, visit www.sunvest.com.

Position Overview:

SunVest’s Development team is responsible for generating new land opportunities for ground and roof top solar arrays as well as battery storage in preparation for our construction department. These positions may rotate between the two departments based on the cyclical demands of the solar industry.

As a Project Developer based in either our Chicago, IL office (HQ) or Geneva, IL (satellite office) with substantial travel, you will be responsible for concept to construction development of distributed-scale solar and stand-alone Battery Energy Storage System ("BESS") projects including, securing site lease agreements, building relationships with local stakeholders, including landowners and local governments, securing local, state, and federal permitting, and tracking and managing development expenses to a project budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identifying ground mount PV project and BESS sites and assessing their viability by putting them through a pre-determined screening process
• Contacting landowners to determine interest in entering into long-term lease or purchase option agreements that allow for the development of solar energy or BESS projects
• Negotiating long-term solar or BESS leases or purchase agreements
• Engage and manage third-party service providers and consultants
• Developing and managing project development budgets
• Attending zoning and permitting meetings and/or hearings and providing testimony or giving presentations about the projects with some of these meetings occurring during evening hours.
• Submitting and managing interconnection applications and studies.
• Sourcing key assumptions and working with the project finance team to develop a project level financial model
• Monitoring legislative and policy issues impactful to community solar, BESS, and off-take opportunities
• Supporting team members responsible for financing, construction and/or sales of projects

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the development of ground mounted photovoltaic and stand-alone BESS systems, preferably distribution interconnected systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and consistently meet challenging deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand factors impacting project economics.
• Commercial real estate prospecting and business model understanding.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Effective team leader and collaborator.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successful background in obtaining zoning approvals.
• Full-time position with competitive base salary commensurate with experience, bonus opportunities, 401(k) employer match, health/vision/dental benefits.
• Paid time off including company holidays.
• Great opportunity to work with a well-respected fast-growing company in an exciting industry.
• Opportunity for advancement.

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

The salary range for this role reflects the broad array of factors considered in making compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications, as well as other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $120-150K. At SunVest, it is uncommon for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, as compensation decisions are tailored to the specifics of each case.