Solar Development Director: Regional Growth & Pipeline Lead

J T; Illinois City (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

J T in Illinois seeks a Director of Development to lead identification, origination, and advancement of community solar, storage, and distributed generation projects across the region.

The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, managing a development team from site control through Notice to Proceed, while engaging cross-functionally with Real Estate, Interconnection, Finance, Legal, and Construction teams to deliver results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy, or related field.
• 10+ years in renewable energy project development or related energy sector management.
• Leadership with direct team management, coaching, and talent retention.
• Deep knowledge of power market dynamics, permitting, interconnection, and project life cycles.
• Strong understanding of project finance and revenue stacking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional strategy to grow the project pipeline.
• Manage, mentor, and build a team of development managers and associates.
• Oversee full-cycle development from land acquisition through NTP.
• Direct negotiations for vendor contracts and service agreements.
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Interconnection, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Construction teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy development

Project management

Stakeholder management

Renewable energy

Interconnection knowledge

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering

Master’s degree or PMP certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Project management tools

Job description

J T in Illinois seeks a Director of Development to lead identification, origination, and advancement of community solar, storage, and distributed generation projects across the region.

The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, managing a development team from site control through Notice to Proceed, while engaging cross-functionally with Real Estate, Interconnection, Finance, Legal, and Construction teams to deliver results.