Vice President, Project Development - DG and Community Solar

Root Edge; United States; On-site; USD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance incentives

Equity participation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A rapidly growing renewable-energy developer is seeking a Vice President of Project Development to lead the origination and execution of community-scale solar projects across multiple U.S. markets. The role requires at least 10 years in renewable-energy project development and expertise in stakeholder engagement. The VP will oversee project budgets, collaborate with various teams, and mentor junior developers in a mission-driven company. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in renewable-energy project development.
• Success managing projects from origination through Notice-to-Proceed.
• Strong network and knowledge of community and distributed-generation solar markets.
• Expertise in electricity markets, utility programs, interconnection processes, and policy/regulatory frameworks across multiple ISOs or states.
• Track record of building and leading development teams and managing external consultants.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts and ability to articulate financial and operational rationale to executive stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree; MBA, JD, or advanced technical degree preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale project development activities across U.S. markets.
• Oversee all stages of development including land acquisition and permitting.
• Build and manage high-performing development teams and third-party partners.
• Evaluate new market entry opportunities, shaping strategy and identifying regulatory, economic, and grid-related conditions for success.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, engineering, construction, and policy teams to align technical, commercial, and execution strategies.
• Establish project budgets and timelines, monitor performance, and communicate progress to the executive team and board stakeholders.
• Support business-development initiatives, including partnership structures, offtake opportunities, and state-level RFP responses.
• Represent the organization externally with landowners, utilities, local authorities, and community partners, ensuring projects align with company values and community priorities.
• Mentor and empower junior developers and project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Skills

Renewable-energy project development

Team leadership

Market expansion

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Networking in electricity markets

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA, JD, or advanced technical degree

Job description

Overview

Our client, a rapidly growing renewable-energy developer, is seeking a Vice President of Project Development to lead the origination, advancement, and execution of distributed and community-scale solar projects across multiple U.S. markets.

This individual will drive the company’s development pipeline from greenfield through Notice-to-Proceed (NTP), managing a cross-functional team and coordinating all aspects of land acquisition, interconnection, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate is a proven leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-growth environments and brings deep experience in renewable project development, team leadership, and market expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale project development activities across priority U.S. markets, guiding projects from site origination through NTP.

• Oversee all stages of development, including land acquisition, due diligence, interconnection, environmental studies, permitting, and stakeholder outreach.

• Build and manage high-performing development teams and third-party partners, including landmen, consultants, and permitting specialists.

• Evaluate new market entry opportunities, shaping strategy and identifying regulatory, economic, and grid-related conditions for success.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, engineering, construction, and policy teams to align technical, commercial, and execution strategies.

• Establish project budgets and timelines, monitor performance, and communicate progress to the executive team and board stakeholders.

• Support business-development initiatives, including partnership structures, offtake opportunities, and state-level RFP responses.

• Represent the organization externally with landowners, utilities, local authorities, and community partners, ensuring projects align with company values and community priorities.

• Mentor and empower junior developers and project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in renewable-energy project development (solar, storage, or related clean-energy sectors).

• Demonstrated success managing projects from origination through NTP, including permitting, land, interconnection, and stakeholder processes.

• Strong network and working knowledge of community and distributed-generation solar markets.

• Expertise in electricity markets, utility programs, interconnection processes, and policy/regulatory frameworks across multiple ISOs or states.

• Track record of building and leading development teams and managing external consultants.

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts and ability to articulate financial and operational rationale to executive stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, JD, or advanced technical degree preferred.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture.

About the Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven company at the forefront of distributed energy growth in North America. The VP of Project Development will play a defining role in shaping project strategy, market expansion, and long-term portfolio value.

The organization offers a competitive compensation package—including base salary, annual performance incentives, and equity participation—along with comprehensive benefits and a flexible, collaborative work environment.