Director of Development

Sol Systems is seeking a well-rounded Director of Development capable of executing projects in both mid- and late- stages.  This developer will be accountable for 2-3 utility scale PV or BESS projects, typically on the scale of 200MWac in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Texas. This person will be responsible for site control, permitting, taxes, and community engagement, as well as lead a team of subject matter experts with respect to interconnection, transmission, PV engineering, and offtake.  The ideal candidate is both extremely adept at in-person stakeholder interactions as well as an execution-focused project-team leader.

This position offers growth potential at a cutting-edge company with both development and operations in targeted markets.  Sol Systems is a national clean energy firm focused on building domestic energy that benefits local communities. The Company is operating, building, and managing over 7 GW of projects across 38 States for Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, schools, and more than 40,000 customers across the United States. Sol Systems works with institutional clients, corporate partners, and foundations to create an energy future we can all believe in. The company was founded in 2008 and is led by its founder. 

Key Responsibilities:

Single point of accountability for delivering 2-3 concurrent utility-scale PV or BESS project to financial close, each a mix of mid-, and late-stage, including:

• Develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with the community and local stakeholders. Visit the site frequently to solve issues and, during quiet periods, maintain a local presence by visiting one of your projects overnight at least once per month. Manage a part-time local representative where budget allows for late-stage, large-scale projects.
• Starting with the key land rights acquired by the greenfield team for interconnection submittal, gain any additional lease options, easements, and crossing agreements for the array and work with landowners to ensure they remain strong proponents of the project.
• Work with the real estate team to cure title and acquire mineral rights.
• Starting with the interconnection position filed by the greenfield team, oversee the timing of the interconnection process.
• Acquire discretionary permits.
• Estimate property taxes and secure abatements, where applicable.
• Commission environmental, cultural, and species studies from 3rd parties and secure permits from state and local permitting entities.
• Act as project lead to coordinate with the following internal Sol Systems subject matter experts: real estate, transmission, interconnection, engineering, offtake, and preconstruction/
• Constantly titrate spend and increase it as the project is de-risked. Report on risks, mitigate them, and seek guidance and support where risks exceed your expertise or the company’s risk profile.
• Maintain a project schedule, budget, and sheet of key development inputs to the financial model at all times.

A successful candidate will possess the following skills and attributes: 

• Five+ years of experience in land development.
• Ability to travel as needed, up to 25% of the time.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel and either Smartsheet schedule, Microsoft Project, or P6.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to convey key ideas to landowners, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of solar development cycle.
• Experience with reading and understanding contracts.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, identify risks, and alert the company of any opportunities or challenges arising during an initiative.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or other major related to the responsibilities and competencies listed above.
• Supplemental education or certifications in real estate, title, and/or solar energy.
• Experience with mapping systems such GIS.
• Experience using AI to improve work processes and productivity.

Location & Hours: This is a full-time role with 3 days/week presence in our Washington DC office.

Commitment & Compensation: The base salary for this role is between $140,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position. In addition, Sol Systems provides health insurance, retirement benefits, partial gym reimbursement, education benefits, parental leave, paid vacation, sick and federal holidays, and the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Deadline: We hope to hire for these positions immediately and will review applicants on a rolling basis.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other traits. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.