Director of Permitting

Renewable Properties is seeking an experienced Director of Permitting to lead and oversee the permitting team, which focuses on land use planning, environmental permitting, and project entitlements for solar and battery energy storage projects across the U.S. This managerial role will develop and execute environmental, land use, and permitting strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while advancing project goals.

As a leader within the Development team, the Director of Permitting will oversee external consultants, manage cross-functional partnerships, and represent the company in policy and regulatory discussions. This role requires a proactive approach to minimizing environmental impacts, streamlining permitting processes, and collaborating with internal teams such as Construction, Asset Management and third party EPC contractors. The Director of Permitting will also guide development-related due diligence for project M&A opportunities and mentor team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor permitting staff or team members, fostering professional development and collaboration.
• Lead the permitting strategy for projects, ensuring compliance with all environmental, land use, and regulatory requirements while maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Oversee the work of external consultants, ensuring high-quality deliverables and alignment with project objectives.
• Direct environmental and land use due diligence for project acquisitions, including site screening and analysis.
• Manage preparation and submission of regulatory applications, representing the company in agency hearings, community workshops, and public relations initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory/resource agencies, leading negotiations to secure permit conditions that align with company and project goals.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Origination, Project Finance, Construction, and Asset Management, to support project design, permitting, and execution.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans to ensure efficient project permitting and compliance.
• Provide strategic input for long-term project monitoring and compliance to meet conditions of approval.
• Monitor and manage project CAPEX expenses during the development phase, ensuring budget adherence and providing regular updates to senior management.
• Represent Renewable Properties in policy discussions, contributing expertise to industry developments related to renewable energy permitting.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in land use permitting, environmental permitting, and project entitlements, with demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage consultants, and drive project success in a collaborative environment.
• Technical Expertise: Sophisticated understanding of environmental, land use, and utility regulatory requirements, including permitting processes for renewable energy projects.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and represent company interests in various forums.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex projects within budget and schedule constraints.
• Analytical Skills: Effective problem-solving abilities, capable of resolving time-sensitive challenges with precision and sound judgment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in energy, real estate, engineering, environmental science, or a related field required; master’s degree is a plus.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with competing priorities.
• Travel: Willingness to travel as needed to support project and business objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of public relations strategies for regulatory and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with CAPEX monitoring and financial management during project development.
• Experience in negotiating with wildlife, land use, and regulatory agencies to achieve favorable outcomes.