Vice President of Legal, Project Financing

Who we are:  

What you will do:  

The VP of Legal, Project Financing, is responsible for providing guidance and strategy regarding project financing matters for both equity and debt transactions. This Attorney will provide expert legal counsel on complex international project finance transactions, supporting the development, financing, risk management, and operation of large-scale manufacturing projects across the globe. This role involves structuring and negotiating financing agreements, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong drafting skills, deep knowledge of project finance, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and drive commercial agreements with customers and suppliers to facilitate project financings. This role also requires expertise in working with Government financing including both Federal and Provincial/Regional Governments and significant experience with multilateral investment banks.

In addition, this role works with inhouse and outside legal counsel on corporate legal matters including equity and debt financing, contracts, compliance, data privacy, mergers and acquisitions, IPO preparedness, intellectual property, litigation, etc. This position interacts with business and technical representatives from all levels of the organization and external business partners.

Responsibilities include:  

• Draft, review, and negotiate project finance documents, including credit agreements, term sheets, security agreements, intercreditor agreements, and equity investment contracts.
• Advise on structuring debt and equity financing for projects, to ensure full bankability of the project.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence on project assets, permits, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, financial institutions, developers, and government entities to mitigate risks and ensure transaction closings.
• Provide legal guidance on project-related contracts, and advise on procurement and contracting strategy including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and offtake agreements.
• Analyze and manage risks related to tax equity financing, cross-border transactions, and compliance with local and international regulations.
• Monitor and advise on regulatory developments impacting project finance, including environmental, energy, and securities laws.
• Support business development by building client relationships and contributing to firm thought leadership (e.g., articles, presentations).
• Provides oversight for activities associated with corporate governance.
• Proactively contribute to the company’s risk management process, identify and manage legal risks that the company may face, and implement strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Provide direction regarding legal disputes and coordinate with external law firms when necessary to handle litigation matters.
• Interpret and assesses applicable laws, regulations, guidance, and industry standards, including but not limited to North America, EU, Australia, and others to effectively understand and manage risk.
• Review and negotiate agreements for government grants and ensures compliance with associated agreements.
• Select and direct the work of external legal counsel to ensure appropriate service and quality levels and to contain costs.
• Prepare annual departmental budget and manage expenses within budget.
• Reads, understands, and complies with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Juris Doctorate (or equivalent international law degree) from an accredited law school
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Colorado or eligibility to practice as in house counsel in the State of Colorado. Exceptions to U.S. licensing requirements may be considered with relevant international project financing experience and an active license in a jurisdiction in Europe, Australia, or Canada.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, including leadership roles within corporate legal departments or law firms.
• 5+ years of experience in project finance, preferably at a top-tier law firm or in-house at a financial institution or project developer.
• Proven track record of negotiating and closing financings for climate tech scale-ups/startups, renewable energy (solar, wind, battery storage), public-private partnerships, or international project finance.
• Proven expertise in drafting and negotiating complex financing agreements for infrastructure, energy, or real estate projects is a plus.
• Strong understanding of secured transactions, UCC Article 9, and bankruptcy considerations in project finance.
• International jurisdiction experience preferably including North America, EU, Middle East and Australia.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders across the organization
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.