Director, Development

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, a hybrid work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.

Job Summary

The Director, Development will be responsible for leading the development efforts of utility-scale solar projects, with a primary focus on leveraging commercial acumen and building strong relationships with local government authorities to navigate permitting processes effectively. The Director, Development will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and securing opportunities for solar project development while ensuring alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead the development of utility-scale solar projects from inception to commercial operation, overseeing all aspects of project development, including site identification, land acquisition, permitting, interconnection, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead negotiations and collaborate with landowners, off-takers, suppliers, and other strategic partners to optimize project economics and ensure successful project execution.

• Develop and implement strategies to navigate complex regulatory environments, including zoning, permitting, environmental assessments, and other local government requirements.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local government officials, regulatory agencies, landowners, community groups, and other relevant parties to facilitate project development and secure necessary approvals.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis and due diligence to identify new development opportunities, assess project feasibility, and mitigate risks.
• Work closely with internal cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, legal, and operations, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with company objectives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, policy developments, and emerging technologies related to solar energy and renewable project development, providing strategic insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline development processes, enhance efficiency, and optimize project outcomes.
• Represent the company in industry forums, conferences, and public meetings, advocating for renewable energy policies and promoting the company's brand and values.
• Recruit, mentor and lead a team of development professionals to ensure talent is always a competitive advantage.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, environmental science, or related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD) viewed favorably.
• Proven track record of successfully developing utility-scale solar projects, with a minimum of 7-12 years of experience in solar project development or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory and permitting processes related to utility-scale solar projects, particularly at the local government level.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in negotiating complex agreements and managing project economics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct market analysis, assess project feasibility, and identify strategic opportunities.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Deep understanding of the renewable energy industry, including market trends, policy landscape, and emerging technologies.
• Flexibility to travel as needed to project sites, meetings, and industry events.

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.