Project Director, Project Development

SolAmerica Energy is a private equity-backed firm who develops, builds, owns, and operates distributed generation (DG) solar projects and energy storage solutions. 

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, SolAmerica has successfully developed and built solar power projects throughout the eastern half of the United States and has a growing pipeline of project opportunities in more than 20 states. 

SolAmerica is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and believes in attracting, retaining, and advancing employees who will best serve and represent its customers, partners, and communities. 

We promote fostering a work culture of mutual respect and teamwork, ensuring that everyone can grow and contribute at their greatest potential. For additional information about SolAmerica, visit www.solamericaenergy.com.

Requirements

The Project Director, Project Director role involves overseeing up to two direct reports and guiding a portfolio of distributed generation solar projects through their development journey. We're looking for an exceptional candidate who possesses extensive knowledge of the solar industry and project development, covering everything from real estate acquisition to interconnection and local permitting.

A critical requirement is a proven track record of successfully advancing solar projects from land acquisition to development, culminating in a seamless handoff to construction teams or counterparties in sales transactions. A solid grasp of county zoning and permitting regulations, as well as the intricacies of solar energy development, is essential.

You will play a pivotal role in advising and mentoring your team as they navigate complex zoning cases and interconnection processes. Prior experience in project development is a must.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee direct reports and collaborate with dotted-line subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure ongoing progress and successful completion of development and NTP.

• Guide, support, and train direct reports in development planning, zoning discussions and negotiations, as well as in the identification and mitigation of risks.

• Create and oversee project budgets effectively.

• Select and manage consultants while adhering to approved budgets, scopes, and schedules.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide guidance and serve as a solar development expert to internal members of the development team.

• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external interconnection teams.

• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external environmental diligence teams.

• Ensure proper coordination between internal and external zoning / permitting teams.

• Oversee zoning application preparation, inclusive of local tax modeling and community relationships and outreach.

• Meet with landowners and community stakeholders prior to and during permitting to establish a positive, long-term relationship with host communities.

• Provide project budget, progress, and timeline updates to management.

• Ensure project milestones are met throughout the development process, including collection, organization, and presentation of relevant data to management to assess development risk at various stages of the development process.

• Work cross-departmentally to maintain clear communication and smooth collaboration at all stages of the project development process.

• Travel to project site locations and attend stakeholder meetings as needed.

EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 6 years managing multiple solar development projects.

• Prior supervisory experience is a plus

• Possess subject matter expertise in business functions related to the development process.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail oriented and organized.

• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects under various deadlines.

• Ability to create forms, letters, presentations, and spreadsheets using MS Office.

• Ability to use all available resources to conduct research.

• Self-motivated with ability to work in a team and independently.

• Safe driving record and valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to walk over undeveloped land unassisted, travel unassisted, and sit at a computer for long periods of time.

• Ability to work evenings to attend meetings and community events.

• Up to 40% travel in support of the position responsibilities

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

SolAmerica Energy offers a competitive salary, benefits package (inclusive of equity-based compensation) and performance bonus opportunities with this position.

Our total rewards strategy is designed to support our employees to thrive professionally and personally while seeking to create a culture of work/life balance as we work toward our collective goals as a business.

We offer a monthly stipend to go towards communication expenses and all our health insurance benefits are effective from Day 1. It’s a great time to join SolAmerica Energy!

Third Party Agencies & Candidate Submissions

SolAmerica Energy will only consider candidates for this position while it is active.

SolAmerica Energy will not consider unsolicited candidate applications from third party agencies.