Development Director - Chicago, United States - Leeward Energy

Description

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity.

We are actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with about 30 GW of projects under development spanning over 125 projects.

With projects currently under construction and soon to commence construction, we expect to commercialize over 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the next two years.

• LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, a preeminent global infrastructure investor and investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans with C$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30, 2023).
• As passionate renewable energy advocates, we take great pride in responsible development and the safe operation of our projects. We are focused on building sustainable solutions for clean, renewable energy, and we remain dedicated to empowering communities through energy independence, job creation, and lasting partnerships.
• POSITION: Development Director
• Department: Development
• Location: Chicago Hybrid

• The Director of Development, holds a pivotal position in the development team driving our expansion efforts in solar, wind, and hybrid energy storage projects in the Central region. Your primary responsibility will be to lead and inspire a dedicated team, guiding them in the identification and acquisition of new project development sites. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in negotiating land agreements, managing interconnection requests, and assessing project viability. Additionally, potential project acquisitions, strategic partnership opportunities, and other M&A evaluation will be a focus of shaping the future of our organization.
• Essential Functions:
• Lead market analysis and site selection for greenfield development
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Identify and facilitate project acquisitions
• Negotiate real estate agreements and maintain landowner relationships
• Manage environmental assessment campaigns and associated external consultants
• Manage project permitting, development agreement, and tax abatement activities
• Direct resource management campaigns and energy production estimates
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and consultants to appropriately manage the electrical interconnection process
• Collaborate with internal technical services such as legal, power marketing, engineering, and government affairs
• Determine the financial viability of projects together with the corporate finance department
• Represent the company during stakeholder engagement
• Facilitate the preparation of RFP responses
• Prepare project budgets and schedules
• Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree (engineering, finance, sustainable energy concentration(s) desirable), MBA, CFA, CPA or other master's degree equivalents a strong plus.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of previous experience in energy project development required preferably in solar, wind or BESS.
• Solid understanding of the development process of major power projects
• Ability to effectively manage community dynamics, negotiate with utilities, landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Experience navigating US power markets, utilities, interconnection issues, and Power Purchase Agreements
• Technical understanding of power projects
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a geographically diverse team
• Excellent project management skills with a highly organized approach
• Physical Demands:
• Position will require sitting for long periods of time.
• Occasionally lift 20pound or more
• Willingness and ability to travel at least 50% of time
• Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.