Job Description

Job Title: Director of Project Development

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid — minimum in-office presence, e.g., three days per week)

About the Role

Lead and elevate the development of large-scale energy storage infrastructure projects from initial concept through pre-construction. Drive strategic, financial, and operational oversight for a diverse portfolio while nurturing key stakeholder relationships and advancing best-in-class practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Portfolio Oversight
• Manage an expansive project portfolio—from desktop screening to Notice to Proceed (NTP)—ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and development goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Permitting
• Build and nurture critical relationships with landowners, regulatory bodies, first responders, environmental consultants, and interconnection entities to streamline permitting and licensing processes.
• Project Planning & Financial Management
• Create and maintain development plans, budgets, and timelines. Track performance and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget through all development phases.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Lead internal teams—permitting, interconnection, engineering—and external partners to drive execution toward NTP.
• Market & Technical Acumen
• Monitor evolving market dynamics, transmission trends, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes across regional markets (e.g., MISO, PJM, WECC).
• Due Diligence & Investment Support
• Oversee project due diligence for commercial and M&A opportunities. Prepare clear, compelling materials (e.g., board-level presentations) to support internal investment and approval processes.
• Best Practices Development
• Drive the establishment and adoption of development best practices to elevate processes, efficiency, and outcomes across the development team.

Qualifications

• Experience
• 5 + years of leadership experience in energy infrastructure or energy storage project development, preferably standalone energy storage.
• Leadership & Execution Ability
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects under tight timelines.
• Regulatory, Permitting & Technical Knowledge
• Familiarity with permitting processes, interconnection, environmental regulations, and regional markets.
• Financial & Analytical Skills
• Strong budgeting, financial modeling, risk analysis, and ROI evaluation capabilities.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Excellent verbal/written communication, presentation skills, and relationship-building talent.
• Adaptability & Initiative
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and dynamic environments; takes ownership and works with a sense of urgency.

Education (optional but advantageous)

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Project Development or Management certifications (e.g., PMP, IPMA, GAQM) are a plus.

Work Environment & Travel

• Based in Chicago, IL , with a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence (e.g., three days per week).
• Travel expected, primarily to project sites and stakeholder meetings, especially during permitting or pre-construction phases.

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