Associate, Development

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.

LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment.

The Development Associate provides support for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment.  Development Associate will focus on identifying and securing new wind, solar, and energy storage project development sites, negotiating land agreements, managing interconnection requests, and evaluating project viability. This role will also identify and evaluate project acquisitions and strategic partnering opportunities.

- Support the development team in its site selection efforts via market evaluation, constraint mapping, and permitting analysis

- Acquire real estate rights for development opportunities and maintain relationships with landowners

- Direct resource management campaigns and energy production estimates, leveraging internal and external experts

- Manage external consultants supporting environmental assessment campaigns

- Manage discretionary permitting activities with support from other cross-functional teams

- Collaborate with internal technical services such as legal, power marketing, engineering, and government affairs

- Prepare project budgets, schedules, and RFP responses

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree (engineering concentration desirable),

- Minimum 0 to 3 years of previous experience with an interest in renewable energy generation

- Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.

- Technical aptitude and ability to understand the operations of power projects

- Excellent project management skills with a highly organized approach

Physical Demands:

- Position will require sitting for long periods of time.

- Occasionally lift 20-pound or more

- Willingness and ability to travel at least 50% of time

LRE considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the salary range for the Development Associate is 60,000 to 80,000 annually. Compensation is set within the range based on each candidate’s background, with the potential to grow as responsibilities and experience increase. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit: https://www.lreus.com/about-us/careers/

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.

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.