Sr. Development Associate

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.

Summary:

The Senior Development Associate provides support for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment.  The Senior Development Associate will focus on identifying and securing new energy storage, solar and wind 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.

Responsibilities:

- Lead market analysis and site selection for greenfield development

- Identify and facilitate project acquisitions

- Acquire land leases for greenfield opportunities and maintain relationships with landowners for existing projects

- Manage environmental assessment campaigns and associated external consultants

- Manage discretionary permitting activities at all levels of government

- 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 energy analysis, engineering, and operations

- Determine the financial viability of projects together with the corporate finance department

- Represent the company at regional industry association meetings and caucuses

- Facilitate the preparation of RFP responses

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree (engineering concentration desirable), MBA a strong plus.

- Minimum 2 to 5 years of previous experience in energy project development required – preferably in energy storage projects. Solar, wind, or natural gas electricity generation also relevant.

- Solid understanding of the development process of major power projects

- Ability to deal with local community dynamics, negotiate with utilities, as well as negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.

- Exposure to energy storage and renewable energy issues and economics.

- Experience in US power markets, utilities, interconnection issues, and Power Purchase Agreements - preferably in the southwest US.

- Technical understanding 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

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.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:

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.