Development Manager, DER

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

We are seeking an experienced and professional Development Manager to join our Distributed Energy Resources (DER) team to help manage the growth, development, and execution of our growing portfolio of distributed energy / community solar projects across the United States. Our Developers are directly responsible for assisting with and/or handling the development activities within the projects that they are assigned. Such activities include the permitting process, lease negotiations, the interconnection process, project area research, compilation, and presentation of analysis to both internal and external stakeholders, tracking budgets and schedules, project marketing strategy, working with project consultants, and more. You will assist in leading community and client relationships throughout the development process, and you will work together with our internal teams at every stage of development to help us successfully get our projects to the finish line.

Our ideal candidate will come into this role with a genuine interest in renewable energy and at least 3 years of renewable energy project development experience. You have a solid track record of exemplary teamwork and enjoy working on a dynamic and diverse team. You understand all things project development, can negotiate contracts, and have no problem organizing, planning, and meeting deadlines for large multi-faceted projects. You seize the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and you thrive in an environment that requires flexibility and adaptation to constant change, shifting demands, and moving timelines. Our ideal candidate is a problem-solver and a personable self-starter who can independently complete tasks on schedule. 

• Hours: Full Time
• Type: Exempt
• Department: Distributed Energy Resources
• Travel: 40%

Primary Responsibilities: 

The Development Manager, DER is responsible for the following:   

• Manage various project development aspects of distributed energy / community solar projects across our United States portfolio
• Work closely with the DER Team to uncover new opportunities and drive forward existing projects under development
• Manage the local, state and federal permitting processes
• Coordinate the project interconnection process
• Oversee project environmental and wildlife studies in coordination with our Environmental Permitting Team
• Organize, track, and manage project budgets, schedules and proformas
• Manage and support the negotiation of power purchase and asset agreements
• Compile and analyze data for project stakeholders and partners
• Work cross-departmentally to maintain clear communication at all stages of the project development process
• Responsible for smooth collaboration between various internal departments
• Research, conduct self-guided analysis, produce reports, and present information clearly to senior leadership
• Oversee project consultants: environmental, engineering, transmission, etc.
• Travel to project site locations and attending stakeholder meetings (up to 40%)

To succeed as a Development Manager, DER at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• At least 3 years leading the utility-scale and/or distributed energy project development process in a project developer or adjacent role directly managing activities including but not limited to the permitting process, lease negotiations, interconnection process, project area research, budgets and schedules, and project strategy.
• Experience working in local planning/zoning/economic development offices is a plus
• Demonstrated successful track record in project development and contract negotiations
• Experience with commercial solar and energy storage markets
• Strong working knowledge of project financial models
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and lead multi-disciplinary teams on large, multi-faceted, multi-million-dollar projects
• Strong organization skills and ability to handle time to meet frequently changing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
• Strong work ethic and ability to productively take ownership of projects while communicating collaboratively throughout the project’s life cycle.
• Adept at problem-solving
• Articulate with the ability to assist with management, client, and public presentations.
• Strong computer and research skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willing and able to travel 40% to project sites across our US portfolio
• Strong preference to work from our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA.

At Apex Clean Energy, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed in the job description. Your unique experiences and skills could be the perfect fit for our team!

If you are passionate about renewable energy and want to join us in accelerating the shift to clean energy, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application for our team’s review!

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

When travelling, may work in an outdoor environment, which may be noisy and fast paced and subject to inclement weather.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

At this time, Apex will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.