Project Development Manager Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

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 nearly 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. 

The Vice President of Land Management at Apex Clean Energy is responsible for developing and executing the company’s land strategy in support of renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), and emerging clean energy technologies. This position plays a critical role in supporting Apex's mission to accelerate the transition to clean energy through innovative solutions. The VP of Land Management will oversee all land-related activities across the project life cycle, including site control, lease administration, title and mineral curative efforts, acquisition support, permitting support, and operational land management.

Hours/Type: Full Time, Exempt

Department: Land Management

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's land management strategy to support short- and long-term project development goals.
• Establish policies, standards, and best practices for land acquisition, lease production, land administration, and title curative efforts.
• Provide executive guidance regarding land-related risks, opportunities, and project viability.
• Participate in portfolio planning, budgeting, and project prioritization decisions.

Land Acquisition & Title

• Work closely with the development and legal teams to ensure that projects achieve and maintain sufficient site control for on-time project development and construction schedules.
• Oversee the production and processing of leases, easements, purchase agreements, and other land contracts necessary to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects.
• Oversee title review, curative activities, and ALTA survey review efforts required for the issuance of title policies for project financings.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, title companies, and consultants to resolve complex land and title-related issues.
• Support due diligence efforts for project financing, acquisitions, and portfolio level investment and financing initiatives.

Land Administration

• Oversee lease management, payment administration, compliance tracking, and contract obligations.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of land databases, GIS systems, and project records.
• Implement systems and controls that support audit readiness and data integrity.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with contractual obligations throughout development, construction, and operations.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing land management organization.
• Establish goals, performance metrics, and professional development plans for team members.
• Promote collaboration across departments and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capability and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity through the application of Lean and new technology to support portfolio growth and evolving business needs.

To succeed as a VP of Land Management at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Energy Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Real Estate Development, Law or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in land management, or renewable energy development
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and complex project portfolios.
• Strong understanding of leasing, title, survey, and land administration practices.
• Experience supporting utility-scale wind, solar, transmission, BESS, or energy infrastructure projects.
• Experience with GIS, land management software, and title management systems.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with land payment forecasting and financial modelling.
• Demonstrated experience improving organizational processes; exposure to Lean desired but not required
• Willingness to learn and apply new technology to the land management organization; working experience with Artificial Intelligence platforms like Claude and OpenAI desired.
• The Vice President of Land Management will work from our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA. We may consider remote work for the ideal candidate.

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.

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

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.