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Solar Project Development Manager Jobs in Deerfield, IL

Manage wind and/or solar projects within the United States * Lead development activities in early, mid, and/or late stages of the project * Align projects with long-term company strategy and ...

Position Overview As a Manager, Development, you will manage the development of data center ... Familiarity with solar project development, real estate development, transmission and power project ...

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Demonstrated success leading engineering for utility-scale solar and BESS projects from early development through commissioning and operational handoff is a plus. * Experience developing and managing ...

Position Overview As a Manager, Development, you will manage the development of data center ... Familiarity with solar project development, real estate development, transmission and power project ...

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Demonstrated success leading engineering for utility-scale solar and BESS projects from early development through commissioning and operational handoff is a plus. * Experience developing and managing ...

Position Overview As a Manager, Development, you will manage the development of data center ... Familiarity with solar project development, real estate development, transmission and power project ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Project Development Manager information

See Deerfield, IL salary details

$43.7K

$96.1K

$144.4K

How much do solar project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development manager in Deerfield, IL is $96,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar project development manager do?

A Solar Project Development Manager oversees the planning, development, and execution of solar energy projects from inception to completion. Their responsibilities include site selection, permitting, securing financing, managing stakeholder relationships, and coordinating with engineering and construction teams. They ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements, stay within budget, and meet deadlines. This role requires strong project management skills and a deep understanding of the solar energy industry.

What are some common challenges faced by solar project development managers during the permitting and approval process?

Solar Project Development Managers often encounter challenges navigating complex permitting and regulatory requirements, which can vary significantly by region. Coordinating with local authorities, addressing environmental impact concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws can lead to project delays. Proactively building relationships with stakeholders and staying up-to-date with evolving regulations are crucial for success in this role. Effective communication and negotiation skills help streamline approvals and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Solar Project Development Manager vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectSolar Project Development ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related fields; project management certifications are commonUsually holds an engineering degree; may have specific technical certifications in solar or electrical engineering
Work EnvironmentFocuses on project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overseeing development phasesEngages in technical design, system analysis, and engineering implementation
Industry UsageUsed in project planning, development, and management within solar companies and EPC firmsFound in technical design, system integration, and engineering teams in solar projects

The Solar Project Development Manager primarily handles project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overall development, while the Solar Project Engineer focuses on technical design and engineering aspects. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and work closely within the solar project lifecycle, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar project development manager?

To thrive as a Solar Project Development Manager, you need expertise in renewable energy project management, financial analysis, site assessment, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), GIS tools, permitting systems, and knowledge of energy market regulations is highly valuable. Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully guiding complex solar projects from inception to completion, ensuring regulatory adherence, profitability, and stakeholder satisfaction.
What cities near Deerfield, IL are hiring for Solar Project Development Manager jobs? Cities near Deerfield, IL with the most Solar Project Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Project Development Manager job openings in Deerfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,142 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Community & Municipal Engagement Manager - Community Solar (Illinois)

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Us
 
Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today - we're changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power - delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America's energy and future right where it's needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we're reshaping how - and how fast - energy gets built in the U.S.
 
Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
 
Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
 
We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously - but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we're collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other - whether that's troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
 
If you're looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment - and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. - we'd love to meet you.
 
About The Role
Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with municipalities, elected officials, community-based organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and local business leaders.
  • Developing partnerships that support subscriber acquisition for community solar projects.
  • Educating municipalities, community organizations, businesses, and residents about the benefits of Illinois' CDCS Program and community solar generally.
  • Working with local partners to identify and engage residential and commercial subscribers.
  • Help facilitate and enroll residential customers at in-person engagement events.
  • Representing the company at community meetings, events, workshops, conferences, and public outreach activities.
  • Building long-term relationships that strengthen our presence throughout Illinois.
  • Identifying strategic partnership opportunities that expand access to community solar.
  • Maintaining accurate records of outreach activities, partnerships, donations, and subscriber opportunities.
  • Serving as a trusted resource for community stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of our projects.
  • Lead stakeholder engagement and support, and ongoing engagement commitments, for new community solar project applications.
  • Collaborating with and supporting internal marketing, policy/legal, compliance, operations, project development, and subscriber acquisition teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in community engagement, government relations, public affairs, business development, economic development, nonprofit leadership, clean energy, utilities, or related fields.
  • Existing relationships within the Chicagoland municipal and nonprofit communities are highly desirable.
  • Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to be a self-starter and work independently while collaborating with a high-performing remote team.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the Chicagoland area for meetings and events; driver's license and vehicle preferred (travel is reimbursed)
  • Experience with community solar, renewable energy, utilities, or public policy is preferred but not required.
What Success Looks Like
  • Build and maintain meaningful partnerships with municipalities and community organizations.
  • Increase awareness of community solar throughout Illinois.
  • Help residents and businesses reduce their electricity costs through participation in community solar.
  • Generate qualified subscriber opportunities that support the success of our growing portfolio of community solar projects.
  • Become a trusted ambassador for our company and the communities we serve.
  • Support new project development through community engagement.
  • Help Solar Landscape maintain good standing and compliance within the CDCS programs and commitments we've made.
$75,000 - $100,000 a year
Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
Benefits and Perks
 
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
 
       Training / Professional development opportunities
       401(k) with 4% company match
       Summer Fridays
       Flexible remote/hybrid work options
       Paid parental leave
       Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
       Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
       Medical, dental, and vision coverage
       Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
 
 
 
ADA Accommodation Statement
 
Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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