Strategic Development Manager Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

About Us
East Point Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates grid-scale energy storage projects. As an Equinor company and independent power producer, our team is currently developing gigawatts of energy storage projects throughout the country to build a clean, resilient, and affordable electric grid for the future.    
East Point hires great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If this position interests you, but you don’t meet every qualification listed below, we still encourage you to apply — your unique experiences and perspectives may be just what we’re looking for.   
Read more about our core values (driven, dependable, & collaborative) here.   
Title: Project Development Manager 
We are seeking a Project Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale energy storage projects across key RTO/ISO markets. This high impact role will be responsible for leading activities related to the development of individual projects as well as coordinating development activities across one or more portfolios at the RTO/ISO level. The position is designed to be a player-coach role, with opportunities to both lead a cross-functional team during development as well as serve as an individual contributor by directing development activities for select individual projects. This role will report directly to the VP of Project Development.   

Roles & Responsibilities:    

Portfolio Management 

• Lead cross-functional team of Project Developers and Development Engineers across one or more RTO/ISO(s); integrate additional internal/external subject matter experts to drive disciplined, efficient, and holistic project development 
• Oversee the full development lifecycle for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s), ensuring alignment with company objectives and portfolio priorities  
• Conduct portfolio management activities including oversight of project schedules, development budgets, key project risks, and progress toward critical milestones across assigned RTO/ISOs  
• Drive success at the project and campaign levels by coordinating with various internal departments and subject matter experts, including but not limited to: 
• Project Development leadership to support pipeline growth and maturation, including problem solving for complex development challenges  
• Business Development team to support project valuation, financial modeling, and commercial decision-making 
• Policy team to help monitor and shape regulatory, legislative, and market policy initiatives that impact project value and risk 
• Community Engagement team to prioritize and resource stakeholder engagement efforts, permitting strategy, and other local community risk mitigation activities  
• Finance and Control team regarding budget projections, tracking spending and variance, and various financial processes 
• East Point leadership to secure approval for necessary funding for development activities, provide strategic pipeline updates, and ensure alignment on development priorities and risk profiles  
• Lead investment decision activities required to advance projects through internal stage gates during development process 
• Support investment decision activities that require parent company approval for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s) 
• Manage relationships and coordinate externally with relevant vendors, subcontractors, trade groups, industry experts, utilities, etc. to ensure project and campaign consistency in approach and project level success 
• Support VP of Project Development in advancing continuous improvement initiatives for the project development team to maintain and iterate upon existing tools and processes 

  Development & Project Management 

• Serve as Project Development lead for select projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s), maintaining responsibility for all Project Development functions including but not limited to: 
• Prospecting and researching target areas for project siting 
• Negotiating and securing site control 
• Managing relationships with landowners and local project stakeholders 
• Securing discretionary and ministerial permitting 
• Negotiating and securing tax abatements 
• Identifying and resolving title issues 
• Coordinating with Business Development in securing project-level revenue 
• Monitoring and participating in regulatory and legislative policy initiatives 
• Working independently, leading the internal project team, and working with outside parties, such as landowners, permit officers, consultants, brokers, equipment vendors, contractors, etc. 
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned 

  Skills: 

• Proficiency with Microsoft software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.) 
• Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication; able to communicate to audiences with varying degrees of technical understanding 
• Public speaking experience required inclusive of experience presenting projects at public hearings 
• Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication; able to communicate to audiences with varying degrees of technical understanding 
• Development risk identification and assessment 
• Proficiency with project management software 
• Preference will be given to those with experience using Salesforce, Anderson Optimization, and GIS 

  Licensing and Travel Requirements: 

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record 
• Ability to travel independently 

  Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to walk unassisted over undeveloped land and uneven terrain 
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time 

  Characteristics of an ideal candidate: 

• Passion for renewable energy development and the environment 
• Creative problem-solving ability and solutions-oriented mindset 
• Self-starter with a desire to succeed and a focus on creating value 
• Team player and leader, proactive attitude 
• Organized, attention to detail 
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment 
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly and a bias for action 
• Integrity and accountability 

  Education & Experience: 

• Proven experience leading projects supported by cross-functional team collaboration  
• 5+ years of energy storage or power development experience 
• 4-year university degree, BS or BA or equivalent 

  Travel & Time Commitment: 

• Up to 30% of time will be on the road; will vary based on status of projects  
• Work travel includes independent site visits and landowner meetings  
• This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. Standard office hours are from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM EST. The demands of projects may require work outside of these times.  

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $142,000 - $186,000 annually, plus eligibility for an annual bonus. Salary will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and internal equity 
• Comprehensive benefit package includes health, dental, & vision insurance; short-term & long-term disability coverage; life insurance; 401(k) & employer match; parental leave; paid time off, sick leave, and holidays; access to an EAP; and education, parking, and gym membership stipends 

Location: 

• East Point Energy office in Charlottesville, VA preferred  
• Open to applicants living in TX

This job description is not inclusive of all requirements for the position. Employees will perform any other duties as may be required by their manager.   

**East Point Energy is an E-Verify Employer**