Project Development Manager

About Us

East Point Energy is a development firm focused on the origination, construction, and operation of energy storage projects. Our team is currently developing gigawatts of energy storage projects throughout the country, helping to transform the grid into a renewable, resilient, and affordable system for generations to come. East Point is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equinor, a broad international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future.

East Point’s nimble team is comprised of hard-working, strategic problem solvers who are passionate about sustainability. We are technology and contractor agnostic, allowing us to find the best solution for each project. The firm’s executive team founded East Point in 2018, bringing decades of combined energy development experience and over 1.8 gigawatts of solar, wind, and energy storage projects currently in operation across the United States. Success for East Point is measured by delivering affordable energy storage solutions that benefit the grid, communities, and our environment.

East Point is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We hire 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. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they feel they are fully qualified in every way. We also know that sometimes the best candidates do not check every box. If you are interested in learning more, we would love to hear from you.

Title: Project Development Manager

The Project Development Manager is responsible for leading activities related to the development of energy storage projects and leading and managing development activities across one or more campaigns at the RTO/ISO level. The position requires both managing a team as well as, at times, being the individual contributory directly leading development activities, i.e. being the boots on the ground for the individual projects. The role also requires renewable energy development experience as well as experience developing renewable energy projects and managing both teams and processes. This role reports directly to the Director of Project Development.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Campaign Management

• Lead a cross-functional team of Project Developers, Development Engineers, and supporting subject matter experts from Legal, Policy, Community Engagement, etc. working in support of holistic development activities across one or more RTO/ISO
• Overseeing the development process for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s), especially as it relates to site control, landowner/local stakeholder relationships, permitting, tax optimization, and resolving outstanding real estate issues
• Managing the administrative responsibilities associated with projects and the host Power Markets relative to project schedules, budgeting, etc. for projects within assigned  RTO/ISO(s)
• Coordinate internally among various departments and subject matter experts to ensure project and campaign level success, including but not limited to:
  • Project Development team leadership to support the growth of the real estate and project pipelines, assisting in problem solving across the various aspects of siting strategy
  • Business Development team to create and manage the financial project models for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s)
  • Policy team to help monitor and participate in regulatory, legislative, and market policy initiatives
  • Community Engagement team to ensure appropriate project level priorities are receiving necessary support from internal and external resources
  • Finance and Control team regarding budget projections, tracking spending and variance, and various financial processes
  • Internal management to ensure adequate funding for development activities, strategic pipeline updates within assigned RTO/ISO(s), and other areas of company decision making
• Lead Final Investment Decision process 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 Director 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 landowner 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.

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 with experience presenting projects at public hearings strongly preferred

• 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

• Must be able to walk over undeveloped land unassisted, travel unassisted and sit at a computer for long periods of time
• Safe driving record, valid driver’s license

Characteristics of an ideal candidate:

• Passion for 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:

• 5+ years of utility scale renewable / storage industry experience strongly preferred
• 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.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) & Employer Match
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Holidays
• Education, Parking, and Gym Membership Stipends

Location: East Point Energy office in Charlottesville, VA

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