Associate, Project Development

About the role

The Associate, Project Development supports and directly manages the development of projects across the West region of the U.S. for Clearway Energy Group. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and supporting the development of complex large-scale renewable energy projects from initial project proposal and siting, through to permitting, design, interconnection, approval, contracting, financing, and handover to construction.
• Identifying, proposing, and implementing creative or alternative project development approaches that reduce exposure to permitting risks, optimize development schedules, or create additional project value.
• Supporting or managing due diligence on development-stage projects and portfolio acquisitions, including comparison and prioritization of multiple opportunities based on common siting, permitting, interconnection, power marketing, and other project metrics.
• Supporting the administration of development services agreements with local/regional development partners; managing a network of local project stakeholders (e.g., technical consultants, surveyors, land persons, etc.).
• Collaborating with the internal Land Acquisition team to perform and/or manage third-party-led land campaigns to secure adequate site control to support generation and interconnection facilities.
• Collaborating with the engineering team and external consultants to evaluate site layouts and constraints, technology options, schedule implications, interconnection applications, and studies.
• Coordinating and providing input to project interconnection requests, load-flow and congestion studies, and other necessary aspects of securing project transmission.
• Supporting the negotiation and diligence of critical project contracts and agreements, including PPAs, GIAs, Turbine Supply Agreements, and EPC contracts.
• Supporting projects through financing diligence efforts to support obtaining cash equity, tax equity, and/or project debt commitments before the start of construction, and at term conversion.
• Coordinating and strategizing with the Origination team on the marketing of development-stage projects for new power purchase and offtake agreements, including submitting responses to Request for Proposals (RFPs).
• Creating and managing project budgets and schedules, including navigating internal project stage-gate reviews and investment decisions.
• Helping prepare and present materials describing project development opportunities to management.
• Maintaining industry relationships/contacts and current knowledge of market drivers and industry trends to facilitate proactive development posture and early-mover positioning as opportunities materialize.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support the development of complex large-scale renewable energy projects from initial project proposal and siting, through to permitting, design, interconnection, approval, contracting, financing, and handover to construction.
• Identify, propose, and implement creative or alternative project development approaches that reduce exposure to permitting risks, optimize development schedules, or create additional project value.
• Support or manage due diligence on development-stage projects and portfolio acquisitions, including comparison and prioritization of multiple opportunities based on common siting, permitting, interconnection, power marketing, and other project metrics.
• Support the administration of development services agreements with local/regional development partners; manage a network of local project stakeholders (e.g., technical consultants, surveyors, land persons, etc.).
• Collaborate with the engineering team and external consultants to evaluate site layouts and constraints, technology options, schedule implications, interconnection applications, and studies.
• Coordinate and provide input to project interconnection requests, load-flow and congestion studies, and other necessary aspects of securing project transmission.
• Support the negotiation and diligence of critical project contracts and agreements, including PPAs, GIAs, Turbine Supply Agreements, and EPC contracts.
• Support projects through financing diligence efforts to support obtaining cash equity, tax equity, and/or project debt commitments before the start of construction, and at term conversion.
• Coordinate and strategize with the Origination team on the marketing of development-stage projects for new power purchase and offtake agreements, including submitting responses to Request for Proposals (RFPs).
• Create and manage project budgets and schedules, including navigating internal project stage-gate reviews and investment decisions.
• Help prepare and present materials describing project development opportunities to management.
• Maintain industry relationships/contacts and current knowledge of market drivers and industry trends to facilitate proactive development posture and early-mover positioning as opportunities materialize.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, finance, environmental science, or a related field is required.
• Understanding and ability to navigate complex permitting pathways for energy projects in the western United States.
• Ability to travel as required to projects within the footprint of Clearway’s West Region (>25%).
• Minimum of 2 years of applicable experience in the renewable energy industry in the U.S., with direct experience and competence in full life-cycle development of utility-scale solar and/or wind projects.
• Experience and familiarity with all facets of land development: landowner engagement and negotiation/contracting, title resolution, subdivision, agricultural land use/water restrictions, land (ALTA) surveys, GIS, and other real estate elements as required.
• A high level of critical thought and a drive to manage and/or support multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience managing project schedules and project budgets, as well as an understanding of key project value levers (commercial, financial, etc.).

Qualifications

• Advanced study in business, finance, law, environmental science, or public policy is highly preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of governmental mandates, environmental regulations, or customer/market signals that impact or facilitate new development of renewable projects in Clearway’s West Region are preferred.
• Battery storage experience a plus.
• Knowledge of the CAISO and or WECC power and transmission markets is preferred.

Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Clearway offers a comprehensive menu of benefits including:

• Generous PTO
• Medical, dental & vision care
• HSA with company contributions
• Health FSA
• Dependent daycare FSA
• Commuter benefits
• Relocation
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Life & accident insurances
• Fertility programs
• Adoption assistance
• Generous parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Benefits for employees in same-sex marriages, civil unions & domestic partnerships

Pay

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location, skills, relevant and demonstrated experience, education, training and certifications, and other factors permitted by law. This role is eligible to earn an annual cash bonus, subject to personal and company performance goals.

Salary Range Across all U.S. Locations: $120,000 - $160,000 USD