Director, Development

UGE · New York, NY · 2 days ago

HybridOTHRFull-time

About UGE

UGE is a full lifecycle renewable energy development company specializing in distributed generation and utility-scale solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We develop, design, build, and operate clean energy assets across the United States from the first site assessment through to commercial operation. We're a mission-driven team that moves fast, solves hard problems, and is genuinely committed to accelerating the clean energy transition.

About the Role

The Director of Development oversees the Development Department and leads a team of Project Developers, Interconnection Specialists, and Project Development Managers in advancing UGE's solar and energy storage projects to Notice to Proceed (NTP). This role is responsible for supervising all aspects of the company's project development function, including team resourcing and hiring, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. The Director of Development will also report directly to the Chief Operating Officer on departmental progress, performance, and key milestones.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Provide project development expertise and guidance to the development team, leading the team through resolving development issues efficiently and cost effectively.
Set the team's roadmap in alignment with the company's strategy, lead budget and workforce planning, and serve as a role model by exemplifying the company's culture, values, and principles.
Identify opportunities and risks related to project development in the markets in which UGE is active and implement strategy to capitalize on the opportunities and manage the risks.
Manage development budgets and schedules with precision and accountability.

Team Leadership & Development

Drive the progression of the development pipeline, and newly acquired M&A, to NTP, ensuring all construction debt and tax equity closing requirements are met.
Manage a semi-remote team of project development managers, Interconnection Specialists, and project developers.
Collaborate closely with the Director of M&A to conduct diligence and efficiently integrate newly acquired projects into UGE's development pipeline.

Project & Process Management

Monitor and report on development status, including accurate NTP forecasts, resource needs and constraints, budgets, project development risks and opportunities.
Drive external parties to support the efficient completion of development and financing diligence scopes.
Collaborate with the team and provide expertise to troubleshoot and resolve challenges on individual projects.
Implement effective processes to coordinate with other UGE functions (engineering, deployment, project finance, M&A) to ensure a smooth flow of projects through the development lifecycle.

Competencies & Skills

Leadership & Vision

Deeply familiar with the distributed generation development process and able to train and lead others in identifying and solving development problems.
Ability to inspire, coach, and motivate a team of Developers and Interconnection Specialists.
Able to dig deep into project specific details, but also able to comprehend UGE's overall corporate strategy and plan for the bigger picture.

Analytical & Problem Solving

Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Adept at managing complex development projects and solving technical challenges.

Collaboration & Adaptability

Team player who works well in cross-functional environments and adapts to evolving business needs.
Ability to manage change effectively and pivot strategies as required.

Communication

Demonstrated excellence in written and spoken communication.
Experience working with and managing remote employees.

Qualifications

Proven experience in leading high-performing development teams with multiple direct reports and a meaningful volume of NTPs/closed financings.
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred. An engineering degree or related field is a strong preference.
Commitment to working with integrity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a range of audiences (e.g., management, team members, engineers, internal & external stakeholders, contractors, and customers).
Excellent analytical skills, including familiarity with project financial concepts (financial models, IRRs, budgets, basic accounting).
Deep experience in and familiarity with the project development process, including site control, utility/interconnection, curative title, permitting, and financing diligence, and interacting with other functions including engineering, deployment, and finance.
Experience with buy-side M&A project acquisitions and leading projects through financing diligence and closings.
Understanding of costs and timelines associated with the development of DG-scale solar/storage projects.
Project management, organization skills, and ability to prioritize and problem-solve within a complex and dynamic environment.
At least 7–10 years of relevant experience in a similar role, with directly transferable skills.

Schedule

This is an onsite hybrid position. Candidates are expected to work from either our New York City or Denver office four days per week, with one work-from-home day each week. Candidates who are not currently located within commuting distance of either office must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Benefits

Competitive and thoughtfully structured compensation package, including a strong base salary that reflects your experience and the impact you bring to the role.
Fully paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
401(k) with employer match.
Generous time off to unplug, recharge, and take care of what matters most.
Join a smart, collaborative, mission-driven team that's actively accelerating the transition to a clean-energy future and making a real impact on the health of our planet.