Director of Development

Grid United is a mission‑driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long‑haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility‑scale, multi‑state transmission projects that will provide long‑term economic benefits to communities, improve grid resiliency for homes and businesses, and deliver cost savings for electricity consumers.

About the Role

The Director of Development will lead the development of large‑scale electric transmission projects from early‑stage evaluation through permitting, commercial advancement, and construction readiness. Reporting to the Chief Development or Executive Officer, the role may be based in Houston, Texas, or near an active project area, depending on business and project needs.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes

• Lead the development of one or more complex transmission projects from early‑stage evaluation through permitting, commercial advancement, and construction readiness.
• Develop and manage integrated project strategies, budgets, schedules, risk registers, priorities, and executive reporting.
• Coordinate cross‑functional work across land, routing, environmental, regulatory, engineering, commercial, legal, finance, and communications teams.
• Direct local, state, and federal permitting and regulatory strategies, including environmental review and public utility commission processes.
• Oversee land acquisition, routing, stakeholder outreach, and community engagement activities in partnership with internal teams and external consultants.
• Build trusted relationships with landowners, utilities, customers, regulators, public officials, community leaders, and other project stakeholders.
• Partner with commercial and technical teams to evaluate market drivers, customer needs, interconnection requirements, project economics, and development opportunities.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, resolve complex development challenges, and provide clear recommendations to senior leadership.
• Select and manage consultants while coaching project managers and contributing to the continued improvement of Grid United's development processes and capabilities.

Core Behaviors

• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace.
• Build, maintain and value broad, deep stakeholder relationships, with a personal commitment to making a difference in the community.
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm, no‑blame way.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (advanced degree helpful but not required).
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, with substantial experience in electric transmission, renewable energy, or other linear infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated experience advancing complex infrastructure projects through multiple stages of development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating work across multiple internal functions and external partners.
• Working knowledge of land acquisition, routing, permitting, environmental review, engineering, regulatory, commercial, and community engagement activities.
• Experience developing and managing project budgets, schedules, risk registers, consultants, and executive reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with landowners, utilities, public officials, regulators, community leaders, customers, and other external stakeholders.
• Experience with state and federal permitting processes.
• Familiarity with NEPA and public utility commission proceedings is strongly preferred.
• Strong judgment and the ability to recognize, assess, communicate, and mitigate project risks.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to absorb complex information quickly and communicate the most important issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving environment with ambiguity, changing priorities, and multiple competing deadlines.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Familiarity with GIS tools, mapping platforms, project controls, and stakeholder or land‑management systems is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to project regions and stakeholder meetings.

Why This Opportunity Is Compelling

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever‑changing Rubik’s cube of high‑voltage transmission development in a fast‑paced, dynamic and innovative culture.
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Day‑to‑day collaboration with highly experienced and proven industry leaders.
• Empowerment to play a leading role in delivering large‑scale projects that will materially change the energy future of America.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with a positive social impact.
• Excellent financial backing from a leading energy investor with long‑term commitment, passion for energy, and an appetite to tackle transmission development challenges.

Benefits

Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long‑term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.