Director, Project Development

Basic Function

The Director of Project Development will lead the strategy, origination, and execution of large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the U.S., with a focus on natural gas, power generation, and data center-related energy solutions. This role is responsible for advancing projects from early-stage origination through financial close and notice-to-proceed (NTP), while driving cross-functional alignment and external partnerships. The Director will play a critical leadership role in shaping the company's development pipeline, evaluating new market opportunities, and ensuring successful project execution in increasingly complex regulatory and commercial environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the full lifecycle development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects—including natural gas-fired generation, pipeline/interconnect infrastructure, renewable energy, and data center energy solutions—from origination through NTP.
• Own development strategy and pipeline growth, identifying and executing on greenfield and acquisition opportunities across target U.S. markets.
• Direct due diligence efforts on project and portfolio acquisitions, assessing commercial, technical, regulatory, and environmental risks and opportunities.
• Structure and negotiate complex transactions, including joint ventures, co-development agreements, and strategic partnerships to expand the development portfolio.
• Provide executive oversight of project financials, including pro forma modeling, capital structuring, and investment committee materials.
• Lead negotiation of key commercial agreements.
• Drive projects through financing and investment approvals, partnering closely with Capital Markets and external financing partners.
• Oversee permitting and regulatory strategy, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, particularly as they relate to natural gas infrastructure and emissions frameworks.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Strategy, Procurement, Construction, and external consultants to optimize project design, technology selection, and execution strategy.
• Manage senior stakeholder relationships, including utilities, ISOs/RTOs, regulators, landowners, and joint venture partners.
• Establish and enforce development best practices, including governance, risk management, budgeting, and scheduling across multiple concurrent projects.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing development team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in project development within the energy and infrastructure sector, with significant exposure to natural gas, thermal generation, or midstream infrastructure.
• Proven track record of successfully advancing large-scale projects to financial close and NTP.
• Deep understanding of natural gas markets, including gas supply, transportation, storage, and integration with power generation assets.
• Strong experience with project structuring and commercial negotiations, including PPAs, gas agreements, EPC contracts, and joint ventures.
• Expertise in project permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory processes, particularly for natural gas and power infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience overseeing project pro formas and investment decision-making.
• Familiarity with grid interconnection processes, ISOs/RTOs, and energy market dynamics.
• Experience with land acquisition, real estate agreements, title review, and ALTA surveys.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external executive audiences.
• Proficiency with standard business and project management tools (Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, etc.).

Locations

San Francisco Bay Area; San Diego, CA; Denver, CO preferred. The position requires up to 30% domestic travel.

Pay

Base Pay - $190,000 - $240,000. The pay range mentioned is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our team. In addition to competitive base pay, total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus, a long-term incentive plan aligned with our ownership mindset, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Benefits

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support