Director of Solar and Resilience Project Development

Acre is proud to partner with Groundswell to hire their Director of Solar and Resilience Project Development.

​

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, versatile, and detail-oriented problem-solver with a passion for clean energy and social justice. Groundswell's Energy Programs team leads the delivery of the organization's solar, resilience, energy efficiency, and housing equity programs and projects in multiple states. As a key member of this team, the Director of Solar and Resilience Project Development is responsible for managing all functions pertaining to solar and resilience hub project planning, technical and financial due diligence, and contracting in accordance with Groundswell objectives and policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. As a leader in a dynamic and growing organization, the individual will implement new organizational capabilities, processes, and procedures that serve the growth and continuous improvement of all Groundswell programs.

​

Reporting to the VP of Energy Programs and working in close coordination with regional Energy Programs Leads and the Market Development team, the Director of Project Development will lead the technical aspects of project pipeline development, direct engineering analyses, help develop financing strategies, and engage in partnership cultivation and management in support of Groundswell's community solar, behind-the-meter solar, and energy resilience projects. The Director should be proficient at developing and reviewing legal agreements (including site control agreements with project owners and service agreements with contractors) with a variety of stakeholders. The Director must also possess a working knowledge of project finance, including equity and debt structures associated with various project ownership models, to effectively advance projects from the prospecting phase into construction and operation.

​

In alignment with Groundswell's strategic plan, the Director of Solar and Resilience Project Development will focus on delivering projects across multiple markets, including rural areas, that braid different programmatic funding sources to reduce energy burdens for participating customers by at least 50% and to drive revenue for the organization. The Director will also be responsible for overseeing feasibility analyses for additional prospective sites as part of continual project pipeline cultivation. A strong teamwork orientation will be important. A commitment to real-time sharing of information across the Groundswell enterprise is essential to execute programs and deliver results with excellence and integrity.

The candidate must have the passion and drive it takes to thrive in a values-based, results-driven nonprofit organization where serving our neighbors through our mission is our key metric. In addition, the candidate should be able to manage multiple projects concurrently, deliver results, and handle administrative duties supporting each program. An ideal candidate will possess an existing knowledge of clean energy and be motivated to learn continuously.

​

Groundswell is a values-driven social enterprise committed to a culture of belonging, and we invite you to review their strategic plan and values as you apply.

​

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Solar and Resilience Project Pipeline Management

Lead day-to-day processes for solar and resilience hub site evaluation, analysis, and management across multiple markets, with accountability for all processes and procedures supporting project development, construction, and operations and maintenance:

• Serve as senior project manager for all personnel, contractors, and partners involved in technical site evaluation and contracting

• Serve as team leader for host site development and construction activities, including technical analyses, partner agreements, construction planning, and operations & maintenance needs

• Oversee the development of all legal documents required for successful host site engagement, including site control, ensuring the highest degree of compliance and quality

• Supervise the technical project development process, including site visits, assessing land and rooftops for the suitability of solar panels, initial project design in software systems, and determining the technical and financial feasibility of projects

• Communicate effectively and accurately with current and prospective future host sites about project design details, legal documents such as customer agreements and project term sheets, and cost savings calculations

• Participate in team meetings to assess ongoing project development processes and timelines; maintain knowledge of project status

• Monitor trends, regulations, government-sponsored programs, and best practices in solar project development and present analysis to organizational leadership

• Standardize, document, and streamline business processes around solar site development to ensure replicability and the highest degree of quality

• Monitor and report on the pipeline of prospective solar and resilience projects

​

Revenue Development

• Evaluate new funding opportunities, provide reporting information for existing funders, and support Groundswell's efforts to cultivate new prospective funders for the organization's projects and programs, toward a goal of $1.1 million in revenue associated with grant, prize, and service contract opportunities and development fees for resilience hubs and community solar projects by year-end 2026

​

Program Management

Manage the efficient operation of programs under supervision:

• Collaborate with project leaders and community partners as a representative of Groundswell

• Provide timely and accurate financial data, project status updates, and market intelligence in order to assist senior executives in performing their responsibilities

• Develop strategic and tactical plans in response to evolving regulatory environments

• Develop, implement, and improve policies, procedures, and technology that will drive the overall operation and effectiveness of Groundswell

• Manage Groundswell's ongoing relationships with state and local governmental officials and organizations by monitoring public policies, grants, and programs

• Promptly identify emergent issues and risks and recommend viable solutions

​

Overall Management Responsibilities

As a member of the management team at Groundswell:

• Support the development of Groundswell's plans and programs within and outside business line responsibilities

• Demonstrate prudent management of human resources and Groundswell assets

• Serve as a representative of Groundswell in public forums, with local government and partner organizations, and in the community, including the development of webinars, blogs, social media content, and other materials

• Support the pursuit of opportunities aligned with the Groundswell mission, including grants and mission-related investment

• Seek opportunities to drive continuous improvement in Groundswell programs, processes, and procedures

• Identify and respond to emerging risks and opportunities

• Seek opportunities to drive the continuous improvement in Groundswell programs, processes, and procedures in alignment with Groundswell's core values of excellence and equity

• Support justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Groundswell energy program implementation

​

In this work, the Director of Solar and Resilience Project Development will reflect Groundswell's Core Values. Key values that will be uplifted through this role include:

• Integrity: We uphold the values of Groundswell in every action and decision. We hold ourselves accountable for gathering facts, sweating the details, performing analysis, and validating

• Respect: We respect and treat each other with We value each other's contribution to the team. We treat our communities with respect.

• Support Each Other: We are committed to building an encouraging, caring, and supportive environment. We foster teamwork and collaboration across departments and with customers.

• Get Stuff Done: We work with a sense of urgency. We take pride in our work and bring our A-game to all our interactions.

​

COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Project Management

• Resource Planning

• Problem Solving/Analysis

• Communication

• Renewable Energy Programs

• State and Local Energy Policy and Programs

​

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree

• At least 5 years of experience and a successful track record of managing projects and programs involving community partners

• Demonstrated management capabilities including project planning, project supervision, engagement of community members, contract management, and team supervision

• Demonstrated expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental management, construction management, or related fields