Job Title: Director of Project Development

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below. Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid — minimum in-office presence, e.g., three days per week) About the Role Lead and elevate the development of large-scale energy storage infrastructure projects from initial concept through pre-construction. Drive strategic, financial, and operational oversight for a diverse portfolio while nurturing key stakeholder relationships and advancing best-in-class practices. Key Responsibilities Strategic Portfolio Oversight Manage an expansive project portfolio—from desktop screening to Notice to Proceed (NTP)—ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and development goals. Stakeholder Engagement & Permitting Build and nurture critical relationships with landowners, regulatory bodies, first responders, environmental consultants, and interconnection entities to streamline permitting and licensing processes. Project Planning & Financial Management Create and maintain development plans, budgets, and timelines. Track performance and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget through all development phases. Cross-Functional Leadership Lead internal teams—permitting, interconnection, engineering—and external partners to drive execution toward NTP. Market & Technical Acumen Monitor evolving market dynamics, transmission trends, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes across regional markets (e.g., MISO, PJM, WECC). Due Diligence & Investment Support Oversee project due diligence for commercial and M&A opportunities. Prepare clear, compelling materials (e.g., board-level presentations) to support internal investment and approval processes. Best Practices Development Drive the establishment and adoption of development best practices to elevate processes, efficiency, and outcomes across the development team. Qualifications Experience 5 + years of leadership experience in energy infrastructure or energy storage project development, preferably standalone energy storage. Leadership & Execution Ability Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects under tight timelines. Regulatory, Permitting & Technical Knowledge Familiarity with permitting processes, interconnection, environmental regulations, and regional markets. Financial & Analytical Skills Strong budgeting, financial modeling, risk analysis, and ROI evaluation capabilities. Communication & Stakeholder Management Excellent verbal/written communication, presentation skills, and relationship-building talent. Adaptability & Initiative Comfortable navigating ambiguity and dynamic environments; takes ownership and works with a sense of urgency. Education (optional but advantageous) Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related discipline. Project Development or Management certifications (e.g., PMP, IPMA, GAQM) are a plus. Work Environment & Travel Based in Chicago, IL , with a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence (e.g., three days per week). Travel expected, primarily to project sites and stakeholder meetings, especially during permitting or pre-construction phases.