Director, Project Development in Chicago

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Job DescriptionJob DescriptionLocation Preferences: Denver, CO ()Chicago, ILBaltimore, MDRemote in the US will be considered
ROLE OVERVIEW The Director, Project Development, will lead the execution of solar and solar + energy storage projects located in urban, commercial, and infrastructure-adjacent settings. This role exists at the intersection of Pivot’s Corporate Clean Energy Solutions (“CCES”), Project Development – Origination (“PD-O”), and Project Development – Execution (“PD-E”) teams, serving as the dedicated owner of post-contract development execution for built-environment projects across all origination teams. This hire is the foundational step in Pivot’s evolving development execution organizational structure, tasked with establishing excellence in built-environment and storage project execution, just as Pivot has done with its traditional greenfield portfolio As Pivot’s commercial pipeline continues to grow, particularly in urban settings, this role ensures that the full development scope—including site diligence, zoning approval/discretionary permitting, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement—is consistently managed within PD-E’s specialized processes. The Director will take over primary responsibility for PD-E’s scope following contract or LOI signature, allowing CCES to remain focused on business development, client relationships, origination, and early-stage analysis. This successful candidate will be responsible for managing client coordination, permitting strategy, interconnection, discretionary approvals, site use documentation, consultant coordination, and internal handoffs. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, comfort navigating complex jurisdictional environments (often with ambiguous or non-existent paths to permits/approvals), and the ability to manage multiple high-touch projects with clear communication and attention to detail. The Director will collaborate closely with internal teams (CCES, Engineering, Preconstruction, Project Management, Legal/Title, Structured Finance) and external stakeholders (site/building owners, permitting authorities, vendors) to move projects efficiently from contract to construction readiness. This role will lead site diligence and permitting for renewable energy facilities, and other major capital development projects, including battery energy storage systems (“BESS”), reflecting Pivot’s growing investment in storage expertise. It is a high-impact role designed for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and is excited to help scale Pivot’s work in the built environment.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• 4+ years of direct experience in urban-setting renewable energy development (rooftop, carport, or similar), with demonstrated experience in developing BESS projects (either standalone or storage-coupled)
• Excellent communication and public relations skills, and a positive attitude to enhance the company’s reputation through interpersonal interactions
• Experience managing or mentoring junior developers or consultants, with the ability to build out and lead a team as the function grows.
• Comfort speaking in public while presenting Pivot project concepts to recommending and decision-making bodies 
• Strong understanding of municipal planning, land use/zoning, and permitting processes
• Comfort in ambiguity, particularly in settings in which no obvious solution or path forward exists
• Naturally persuasive personality, ability to quickly develop strong personal rapport, and willingness to lead partners to solutions even when there isn’t a consensus on the best path forward
• Relentless drive and focus on solutions; ability to chart a path forward when others would give up
• Ability to anticipate project requirements and address long-lead time items to limit schedule slip
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and ability to communicate complex concepts within and outside of Pivot, including to C-Suite executives

COMPETENCIES

• Self-starter who can work with minimal supervision and who is not afraid to ask questions and take on tasks outside of their comfort zone
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage complex evaluation processes for a significant number of sites to inform sound project siting and related project decision making
• Understanding of real estate title, LLCs, tax maps, deeds, and parcel identification
• Ability to multitask, maintain flexibility, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong computer skills in all basic programs, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Earth, and ArcGIS are
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to sites and permitting authorities
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, make own travel arrangements, and be self-reliant

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 
The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000-175,000, along with eligibility for the company’s substantial bonus and commission plans, respectively, with a target bonus of 20% of annual salary (prorated in first year based on start date). Compensation will be based on factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Pivot Energy is dedicated to providing a great work experience for all employees, placing an emphasis on company culture and a focus on our people. To that end, Pivot offers an outstanding benefits package that includes:
• Excellent health/dental/vision insurance benefits with up to 100% of premiums covered by the company• Four weeks of vacation plus employment milestone bonus vacations• Company paid life insurance and short- & long-term coverage• Generous parental leave• 401(k) matching• Work from home stipend for new employees• Public transit reimbursement• PTO for volunteering in the community• Charitable donation matching up to $500/year• Professional development and educational reimbursements
A complete list of all the benefits Pivot offers may be provided upon request.
Recruitment Agency Notice: We appreciate your interest in partnering with us; however, we are not seeking recruitment agency support for this role.
ABOUT PIVOT
Pivot Energy is a renewable energy provider that develops, finances, builds, owns, and manages solar and energy storage projects that help decarbonize our nation’s electricity, increase equitable access to clean energy for local communities, and provide real cost-savings to American businesses andfamilies. We are fiercely dedicated to accelerating the rapid transition taking place in the energy industry to a more decentralized and cleaner approach to power . We are committed to positively contributing to the local communities and people we serve with more than clean energy. We believe global warming poses an existential threat to our planet and that we have a responsibility to help mitigate the threat. Our portfolio includes projects that reduce energy burden for income-limited families, create workforce pathways for under-represented groups within the solar industry, and include robust community investment opportunities. As a Certified B Corporation and one of Denver’s “Best Places to Work”, we believe that company success is driven by a healthy environment, thriving society, and workplace where all individuals are respected. We evaluate every internal decision on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to determine if our actions will result in a net positive impact on the community, our employees, customers, shareholders, and the environment. Learn more in our annual ESG Report. At Pivot, our core values guide our work internally and externally:·       Impact – We hold ourselves accountable to having a measurable impact on our people, communities, and the planet·       Balance – Put family first; work hard/have fun·       Determination – Find ways to be successful no matter how difficult the challenge·       Professionalism – Impress everyone we touch, be a team player·       Honesty – Be truthful and transparent, externally and internally·       Kindness – Create an environment where kindness, empathy, and vulnerability are embraced , EQUITY, and JUSTICE STATEMENT At Pivot, we are proactively developing and maintaining an inclusive culture, rooted in mutual respect, that supports a workforce of different , races, identities, orientations, ability statuses, religions, and cultures to work collaboratively together for greater impact. We seek to build a team that invests in relationship building, celebrates each other’s successes, and makes space for the unique contributions and working styles people bring into Pivot. Pivot invests in company-wide trainings, assessments, and programs to advance internal and equity practices, such as employee allyship building, cross-cultural communications, and equitable hiring and management protocols to increasingly recognize bias and ensure mutual respect and belonging. EEO STATEMENTPivot Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to increasing the of its workforce. We actively work to cultivate an inclusive culture that welcomes, empowers, and enables equitable career growth for employees regardless of background.

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