Vice President, Project Development

Role Overview

• Own and lead the Midwest development strategy, with primary responsibility for the Illinois market, including pipeline growth (market team building and management), prioritization, and capital efficiency
• Provide executive oversight of the development and delivery of profitable solar and storage projects across the region
• Partner with Development Services, Policy, Execution, and Grid Integration leadership to guide origination strategy, site selection, and interconnection approaches at both the project and market level
• Establish development best practices, processes, and performance standards to support consistent execution at scale
• Oversee consultants, contractors, and external partners to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality development outcomes
• Serve as a senior representative of BlueWave at community meetings, public hearings, and regulatory proceedings, including high-visibility and sensitive stakeholder engagements
• Act as a senior point of escalation for landowners, permitting authorities, utilities, engineers, and other external stakeholders
• Maintain deep expertise in Illinois solar incentive programs, policy developments, and regulatory frameworks
• Lead presentation of regional pipeline performance, project budgets, risk profiles, and capital requirements at Investment Committee (IC) and executive-level meetings
• Partner closely with the Capital Markets team to support financing strategies, transaction execution, project/pipeline acquisition, and asset sale processes
• Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local regulatory changes, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and strategic responses
• Represent BlueWave in interactions with investors, regulatory agencies, utilities, and strategic partners
• Ensure effective use of project management, document control, and MIS tools to support transparency, risk management, and executive reporting
• Oversee project documentation, milestone tracking, and readiness for handoff to construction and operations
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless transitions between development, construction, and operations
• Contribute to broader company strategy, growth initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred
• 10-15+ years of experience developing DG-scale solar and energy storage projects
• Located in Illinois, with preference for the Chicago area
• Demonstrated success leading regional or market-based renewable energy development portfolios
• Deep knowledge of solar PV technology, system design principles, and DG-scale development best practices
• Experience overseeing or coordinating the engineering and construction of energy storage facilities
• Familiarity with agricultural practices and operations, and/or demonstrated experience advancing dual-use agrivoltaic projects
• Strong working knowledge of renewable energy financing, capital markets, construction processes, and development-stage risk management
• Extensive familiarity with Illinois renewable energy policies, incentives, and permitting frameworks
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex portfolios, and drive results across multiple projects and timelines
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term market development with near-term execution priorities
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM and project tracking systems
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to conduct site visits, including uneven or sloped terrain.

Benefits

• Subsidized medical coverage
• 100% company-paid dental and vision
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options
• Commuting stipend for hybrid Massachusetts-based employees
• Voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, critical illness, and accident insurance
• 100% company-paid basic life/AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Unlimited PTO
• 15 paid holidays
• Summer Fridays
• Dedicated volunteer days