Director, Economic Development

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

Urban Grid is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as the Director of Economic Development. This role requires a seasoned leader with extensive experience in local community engagement activities related to renewable energy and a strong focus on local government relations. The Director will play a crucial role in managing a team of 2+ direct reports dedicated to supporting economic and community development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Government Relations: Lead efforts in securing Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Special Use Permits (SUPs), and Site Plan Approvals. Collaborate with local governments on drafting and modifying solar ordinances to ensure successful project development.
• Community Engagement: Engage with local government officials, key influencers, and stakeholders to communicate the economic and environmental benefits of utility-scale solar facilities. Build and maintain positive relationships with community members to ensure projects are developed with good community standing.
• Project Management: Oversee engagement activities from early-stage development through pre-construction. Build coalitions of support for our project pipeline across PJM, TVA, MISO, and growth markets.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team focused on achieving strategic objectives in economic development and community relations. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment.
• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate with various teams across the organization, including land acquisition, project development, and commercial operations (M&A and RFPs), to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.

Location: Houston or Richmond vicinity preferred, or hybrid working may be acceptable for this role and will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.  

Travel: 50%

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, political science or other related field.  
• Minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience, in economic development, public relations, community outreach, land development or related work.
• 3+ years of solar industry experience preferred; experience working for a Utility, IPP, or Developer is a plus.
• Experience with project management, managing time-sensitive activities, coordinating public events and  delivering public presentations in strategic collaboration with a team.
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work both individually and/or in a collaborative team environment with minimal guidance.
• Must be able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, developing and maintaining internal and external relationships as new business opportunities are pursued.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to coordinate and communicate across a broad range of commercial and technical discussions.
• Must have strong organizational capacity to simultaneously manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and be able to quickly adapt to changes and shift priorities as required.
• Familiarity with relevant industry topics, project development and contract origination is helpful but not required.
• Results-oriented with a strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
• Proven experience in economic development, community engagement, and government relations within the renewable energy sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory processes and experience in securing permits and approvals.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of successfully navigating complex projects through to completion.

Benefits

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.