Chief Development Officer - Higher Ed. jobs in Arizona

The Position

Arevon is recruiting for the position of Chief Development Officer (CDO), an outstanding opportunity for individuals seeking an exciting, high-growth work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. With the continued growth and success at the Arevon, the company is looking to add a Chief Development Officer (CDO) onto the Arevon C-suite team. With more than $2.3 billion in solar and battery storage projects reaching financial close and start of construction at Arevon over the last 6 months, we expect to continue that path with a key addition of the CDO. 

The CDO will join Arevon’s executive committee and interface with the company board of directors and investors.

Job Description

The CDO will lead and grow the 25 person development team and the activities at Arevon to progress utility-scale solar and energy storage projects from conception through to construction-ready in locations across the United States including greenfield development, but also via acquisition of early and mid-stage development assets.

The CDO will lead the development team to progress our 6GW development pipeline of advanced development projects, as well as growing the pipeline through initiation of greenfield activities and mid-stage development M&A. The development team heads up project development activities from initial development stages including project siting,  land and real estate acquisition, local and regional permitting, tax abatement negotiations, community engagement, and all other development related issues to progress the project to ready-for-construction status. The CDO and the development team interfaces and coordinates internal resources, including engineering, interconnection, project finance and construction to advance projects to construction Notice to Proceed.

Arevon currently has a staff of more than 250 team members who have created a collaborative, diverse and dynamic culture. With an operating pipeline of 3.5GW, more than 1,500MW of projects in construction, and a solid investor base, the company is well positioned to continue to grow as a leader in the industry.

This position may be based in Scottsdale, AZ, New York City or remote with 30-40% travel expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and implementation of development activities including real estate acquisition, regional permitting, tax abatement negotiations, and community engagement.
• Lead, manage, mentor and grow the current team of 25 Project Developers and Analysts to advance development activities across a portfolio of utility scale solar and battery storage projects across the U.S.
• Assess impacts and risks to the project development path, develop mitigation plans and communicate these impacts to pertinent parties.
• Engage the development team to positively network within the landowning communities to bring new solar development opportunities to fruition, overcoming objections, and educating the landowners on the benefits of the project to their community.
• In collaboration with Arevon's Interconnection team, track interconnection processes, read and understand interconnection studies, and participate in interconnection agreement decisions.
• In conjunction with the Community Relations team, Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including elected officials, regulators, utilities, RTOs, and community leaders to support project development.
• Manage internal relationships including but not limited to legal, procurement, finance, development, engineering, and construction, and asset management.
• Understand and uphold company goals, strategies, and best practices to originate and execute project development.

Experience Requirements

• 15 to 20 years' prior experience including senior executive positions in renewable energy project development with demonstrated progression of executive responsibility.
• Experience in managing, leading, and motivating a team.
• Ability to comprehend complex documents and clearly and effectively communicate project risks and impacts.
• Strong intercultural communication, problem solving, organizational, decision making, and negotiation skills.
• Proven success in developing project portfolios.
• Experience in more than one region (WECC, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, etc.).
• Adapting to challenges and meeting project deadlines
• Working with internal and external teams, with involvement in the project from conception through construction.
• Regular domestic travel expected up to 40% of the time.
• Highly proficient in MS Office and associated applications.
• Must supply deal sheet of accomplished projects, totaling 1000 MW or more, across numerous projects and U.S. regions.

Education Requirements

• 4-year degree from an accredited university in engineering, mathematics, business, or similar discipline.
• Advanced technical degree or an MBA is a plus.