Director of Development - Wind Energy

Climate17 is proud to partner with a high-growth, entrepreneurial renewable energy developer focused on delivering utility-scale wind projects across the US. Led by an experienced leadership team, the business operates with a hands-on, execution-driven approach and a strong emphasis on collaboration with landowners, communities, and key stakeholders. As their pipeline continues to expand, they are seeking a Senior Manager / Director of Development to take full ownership of project delivery from origination through to commercial operation.

Senior Manager / Director of Development, Remote (US), Full-time

• Fully remote (US)
• Travel as required for project sites, stakeholder engagement, and public meetings

Your Opportunity:
This is a senior, high-impact leadership role with full accountability for the end-to-end development of utility-scale wind projects. You will own execution across land acquisition, permitting, interconnection, EPC, and project controls, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and within budget. Working closely with internal leadership and external stakeholders, you will drive projects forward with pace and rigour, while managing risk, stakeholder engagement, and commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead full lifecycle development of utility-scale wind projects from site control through COD
• Oversee land acquisition strategy, negotiations, and long-term landowner relationships
• Manage permitting strategy and execution across federal, state, and local jurisdictions
• Lead interconnection processes with ISOs/RTOs and utilities, including agreements and queue management
• Direct EPC processes including procurement, contract negotiation, construction oversight, and handover
• Own project schedules and budgets, ensuring alignment with investment objectives and timelines
• Lead stakeholder engagement including community relations, public meetings, and media interactions
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across technical, commercial, and regulatory workstreams
• Partner with finance on project economics, investment cases, and funding processes
• Provide clear reporting to leadership on progress, risks, and key decision points

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Environmental Science, or related field
• 5–10 years’ experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development, wind preferred
• Proven track record delivering projects from land acquisition through to COD
• Strong experience negotiating land agreements, interconnection agreements, and EPC/BOP contracts
• Hands-on experience with ISO/RTO interconnection processes (e.g. ERCOT, MISO, PJM, CAISO)
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale project schedules and budgets
• Proficiency with project controls tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills in fast-paced environments

About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.