Director of Business Development - SolarBank Corporation : Job Details

• Join SolarBank, a fast-growing player in renewable energy in business since 2013 and publicly traded since March 2023 (Nasdaq: SUUN ; Cboe CA: SUNN)
• Work with various stakeholders such as landlords, our investors, internal finance and engineering teams
• Drive deal closures in dynamic environments and grow your network and skills in a comprehensive way

About Solarbank Corp.

Solarbank Corp. emerged out of a clear market necessity for a wholesome, turnkey solutions provider in the clean and renewable energy industry. With an executive management team that has over 100 years of combined experience, coupled with a strongly defined financial vision, we have established ourselves as trusted developers, engineers, builders, asset operators, and managers in the clean and renewable energy space in Canada and the US.

With a focus on grid-connected solar photovoltaic electricity generation plants, our capabilities span the entire value chain from site origination, development, financing, EPC, O&M, and asset management. Our customers include commercial and industrial corporations, institutions, community solar subscribers, municipalities, and electric utilities.

To learn more about us, please visit: solarbankcorp.com

About the Opportunity

Through its US subsidiary Abundant Solar Power, Solarbank Corp. has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Solar Developer/Business Development professional, in Upstate New York (frequent travel within NYS). Our NYS office is located in Rochester, however this role is hybrid and can be based anywhere in Upstate New York (Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Binghamton are all ideal).

Reporting to the Senior Director, US Business Development, you will be primarily responsible for identifying and securing new solar and energy storage opportunities. You will be generating construction ready projects for community solar and other opportunities including utility-scale, commercial, industrial and energy storage through lead origination, site control and permitting.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the establishment of the development plan for Abundant Solar in New York State
• Leading renewable project origination, collaborating with business development and engineering teams
• Initiating outreach to landowners to acquire land for new solar sites, easements, or additional land for ongoing projects
• Identifying and qualifying large parcels of land suitable for solar development in collaboration with GIS and land experts
• Establishing trust and rapport with landowners through various means, including cold calling, in-person visits and other means
• Preparing and presenting project proposals, feasibility studies, and business cases to internal stakeholders, investors, and external partners
• Drafting and negotiating Lease or Purchase Agreements with landowners and legal representatives
• Traveling for necessary site visits and landowner relations
• Project managing permitting activities with internal teams and attending Town/Municipality meetings as needed
• Negotiating tax agreements for land use
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify potential opportunities for new projects and staying informed about industry trends, policies, and regulations
• Working closely with the finance team to qualify each opportunity's financial aspects
• Identifying and developing project and portfolio acquisition opportunities
• Contributing to the Request for Proposal (RFP) response team for the development of new markets
• Representing the company at industry conferences, networking events, and relevant forums to build professional relationships and explore new business opportunities

Working Conditions

Approximately 30% of the time is spent in the office or remotely, utilizing computers (frequent use of MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Project, etc.), telephones and general office equipment. The remaining time is spent in the field for new business opportunities.

More About You

In order to qualify for this role, you must have a minimum of 3 years of experience handling project origination, and development preferably in the energy industry or real estate development. A bachelors degree in Business, marketing or related discipline is also required.

The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:

• Proven ability to identify, initiate, and close potential project sites, showcasing strong negotiation skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in independent research and self-teaching, emphasizing a proactive learning mindset
• Successful track record in autonomously managing contract negotiations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling data-driven decisions on project feasibility
• Thorough awareness of potential project development issues, with the ability to escalate and find timely solutions
• Industry knowledge in solar and energy storage, covering market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and utility interconnection
• Familiarity with environmental and land use regulations, permitting processes, and interconnection procedures
• Proficient in utilizing computers (frequent use of MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook and MS Powerpoint, etc.)
• Willingness to work in the field, pursuing new business opportunities with occasional travel within other provinces for new business opportunities or project development
• Demonstrate ability to successfully deliver utility connected development projects to the market from project concept, site origination, interconnection, and financial qualification to NTP.
• Demonstrate that he/she has successfully independently managed contract negotiations.
• Demonstrate a thorough awareness of potential project development issues and ability to elevate issues to VP in a timely, solutions-oriented way.
• Demonstrate a command of legal knowledge and background associated with successful contract management.
• Demonstrate successful project financing experience.
• Able to successfully work and communicate with members of Sr. Management, peers, subordinates, unaffiliated third parties, local town, county, and state authorities having jurisdiction.
• A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Extroverted personality with strong communication skills
• Experience in a solar or renewable energy company (asset)

As our ideal candidate, your key attributes include intrinsic motivation, strong sales skills, and a proactive approach.

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, NTP and COD performance bonuses, company equity, and a host of benefits, including: Extended Health, Cell Phone Reimbursement, Mileage Reimbursement

If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing company, apply today!

A long-term sustainable competitive advantage

Since inception we have approached our projects as long-term partners, differentiating us from developers that exit projects at NTP or COD. We create value for project equity holders by designing, constructing, and operating the solar power plants to maximize long-term performance and returns, rather than maximizing up-front development fees.

While most of our competitors focus on only a single segment of the renewable energy value chain, our expertise at every stage makes us highly competitive on cost management and volume of business. Our in-house development, permitting, engineering and construction expertise means that we can finish turnkey solar projects in an efficient and timely manner.