Director of Strategic Development, Southern California

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Description

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID…

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.

Summary of the role:

The Director of Strategic Development leads GRID Alternatives Southern California's strategic project and business development portfolio across Greater Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego, and collaborates with and supports GRID's Mexico Program as appropriate. This role is responsible for building and sustaining a stable pipeline of equitable, revenue-generating, and mission-aligned solar, solar + storage, and resilience projects that center environmental and economic justice communities.

This senior leader drives long-term strategy; cultivates high-impact partnerships; oversees strategic project development; and leads major residential initiatives supported by transformative public and philanthropic funding sources (e.g., Transformative Climate Communities). The Director works cross-functionally with Commercial Construction, Outreach/Community Engagement, Workforce Development, Marketing, Philanthropy, Finance, and Grants Development to ensure alignment, impact, and operational readiness across the organization. This position is a key member of the SoCal Leadership Team and reports directly to the Southern California Executive Director.

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead strategic project and business development planning for non-residential and major residential initiatives, including large-scale, place-based, or multi-benefit funding opportunities such as Transformative Climate Communities (TCC).
• Develop and implement an annual strategic initiatives plan with clearly defined goals, outcomes, and revenue targets in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Conduct market, regulatory, and policy analyses to identify emerging opportunities that advance GRID's environmental justice mission and diversify regional funding streams.
• Manage and mentor the Strategic Initiatives and Business Development team, fostering a collaborative, community-centered, and equity-driven culture.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Direct mission-aligned non-residential project development, including solar PV, solar + storage resilience centers, clean mobility infrastructure, and related technologies.
• Identify, design, and pursue major residential opportunities (e.g., TCC, neighborhood decarbonization initiatives, philanthropic multi-year investments) in collaboration with Outreach/Community Engagement, Construction Operations, and the regional Philanthropy Team.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with counties, cities, councils of governments, affordable housing providers, nonprofits, CBOs, and other key institutions.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to develop regional engagement strategies, campaign materials, and partnership communications that elevate clean energy solutions for frontline communities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Commercial General Manager to align business development pipeline with customer-centric project management and construction delivery.
• Coordinate with Commercial Development, Design, and Costing teams to scope, cost, bid, evaluate, and refine non-residential project viability.
• Collaborate with Outreach and Community Engagement for community-informed residential strategic development (e.g., TCC implementation planning, neighborhood outreach strategies).
• Work with Workforce Development to integrate training and job placement opportunities into strategic initiatives, supporting GRID's integrated workforce model.
• Support Finance, Legal, and Grants Administration in ensuring compliance, contract review, incentive program adherence, and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with the Mexico Programs Manager to share best practices, support project development where appropriate, and strengthen the broader cross-border program ecosystem.

Policy, Advocacy & Systems Change

• Support local and regional policy, regulatory, and incentive advocacy that expands access to equitable solar, storage, and clean energy solutions.
• Participate in organization-wide and cross-regional working groups to identify systemic issues, share best practices, strengthen alignment, and support GRID's mission across departments.

Data, Reporting & Forecasting

• Oversee pipeline management, project forecasting, grant development, and strategic initiative performance metrics.
• Report regularly on regional impact outcomes, pipeline status, and strategic initiative progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Your areas of knowledge and expertise...

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in clean energy, community development, sustainability, affordable housing development, or related fields.
• 5+ years of experience in senior-level management, program development, business development, or strategic leadership roles.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, environmental, and economic justice.
• Proven experience developing and securing major public grants and/or philanthropic funding (e.g., state programs, federal incentives, multi-year foundation grants).
• Strong ability to cultivate partnerships with government agencies, community-based organizations, and mission-aligned institutions.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with technical, construction, or design teams.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

It would be great if you also had...

• Experience with solar PV, solar + storage, construction, EV technologies, or related technical fields (non-technical backgrounds are welcome with demonstrated aptitude and interest).
• Knowledge of state and local incentive programs, energy policy, and funding mechanisms (e.g., ITC, SOMAH, SGIP, etc. programs)
• Experience with major place-based initiatives such as Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) or similar multi-benefit public investments.
• Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency.
• Experience collaborating with or supporting programs in Mexico or international community development contexts.

Core Competencies

• Equity & Justice Leadership: Centers environmental and economic justice in decision-making and partnership development; demonstrates cultural humility.
• Strategic Thinking: Anticipates long-term trends and develops strategic approaches to emerging opportunities.
• Collaborative Leadership: Builds trust, fosters inclusive teamwork, and leads through influence across departments.
• Relationship Building: Develops strong partnerships with external stakeholders and internal teams; excellent diplomacy skills.
• Project & Portfolio Management: Prioritizes effectively, manages complexity, and oversees high-impact initiatives.
• Communication Excellence: Clear, compelling communicator able to translate technical, policy, and program concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits and how we take care of you

Compensation:

The compensation range for this fulltime position is $122,000 - $132,000. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance

Where you will sit & the places you may go…

The ideal candidate will be primarily based in the Los Angeles office, with periodic travel to San Diego, Inland Empire, Mexico (as needed), and regional partner sites. This position may require up to 30% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

Important to note for California applicants:

Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG

Ready to Apply?

Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.

Salary Description

$122,000 - $132,000