Director, Development
Role Overview
Copia is seeking a Director, Development to lead the development of Copia's renewable energy and data center project portfolio focused in Arizona and the desert Southwest region, guiding projects from early-stage site identification through late-stage commercialization, financing, and handoff to construction.
This role sits at the intersection of power and digital infrastructure, requiring creative solutions to deliver energy for large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers in constrained markets.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading site identification and evaluation, land negotiations and real estate agreements, permitting and entitlements, power and interconnection strategy, utility engagement, and energy markets across a portfolio of projects, supported by cross-functional teams of subject matter experts. Projects range from utility-scale generation to 100MW to 300MW+ data center loads by phase. This role requires 10+ years of experience in renewable energy and/or large-scale data center infrastructure development, land negotiations, permitting, interconnection, and energy markets, and must possess exceptional decision-making and communication skills, with an ability to influence and align cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve successful outcomes.
The Director, Development will report directly to the Sr.
Director, Digital Infrastructure, working closely with Copia’s asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance teams in an individual contributor capacity.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
About Copia:
Copia Power (“Copia”), is a wholly owned portfolio company of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. Copia’s platform is focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the United States. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information, visit www.copiapower.com.
At Copia, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Qualifications
- 10+ years professional experience in renewable energy and/or large-scale data center infrastructure development, including exposure to utilities, interconnection, permitting, contracting, and financing
- Experience in Arizona or the broader Southwest United States required
- Track record of taking complex energy and/or tech development projects through the full life cycle from initiation to financial close and into construction.
- Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel
- Experience with project management software and a CRM system
- Ability to work in the Phoenix, AZ office a minimum of 3 days per week
- Ability to travel up to 30%
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
- We are partnering with select search firms for this role and are not accepting inquiries or candidates from additional third-party agencies or recruiters.
- At Copia, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including your skills, qualifications, location, and experience. This role may also be eligible for benefits, performance bonuses, and other perks. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage (with no premiums)
- Company contribution to 401(k) plans
- Flexible work hours
- Unlimited paid time off for a healthy work-life balance
- Paid holidays to celebrate and recharge
- Wellness and cell phone credits to support personal well-being
- Life and AD&D insurance for peace of mind
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for community and support
- Opportunities for professional development to grow and thrive within the company
- We believe that by fostering a culture of inclusivity and offering these benefits, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree preferred in finance, engineering, environmental studies, renewable energy, project/construction management, or similar discipline
- Annual bonus eligibility
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of subject matter experts to advance early and late-stage renewable energy and data center projects from site selection through commercial contracting, construction handoff, and project financing
- Manage the development of a portfolio of projects, including budgeting and finances, project schedule and planning, risk assessment, and defining priorities based on development metrics and offtake potential
- Coordinate and manage interdisciplinary teams across land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection, and legal through construction commencement
- Facilitate project discretionary permitting, including permit strategy, stakeholder engagement, and representation with local authorities and public meetings
- Engage with utilities on interconnection, transmission, and power delivery, aligning with Copia's internal generation strategy across solar, storage, and natural gas resources
- Support negotiation of critical project agreements, including site control, PPAs and Energy Supply Agreements, interconnection and load agreements, EPC contracts, and O&M agreements
- Independently identify, own, and drive resolution of complex development challenges to maintain project momentum, particularly across utility, interconnection, permitting, and commercial interfaces
- Manage due diligence on individual or portfolio acquisitions, partnering with the business development and M&A team to assess project risk, complete valuations, and inform transaction structuring
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
- Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
- Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and vendors.
- Resourcefulness and polite persistence.
- Track record of taking complex energy and/or tech development projects through the full life cycle from initiation to financial close and into construction.
About Copia Power
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