Role Overview for VP of Renewable Energy – Denver, CO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth renewable energy developer in their search for a visionary Vice President of Renewable Energy. Based in the thriving energy hub of Denver, Colorado, this executive will join a dynamic leadership team dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Our client is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, developing, financing, constructing, and operating a multi-gigawatt portfolio of utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects across North America.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and profitable growth of the company’s entire renewable energy portfolio. The VP of Renewable Energy will be the driving force behind all aspects of the project lifecycle, from market strategy and origination to successful commercial operation. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of talented professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The ideal candidate is a seasoned industry veteran with a proven track record of bringing complex, large-scale renewable energy projects to fruition. You possess a rare blend of strategic acumen, commercial savvy, technical knowledge, and inspirational leadership. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on a rapidly growing organization and play a crucial role in combating climate change by building the clean energy infrastructure of tomorrow.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Renewable Energy – Denver, CO
Strategic Planning & Executive Leadership
Develop and execute the company’s comprehensive long-term renewable energy strategy. Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, new geographic markets, and technological opportunities. You will be responsible for setting ambitious but achievable growth targets, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and presenting strategic plans and performance updates to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Business Development & Project Origination
Spearhead all business development activities to build and maintain a robust and profitable project pipeline. Lead the origination team in identifying and securing new project opportunities, including greenfield development sites and M&A targets. You will personally lead negotiations for key commercial agreements, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), land lease/purchase agreements, and interconnection agreements.
Project Development Lifecycle Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire project development lifecycle. This includes managing teams responsible for site selection and control, environmental and technical feasibility studies, permitting with local, state, and federal agencies, and grid interconnection processes. You will ensure that all projects meet critical deadlines, stay within budget, and adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Financial Oversight & Capital Raising
Hold full P&L responsibility for the renewable energy division. You will work closely with the finance team to develop sophisticated project finance models, investment theses, and valuation analyses. A key part of this role will be leading the effort to secure project financing, including tax equity, construction debt, and permanent financing, by building and maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions.
Team Building & Mentorship
Recruit, manage, and mentor a world-class team of professionals across business development, project management, engineering, and other functions. Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture that empowers team members and promotes professional growth. You will set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and develop the next generation of leaders within the organization.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
Serve as a primary external face of the company within the industry. Cultivate and manage strong, long-term relationships with a wide range of critical stakeholders, including utility customers, regulators, investors, landowners, equipment suppliers, EPC contractors, and local community leaders. Represent the company at industry conferences and events.
Policy & Regulatory Engagement
Maintain a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of federal, state, and local energy policies that impact the renewable energy sector. Proactively engage with policymakers and regulatory bodies to advocate for policies that support clean energy development and create a favorable business environment.
Technology & Innovation Strategy
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies, such as advanced battery storage solutions, green hydrogen, and next-generation solar and wind technologies. Champion innovation within the organization and lead the integration of new technologies into the company’s project portfolio to maintain a competitive edge.
Requirements for the VP of Renewable Energy – Denver, CO
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree (e.g., MS in Engineering or Finance) is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the energy industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role specifically focused on the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects (solar, wind, and/or battery energy storage).
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in managing the entire lifecycle of multiple large-scale renewable energy projects from conception to commercial operation. Must have a history of successfully originating, developing, financing, and constructing projects that are now operational.
Financial Acumen
Expert-level understanding of project finance, including tax equity structures, debt financing, and financial modeling. Proven experience in negotiating complex financial and commercial contracts, including PPAs, EPC agreements, and financing term sheets.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to build, inspire, and lead high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams. A history of mentoring and developing talent is essential.
Strategic Mindset
Superior strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex market dynamics and formulate clear, actionable strategies to drive growth and profitability.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and effectively engage with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, from engineers to C-suite executives and investors.
Industry Network
A robust and active network of contacts within the renewable energy industry, including utilities, investors, regulators, developers, and suppliers.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity, stock options) that provides a substantial stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with generous employer contributions.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching program to help you prepare for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continuing education to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to move to the beautiful Denver, CO area.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization where your contributions directly lead to a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
How to Apply
Are you a visionary leader ready to drive the future of renewable energy? If you have the experience, passion, and strategic mindset to excel in this critical executive role, we strongly encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for advancing our client’s renewable energy goals. To learn more about our dedicated recruitment expertise in this sector, please visit our Energy & Utilities Executive Search Firm practice area page. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.
