Business Development Strategist

EDL•East Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Business Development Strategist identifies and evaluates business opportunities in renewable energy, renewable natural gas (RNG), landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE), and environmental commodity markets. The role supports growth strategy, project origination and development, commercial analysis, and strategic planning. It also supports management of renewable energy credits, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), carbon credits, and related environmental attributes, including program registration, certification, reporting, compliance, transactions, and records. The position contributes to project and investment evaluations, due diligence, contract administration, commercial agreements, negotiations, and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders. It works across Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Environmental Compliance, and Executive Leadership, and supports strategic initiatives, process improvements, and executive reporting. The role also requires attention to workplace health and safety, compliance with company policies, and performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in business development, commercial management, project development, strategic planning, or financial analysis in renewable energy, environmental services, infrastructure, or energy industries.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in financial modeling and data analysis.
Ability to interpret complex market, operational, and financial information.
Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse teams.
Willingness to travel as needed to customer sites, industry events, and project locations.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to renewable energy markets, RNG, landfill gas, environmental attribute programs, or energy commodities.
Experience supporting contract negotiations, partnerships, or commercial transactions.
Experience with compliance, audit, or certification processes.

Responsibilities

Identify, research, and evaluate business opportunities in renewable energy, RNG, LFGTE, and environmental commodity markets.
Support development and execution of growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
Assist with originating and advancing projects from initial opportunity assessment through execution.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Develop business cases and strategic recommendations for investments, acquisitions, partnerships, and expansion opportunities.
Analyze renewable energy, environmental commodity, and carbon markets for value-creation opportunities.
Monitor regulatory developments, market trends, commodity pricing, and industry dynamics.
Prepare financial models, project evaluations, forecasts, scenario assessments, reports, presentations, and dashboards.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Assist with management and optimization of renewable energy credits, RINs, carbon credits, and related environmental attributes.
Support environmental program registration, certification, reporting, and compliance requirements.
Coordinate commodity transactions and maintain supporting documentation and records.
Evaluate renewable energy projects through technical, commercial, and financial assessments.
Assist with due diligence, project economics, and investment evaluations.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders during project development and implementation.
Support contract administration and commercial agreement management.
Participate in negotiations and discussions with customers, vendors, utilities, municipalities, and project partners.
Build and maintain relationships with customers, landowners, municipalities, business partners, brokers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
Represent the company at customer meetings, site visits, industry events, and conferences.
Support stakeholder engagement throughout project development and operational phases.
Coordinate communication between internal teams and external partners to support project execution.
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Environmental Compliance, and Executive Leadership.
Support strategic initiatives and special projects, contribute to process improvements, and prepare executive-level presentations and reports.
Actively support personal and workplace health and safety by understanding and implementing applicable obligations.
Comply with company policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned.