Senior/General Counsel – Project Development

Penn Entertainment•Houston, TX

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Counsel will provide legal support across all phases of project development, with a focus on real estate, project finance, commercial contracting, and strategic transactions for energy and infrastructure projects, including power generation and data center development. This role requires a commercially oriented attorney capable of advising on complex, capital-intensive projects, including those in energy, power generation, and data center sectors. Key skills and experience include project development, project finance, negotiation of offtake/PPA, equipment supply, interconnection, gas supply, acquisition and divestiture and strategic investment agreements. The position will work cross-functionally with development, finance, and executive teams to structure, negotiate, and execute transactions while managing legal risk in a fast-paced environment. Occasional travel may be required in support of project development activities.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, including a combination of law firm and in-house roles preferred.
Demonstrated experience in project development, real estate transactions, and project finance.
Familiarity with energy, power generation, and/or data center industries strongly preferred.
Experience with M&A transactions and complex commercial agreements.
Must be fluent in English, with strong speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background check
US work authorization is a precondition of employment. The company will not consider candidates who require sponsorship for a work-authorized visa.

Nice To Haves

Commercial judgment and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
High level of independence, accountability, and responsiveness.

Responsibilities

Lead legal support for site acquisition, land use, zoning, leasing, easements, and title matters.
Structure and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, development agreements, and related real estate instruments.
Advise on permitting, entitlements, and regulatory compliance relevant to project siting and development.
Support debt and equity financing transactions, including construction financing and term loans.
Review and negotiate financing documents, intercreditor agreements, security documents, and related collateral arrangements.
Coordinate with external counsel and lenders to facilitate timely closings.
Draft and negotiate contracts, including supply agreements, offtake agreements, interconnection and gas supply agreements, and other project-related contracts.
Provide risk assessment and mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.
Develop and maintain standard form agreements and contracting policies.
Support acquisitions and divestitures of projects and platform assets, including due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of transaction documents.
Advise on joint ventures, partnerships, and strategic investments.
Manage post-closing integration and ongoing contractual obligations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify legal risks and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
Manage outside counsel efficiently, including scope, budget, and performance.
Support corporate governance and internal compliance initiatives as needed.