How to apply for Sr. Director, Project Finance

About Avantus

Avantus is a leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and storage projects, with a pipeline capable of powering 10 million Americans. Backed by KKR and EIG, they are an independent power producer driving the clean energy transition. Working here means shaping the future of renewable energy with a financially robust and mission-driven team.

About the role

As Sr. Director of Project Finance, you will lead transaction execution for M&A, project financings, and corporate-level financings. You'll be the primary negotiator of financing documentation and coordinate cross-functional teams to close complex deals. This role is critical to Avantus's growth as an independent power producer, directly enabling the expansion of their solar+storage portfolio.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a negotiation call with lenders for a project financing, reviewing term sheets with your team, and coordinating with development and legal teams to resolve due diligence items. You'll also mentor analysts, track closing checklists, and update senior management on transaction progress. Expect a fast-paced environment with multiple deals in various stages.

Who Avantus is looking for

• Extensive experience in project finance, M&A, and corporate financing within the renewable energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven track record of leading financing transactions from term sheet to financial close, including negotiating credit agreements and other financing documents.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor analysts and associates, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of energy markets, tax equity structures, and project contracts (PPAs, EPC, O&M) in the utility-scale solar space.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific transactions you've led in solar or storage project finance, including deal size and your role in negotiation and closing.
• Emphasize your experience with tax equity and back-leverage structures, as these are common in Avantus's financing strategy.
• Demonstrate familiarity with California and Desert Southwest energy markets and regulatory environments in your resume or cover letter.
• Showcase your ability to work remotely and coordinate across time zones, as this is a remote position with a geographically dispersed team.
• Mention any experience with KKR or EIG portfolio companies or similar private equity-backed environments, as Avantus is backed by these investors.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on experience leading project financing transactions in renewable energy, with quantifiable results.', 'Your ability to negotiate complex financing documentation and manage closing processes efficiently.', 'Your leadership in coordinating cross-functional teams and external counsel to achieve financial close.', "Your passion for Avantus's mission and how your skills can support their growing pipeline of solar+storage projects."]

Research before applying

• Avantus's project pipeline, including specific projects in California and the Desert Southwest, and their capacity and technology (solar+storage).
• Recent financing trends in utility-scale solar and storage, including tax equity, debt, and M&A activity.
• KKR and EIG's investment strategies in renewable energy and their involvement with Avantus.
• California's energy market policies, including CAISO, and how they impact project financing and development.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a recent project financing you led from start to finish. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
• How do you approach negotiating financing documents with lenders and investors? Can you provide an example of a difficult negotiation?
• What is your experience with tax equity structures and how do you optimize them for renewable energy projects?
• How do you manage multiple transactions simultaneously while ensuring attention to detail and meeting deadlines?
• Why Avantus? What do you know about our pipeline and how would you contribute to our growth as an IPP?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on general finance experience without highlighting renewable energy or project finance specifics.
• Failing to demonstrate leadership in transaction execution, such as managing teams or negotiating directly.
• Not researching Avantus's pipeline or recent deals, showing a lack of genuine interest in the company's specific projects.