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Matthew, Director of Development at GridStor: Advize Career Interview
A career pivot from environmental consulting to renewable energy, fueled by an MBA and strategic internships, led to a dynamic role as Director of Development at a Goldman Sachs venture.
This position involves managing multi-million dollar projects, from initial concept to construction, requiring diverse skills encompassing real estate, finance, law, and community engagement.
A typical day is anything but typical, demanding constant communication and problem-solving to navigate external challenges and deliver projects on time.
Success in this field requires tenacity, strong communication, technical expertise, and a voracious appetite for knowledge, but the rewards are significant: a constantly evolving career filled with collaboration and intellectual stimulation, along with the satisfaction of contributing to a sustainable future.
Entry-level opportunities exist in various areas, and proactive engagement in college, including internships and networking with professors, significantly enhances career prospects.
A key takeaway is the importance of separating personal worth from project success and prioritizing quality over speed.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matthew Gilliland
Director of Development
GridStor
UC Santa Barbara
UCLA Anderson MBA
Environmental & Related Sciences
Energy and Utilities
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Director of Development at GridStor
Matthew's career trajectory reveals a pivot from environmental consulting, where they gained "first exposure to real estate development," to the renewable energy sector. This transition, facilitated by an MBA from UCLA Anderson and internships at SunPower and a battery manufacturing company, led to project development roles at Cypress Creek Renewables and LS Power Renewables, culminating in Matthew's current position as Director of Development at GridStor, a Goldman Sachs venture.
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Development at GridStor
Matthew, Director of Development at GridStor, manages a portfolio of battery energy storage projects, acting as "a project manager" through all development phases—from initial concept to construction-ready status. This involves diverse tasks including real estate acquisition, due diligence, interconnection studies, permitting, community engagement, and meticulous financial management of multi-million dollar, multi-year budgets.
A Day in the Life of a Director of Development at GridStor
A Director of Development's day is "different every day," involving diverse tasks such as reviewing legal documents, technical studies, and coordinating with various stakeholders including city council members. The role demands constant communication, project management, and proactive scheduling to ensure timely project completion.
Most Important Skills For A Director Of Development At GridStor
Matthew, a Director of Development, emphasizes both "tenacity and a willingness to run through walls" as crucial soft skills, alongside strong communication and empathy to navigate the complexities of securing project approvals. The technical skills highlighted include a foundational understanding of earth systems, real estate finance (specifically discounted cashflow models), and land use permitting and law.
Favorite Parts of Being a Director of Development at GridStor
Matthew, Director of Development at GridStor, thrives on the dynamic nature of the role, enjoying "the hub of the wheel" aspect of collaborating with diverse experts—"from lawyers to engineers to ecologists"—to advance projects. This variety, coupled with the need to frequently leave the desk, makes the position engaging and fulfilling, a stark contrast to previous, less active roles.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Director of Development at GridStor
Matthew's biggest challenge as Director of Development at GridStor is that "most of the things that affect the success of the projects" are outside of his control, requiring a constant balancing act between influencing what is possible and objectively managing risks like policy changes or shifts in political will. This necessitates developing "a good sense of objectivity" and making data-driven recommendations to mitigate external factors impacting project success and sustainability.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Energy Industry As A Director Of Development
Matthew, a Director of Development at GridStor, thrives on the continuous learning opportunities within the energy and development industry, stating that "you just, you'll never stop learning". His role exposes him to diverse disciplines, from project development and construction to finance and power market operations, providing a dynamic and intellectually stimulating career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Clean Energy Industry According To A Director Of Development At GridStor
Success in this industry hinges on a "voracious appetite for knowledge," intellectual rigor, and a genuine "passion for what we're doing," requiring individuals to be driven and deeply invested in the work given its demanding nature. The long hours and complex challenges necessitate a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning.
What a Director of Development at GridStor Wishes They Had Known before Entering the Energy Development Industry
Matthew, a Director of Development at GridStor, learned that the development industry demands significantly more travel than other sectors like finance or engineering, with site visits potentially requiring "going to the airport quite a bit, possibly weekly". This unexpected travel commitment is something Matthew wishes they had known before entering the field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Development Analysts and Coordinators
Entry-level roles in renewable energy development include "development analyst or coordinator" positions supporting daily tasks, and "landmen" roles focused on land acquisition through community engagement. Other entry points exist in finance as a financial analyst or in engineering with electrical or civil engineering firms, often serving as a pathway to in-house developer roles.
Significant Career Lesson From A Director Of Development At GridStor
Two key lessons shaped Matthew's career: first, learning that "I am not my projects," separating personal worth from project outcomes; and second, the crucial importance of slowing down to prioritize quality over speed, a lesson learned early and now shared with others, emphasizing that "focus on quality" is key to success.
College Experiences That Helped A Director of Development At GridStor Succeed
To achieve career success, Matthew suggests proactively seeking "extracurriculars and internships," and engaging with coursework beyond assignments by "getting to know the professors." This approach, exemplified by their involvement in CalPER, unpaid internships, and a DC work-study program, helped build a strong resume with "three or four different organizations" before graduation, addressing the common challenge of entry-level roles requiring prior experience.
How Identity Has Influenced A GridStor Director Of Development Career
Matthew, a Director of Development, acknowledges that his identity as a straight white male has conferred significant, likely unrecognized advantages in navigating a career where many colleagues share similar backgrounds; the individual hopes to leverage this awareness to promote a more equitable industry, believing that "diverse organizations do better," benefiting both society and business success.
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