JOB POSTING: Renewable Energy Program Manager
Renewable Energy Program Manager
Energy and Innovation Team
Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners
Job type: Full Time
Salary: $91,320.00 - $100,000.08 Annually
Location: 1127 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203
Read the job description and submit your application online through the State of Colorado portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5102368/state-land-board-renewable-energy-program-manager
CLOSING DATE: 11/12/2025 (5:00 PM Mountain)
Join Us
Are you passionate about powering Colorado’s clean energy future? Do you want to put your expertise to work expanding solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects across millions of acres of Colorado’s trust lands—all while supporting public schools and protecting the landscapes we love? Yes? Please join our team!
The Colorado State Land Board is seeking a Renewable Energy Program Manager to expand and lead renewable energy leasing on three million acres of state trust lands and four million acres of mineral estate. This position shapes the future of Colorado’s clean energy transition by growing solar, wind, and emerging energy programs that generate revenue for Colorado’s public schools.
This is not your typical government job — it’s a unique opportunity to innovate at the intersection of land stewardship, energy development, and climate resilience.
About the State Land Board
The Colorado State Land Board is a constitutionally created agency that manages a $6 billion endowment of assets for the intergenerational benefit of Colorado’s K–12 schoolchildren and public institutions.
We are Colorado’s second-largest landowner, generating revenue by leasing trust lands and mineral estates for agriculture, energy, commercial, and conservation uses. Unlike public lands, trust lands are not open to the public unless leased for that purpose.
Our agency is entirely self-funded—we receive no tax dollars—and generate $200+ million annually by competing in private-sector markets. Despite being 150 years old, we take pride in our entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
Learn more about our mission at slb.colorado.gov.
The Opportunity
The Renewable Energy Program Manager oversees a rapidly growing line of business that currently includes more than 650 megawatts of installed solar and wind capacity on state trust lands. You will manage all aspects of renewable energy leasing, from business development and risk assessment to stewardship and stakeholder engagement.
You’ll also collaborate closely with the Energy Innovation team to advance new technologies such as agrivoltaics, geothermal, and carbon storage.
This position reports to the Assistant Director for Energy Innovation and plays a key role in achieving the State Land Board’s strategic goals around sustainable revenue growth, energy diversification, and responsible land management.
What You’ll Do
Lead and expand renewable energy development (75%)
- Evaluate renewable energy proposals to determine if leasing is in the trust’s best interest.
- Structure lease agreements, negotiate terms, and incorporate risk management and stewardship provisions.
- Develop pricing models, business plans, and internal policies to guide renewable leasing statewide.
- Manage active solar, wind, battery, and hybrid (agrivoltaic) projects to ensure compliance and maximize long-term value.
- Market and network throughout industry to grow business.
Develop and lead Geologic Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) program (15%)
- Evaluate CCS proposals to determine if leasing is in the trust’s best interest.
- Structure lease agreements, negotiate terms, and incorporate risk management and stewardship provisions.
- Develop pricing models, business plans, and internal policies to guide carbon storage leasing statewide.
- Support early-stage exploration and pilot projects aligned with Colorado’s energy goals.
- Market and network throughout industry to grow nascent business.
Represent the State Land Board externally (10%)
- Serve as a key point of contact with industry partners, developers, and regulators.
- Participate in interagency coordination with the Colorado Energy Office, Energy and Carbon Management Commission, and other state and federal partners.
- Represent the agency at conferences, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.
About You
Minimum Qualifications
Eight (8) years of professional experience related to renewable energy development, leasing, or contract management.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight (8) years.
- A bachelor’s degree substitutes for four years of experience;
- A master’s degree substitutes for two years.
- Relevant fields include business, engineering, geosciences, or closely related disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated success developing or managing renewable energy portfolios or large-scale land use contracts.
- Knowledge of renewable energy engineering and financing, carbon management, and regulatory frameworks (ECMC, FERC, federal tax credits).
- Experience with GIS mapping tools (ArcGIS Pro preferred).
- Strategic business development experience with an emphasis on innovation and partnership.
- Prior public-sector experience or familiarity with trust land management is a plus.
Work Environment
- Hybrid schedule: minimum two days per week in the Denver office (1127 Sherman Street).
- Occasional in-state travel for site visits, board meetings, and stakeholder events.
- Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation and eligible for full State of Colorado benefits, including PERA retirement, health insurance, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
Why Work With Us
We are a small but mighty team—50 employees statewide—who take pride in balancing stewardship with entrepreneurship.
You’ll enjoy:
- Meaningful, mission-driven work that directly funds Colorado’s schools.
- A flexible, collaborative environment that values integrity, curiosity, and innovation.
- Professional growth through training, mentorship, and field-based learning.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online through the State of Colorado portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5102368/state-land-board-renewable-energy-program-manager
For questions, contact:
Patrick Gerity – patrick.gerity@state.co.us
Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility
The State of Colorado is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and abilities and will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure an inclusive hiring process.
Learn more about your rights and benefits at careers.colorado.gov.