Counsel, Commercial & Construction

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $210,000 - $230,000 plus bonus

Location: Brooklyn, NY (Hybrid)

About The Company:

NineDot's name derives from the classic mathematical puzzle for sparking out-of-the-box solutions. As a leading community-scale, clean energy developer with a growing portfolio of projects across a range of technologies, NineDot Energy is creating innovative energy solutions that support a more resilient electric grid, deliver economic savings, address environmental justice and reduce carbon emissions. This is all in support of New York State’s mission to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040.

With the backing of Manulife Investment Management and The Carlyle Group - two of the world’s leading infrastructure investors - NineDot is continuing to expand its core battery energy storage pipeline, deliver enhanced products and services, explore new regions and consider potential acquisitions all to advance the decarbonization of New York’s grid. This is an exciting opportunity to build a platform from the ground-up with a world-class team of developers and innovators. NineDot is committed to building a company that exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion values in its team culture, as well as business practices and community engagement.

Job Summary

Our Legal team is looking to hire a highly skilled and experienced Senior Counsel, Commercial & Construction to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will play a key role in negotiating, drafting, and managing a broad range of commercial and construction contracts and vendor agreements. This role will primarily focus on agreements with construction general contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, professional service providers, and other vendors, and will require expertise in commercial contracting, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Depending on business needs, providing support in other areas such as clean energy certificate subscriber agreements, entity formation, M&A, and real estate agreements may be expected. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a company dedicated to sustainable energy solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, construction agreements, procurement agreements, vendor agreements, and other legal documents related to construction and energy projects.
• Collaborate with Project Development teams developing new offerings and revenue strategies (e.g. electric vehicle charging programs) to structure contracts and incentives.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal risks, contract interpretation, ongoing relationship and contracts management, and dispute resolution strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and advisors, including construction, engineering, supply chain, project finance, insurance, EHS and compliance, to align contractual terms with business objectives, risk management and operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including environmental and labor regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to streamline contract management processes.
• Manage relationships with external counsel as needed for specialized legal matters.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging legal issues impacting the renewable energy sector.
• Support litigation matters, including those related to commercial contracts and other areas
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Drives Results - Constantly achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Cultivates Innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Financial Acumen - Interpreting and applying understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
• Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited law school; Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with eligibility and willingness to become admitted to practice in New York.
• 7+ years of substantial relevant experience within a law firm, growing startup and/or in-house legal department including the support of commercial operations, construction relationships, supply chain agreements, project development, project operations, and commercial operations teams.  
• Experience working specifically on renewable energy, community-scale energy and/or energy storage projects preferred but not required.
• Strong track record of reviewing, revising, drafting and negotiating contracts, including NDAs, EPC/design-bid-build commercial contracts, consulting agreements, development agreements, supply agreements, and power purchase or energy services agreements.
• Collaborative, curious, and a strong communicator of legal advice.
• Hardworking, responsive and adaptable to what the situation dictates, including possessing the diligence to advance matters independently, combined with the strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse team.
• Experience managing and documenting complex transactions.
• The ability to identify and implement practical solutions to complex business and legal problems.
• Prior litigation experience preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.  

At NineDot Energy, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and are the foundation of our success. As such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, gender identity, age, or any other status of an individual or that individual’s associates or relatives that is protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you're passionate about this role but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other opportunities with us. We’re committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and skills.

NineDot Employee benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 5% employer match on your 401k retirement account
• 20 paid vacation days off, plus 7 sick days, 9 federal holidays and 3 personal floating holidays
• 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for both the primary and secondary care giver within the first year of birth or adoption
• Wellness initiatives including a $1,000 stipend
• 16 volunteer hours plus two planned company-wide volunteer outings per year