Counsel, Compliance

ABOUT AVANTUS

Avantus develops, owns, and operates utility-scale clean energy projects across California and the Desert Southwest. Our development pipeline represents one of the nation's largest portfolios of solar with integrated storage, capable of providing dispatchable power to 17 million Americans, day and night. With over a decade of industry leadership and strategic investment from KKR and EIG, Avantus delivers affordable, reliable clean energy solutions that meet America’s growing energy demand.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking an experienced Compliance Attorney to provide legal management and guidance to Avantus’ compliance obligations related to utility scale solar development and operations. The person in this role will ensure that Avantus remains in full compliance with contractual, financial, and project/regulatory based obligations. This role reports to the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor Legal and Compliance Developments: Monitor and interpret federal, state, and international regulations affecting renewable energy technology, including environmental, energy, and safety.
• Compliance Framework: Enhance the Company’s risk framework to include a broad compliance framework that addresses regulatory compliance, but also corporate and business legal compliance such as data privacy, and cybersecurity legal requirements.
• Violation Detection: Collaborate with subject matter experts to create mechanisms for detecting, reporting, and correcting compliance violations
• Audit Preparation: Collaborate with subject matter experts to prepare for audits and investigations by maintaining records and designing procedures
• Policy Development: Draft, implement, and maintain internal compliance policies and procedures
• Risk Assessment: Conduct compliance risk assessments and audits across departments and projects
• Training & Education: Develop and deliver compliance training programs for employees and leadership
• Contract Review: Review and advise on contracts, vendor agreements, and customer terms to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Incident Management: Investigate compliance incidents and support remediation efforts

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. and active law license (preferably in CA, AZ, NM, NV)
• 4+ years of experience in finance and regulatory law
• Exceptional analytical skills, communication, and organizational abilities
• Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of laws and regulations related to solar and energy storage systems and general corporate compliance for privately held companies; demonstrated understanding of energy markets, trading mechanisms, and relevant regulatory frameworks (FERC, etc.)
• Covenant Analysis: Review and analyze debt covenants and financial requirements from a legal perspective, ensuring organizational practices align with legal obligations
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex legal documents and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance
• Attention to Detail: Precision in reviewing policies, procedures, and documentation to identify potential compliance issues and to establish a compliance framework
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey compliance requirements and train employees
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions for compliance challenges and implement corrective actions
• Project Management: Skills in managing compliance projects, including audits and investigations
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with solar and energy storage technologies and their operational requirements

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