Director, Data Center Development & Construction

Company Overview

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US‑based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet. PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next‑generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country.

Job Description

The Director, Data Center Development & Construction will coordinate the daily activities involved with the entitlement, design, construction, and promotion of data center projects. This position reports to the SVP, Data Center Development & Construction and is based out of the project site in Richmond, VA, with a minimum of 25 % travel to headquarters and potential travel to additional project sites.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the data center project development and project management throughout the entire project life cycle.
• Coordinate and manage consultant activity during the entitlement and design development stage of projects.
• Commission reports (utility, wetlands, environmental, geotechnical) and assess results as they relate to project development.
• Assist in the preparation of project business plans, including marketing strategy, budget, capital requirements and exit strategies.
• Assist in the preparation of pro‑forma models for project financial analysis.
• Assist in development and execution of project sustainability plans.
• Implement and report on project status on a daily basis.
• Manage entitlement requirements with the responsible public agencies and maintain relationships on entitlement‑related issues.
• Prepare development budgets and manage costs to remain within budget constraints.
• Prepare and manage development and project schedules, including negotiation and resolution of critical‑path conflicts.
• Help assure compliance with local, state and federal laws and permits.
• Directly interface with construction general contractors throughout all phases: bidding, award, execution, and project close‑out/punch list.
• Develop and implement RFP requirements for project bids, review bidders’ qualifications, analyze and evaluate bids, and negotiate contracts as required.
• Manage contracts and agreements and enforce provisions as necessary.
• Plan and schedule work over the course of one or several months; define tasks, priorities and work schedules to meet overall objectives.
• Develop comprehensive construction project scopes and requests for proposals.
• Perform financial analysis of construction projects.
• Manage construction documents, including submittal reviews, RFIs, change orders, and invoicing.
• Implement construction project quality‑control measures.
• Record and report key construction metrics to team and management.
• Serve as a leader within internal and external teams.

Key Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture/planning, business or a related field, or equivalent significant relevant experience.
• 10 + years of construction or development project management experience on mission‑critical or technically complex commercial construction projects, including data centers or high‑density MEP environments.
• Advanced knowledge of data center development, design, and construction principles and practices.
• Intermediate experience with financial models to assess project feasibility.
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local ordinances, regulations and past approvals pertaining to asset development.
• Skilled in drafting agreements and editing legal documents related to design and construction.
• Ability to handle complete infrastructure development life cycle for multiple projects and deadlines, producing detail‑oriented work products.
• Proficiency in developing, coordinating and maintaining project schedules.
• Experience developing and executing project‑level sustainability plans, with understanding of data center sustainability metrics (e.g., PUE, WUE).
• Experience with project risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Self‑starter and team‑player with strong problem‑solving abilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with senior management, technical consultants, public agency staff, fellow employees, public officials and community members.
• Analytical ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze information to make operational decisions.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Yardi, Primavera P6, Aconex, and related software.
• Candidates with any or all of the following are strongly encouraged to apply:
  • Advanced business, real estate, or other related degrees.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or Construction Management (CCM) certifications.
  • Experience in hyperscale turn‑key data center projects.
  • Specific knowledge of the data center entitlement and permitting process.
  • Experience in real estate development and/or finance.
  • Familiarity with cloud‑based project management software (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud).

Benefits & Compensation

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible family members
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Parental Leave
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and supplemental life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Financial Wellness Service

Pay

Anticipated base salary range: $215,000 — $240,000 USD. Position may be eligible for an annual bonus.