Director, Land Development - Data Centers

Responsibilities

The Director of Land Development will lead all aspects of data center site selection, entitlement, permitting, and development strategy. This role requires extensive experience in real estate development, power procurement, and regulatory compliance for large-scale mission-critical facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of executing complex projects, managing cross-functional teams, and working with local and state regulatory bodies to streamline development timelines. This position will be based in New York or Dallas. We'll trust you to:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of data center development projects, from site selection to commissioning.
• Manage negotiations for land acquisition, zoning approvals, entitlements, and utility agreements.
• Develop and execute strategies to secure power, water, and fiber infrastructure for new sites.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and permitting efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, construction, and operations teams to align development efforts with business objectives.
• Assess financial feasibility, risk management, and budgeting for large-scale projects.
• Drive sustainability initiatives in site selection and design, including renewable energy sourcing and carbon footprint reduction.
• Identify and evaluate new markets for expansion, providing data-driven recommendations to executive leadership.
• Manage third-party consultants, including real estate brokers, legal teams, and environmental specialists.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in data center development including site selection.
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of zoning laws, permitting processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience securing power and fiber infrastructure for hyperscale or enterprise data centers.
• Ability to lead negotiations and execute contracts with landowners, utility providers, and government entities.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and risk assessment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.