Director of Energy

Company: Diode Ventures, LLC – a leader in advancing sustainable infrastructure, specializing in renewable energy initiatives, high-performance data centers, and commercial real estate development. Relocation eligible. Full-time role.

About the role

The Director of Energy for Digital Infrastructure leads the development and implementation of strategic energy solutions tailored to data center developments. This role ensures energy strategies align with the rapid growth, reliability, and evolving project objectives required for cloud and AI workloads in North America, specifically the United States and Canada. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions that support the company's expanding digital infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive energy strategies tailored to data centers, supporting reliability, availability, and flexibility requirements for cloud and AI loads across the region.
• Identify energy partners, such as IPPs, to deliver power to data center sites. Structure contracts with IPPs and utilities for power delivery.
• Oversee energy sourcing and contracting, considering a broad range of solutions including natural gas power plants, fuel cells, SMRs, etc., to secure cost-effective and resilient supplies for data center facilities.
• Build strong partnerships with utilities, government agencies, industry organizations, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with project managers, external partners, utilities, and regulatory bodies to develop and drive the energy solution for each project in the portfolio, ensuring innovative and effective approaches are implemented from conception through development.
• Assess and mitigate risks related to energy supply, regulatory changes, market volatility, and commercial agreements.
• Advance strategies for efficient energy use and compliance with relevant energy and environmental regulations in the United States and Canada.
• Support the Project Finance team in providing required information to produce energy cost analyses and data center operations financial models.
• Lead and develop a team of energy professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with the client regarding all aspects of infrastructure procurement, technical studies, and required updates, including detailed updates on anticipated timelines, associated costs, and any changes that may impact project delivery.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Ability to Communicate both Technical and High-Level Concepts
• Leadership & Team Development
• Energy Analytics & Optimization
• Financial Acumen
• Innovation & Technology Adoption
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Collaboration

Management Responsibilities

• Supervises work of others.
• Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of subordinates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in energy management, utilities, or data center development, including substantial experience with natural gas power plants and related commercial agreements, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale energy strategies for data centers serving cloud and AI workloads.
• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure, power distribution, cooling systems, and backup assets relevant to the region.
• Knowledge of a wide range of energy solutions is preferred.
• Knowledge of energy markets, regulatory frameworks, sustainability best practices, and commercial structures for natural gas assets in the United States and Canada.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate with senior executives, project stakeholders, and external partners.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED accreditation are a plus.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment

• Position is based in Overland Park, KS, with regular travel to project sites and external meetings as required (up to 40% travel, including international travel).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and respond to critical project challenges.
• Typical office environment: sitting, standing, computer usage for extended periods of time.
• Ability to utilize audio/video conferencing software for communication purposes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurances.
• Life insurance and a robust wellness program.
• Paid vacation and holiday time after the eligibility period has been met.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Vendor discounts, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan, identity theft and credit monitoring services, and the B&V Credit Union.