Land Use & Permitting, Senior Manager

At Rowan Digital Infrastructure, we are transforming data center delivery for speed and scale. Our mission is to deliver best-in-class data center solutions to hyperscale customers who share our commitment to sustainability, and to do so with an unwavering focus on efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Our data center solutions are tailored to our customers’ needs and delivered by our exceptional end-to-end team. Rowan is assembling a strategic portfolio of data center sites in Tier 1 markets across the United States at various stages of development, and we’re looking for incredible and passionate people to help us advance our company and our commitment to building a more sustainable future. Rowan is backed by Quinbrook, a leading investor in the energy transition, and Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Ready to join us in transforming the future of data centers and sustainability? Apply now to explore exciting career opportunities at Rowan Digital Infrastructure and be a part of our mission to revolutionize data center delivery. Role Summary Rowan Digital Infrastructure is looking for a Land Use & Permitting Manager to lead land use, zoning, and entitlement activities for projects across Rowan’s data center project portfolio. The Land Use & Permitting Manager will be responsible for oversight of all local, state and federal requirements, collaborate with project leads across Rowan to develop a permitting strategies and schedules in support of project delivery dates; ensure the appropriate team members or contractors are leading permitting efforts and coordinate permitting activities between the Sites and the Engineering, Construction, and Operations (ECO) Teams. The Land Use & Permitting Manager is a critical part of the team, helping to implement Rowan’s land use strategy, ensuring schedules are met, working with consultants on complex issues, and frequently communicating with key team members. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing complex development projects with a specific focus on local land use permitting. The successful candidate will have excellent strategic thinking skills, organizational and communication skills, the ability to multitask, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Travel: Ability to travel up to 30% to project sites Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid, 3 days/week in office) Compensation: $150K - $185K (Offers Bonus) Essential Responsibilities Lead local permitting and entitlement efforts for a portfolio of data center projectsLead land use approvals, including annexations, rezoning, use permits, variances, and subdivisions, ensuring land is fully prepared and aligned with construction schedulesIn partnership with key development leads, act as a primary liaison between Rowan and city/county Authority Having Jurisdictions (AHJs) on identifying and tracking local permitting and approvals requirementsUnderstand, interpret, communicate and manage permitting risks in critical areas related to land use and construction permitting for internal teamsDevelop and maintain local permitting matrices for each site in Rowan’s portfolioAct as the subject matter land use expert and local permitting requirements in internal and external reporting. Respond to internal and external stakeholders related to finance, economic development, government affairs, as well as responding to lenders and AHJsSupport the growth of Rowan by helping establish good project diligence and reporting practices and improving processes and systems as we scaleTrains and coaches other project leads to support AHJ engagement, entitlements, and permitting in support of Rowan’s growth and execution goalsEvaluation of new regions, policies, and participation in economic development and government affairs review and risk analysis of new potential projectsProvides inputs to schedules, budgets and other organizational documentation managed by others Education, Skills And Experience Bachelor’s degree in a related field (planning, environmental, real estate), preferably a Master’s Degree in a related field, and at least 7 years of experience leading large-scale complex site development projectsExperience analyzing local regulations, leading local AHJ permitting efforts, and working with Planning StaffExperienced with researching permit requirements, online regulatory reporting and online reporting platforms and utilizing online GIS databasesExperience developing permitting matrices and entitlement strategies. Can support or lead multiple efforts concurrentlyExperience communicating with senior leaders and executives at all levels of the organizationExperience leading complex cross-functional efforts across teamsExperience working with engineers to ensure alignment on deliverables and permitting schedules, including site plans and building permit approvalsExperience with data center site development preferredAICP certification preferred but not requiredStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and collaboration skills Fueled by Excellence & Collaboration At Rowan, we are a distributed team united by a common mission to transform data center delivery. Across our two offices, we offer a hybrid work environment supported by teamwork, technology, and in-office gathering time to help you be successful. We are headquartered in downtown Denver, Colorado and have an office in Seattle, Washington. Our team of talented and passionate individuals is spread out across the U.S. Here to support you At Rowan, we want to make sure you can do great work. We offer competitive benefits focused on helping you be and achieve your best. Hybrid working environmentTeam building and educational opportunitiesGenerous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k)-company contributionUnlimited PTORTD ECO pass or parking reimbursementCompetitive compensation, bonus, and an incentive plan Equal Opportunity Employer Rowan Digital is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all aspects of our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.