Director of Real Estate and Site Selection

Cologix • Minneapolis, MN

124d • $170,000 - $185,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Director of Real Estate and Site Selection to join our Corporate Development team and drive Cologix's strategic expansion across the United States and Canada. This role will be instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and securing optimal sites for data center development through both greenfield and brownfield opportunities. The successful candidate will combine deep real estate expertise with data center industry knowledge to support our aggressive growth strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of commercial real estate experience with focus on site selection, leasing, and transaction management
• Data center industry experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record in both greenfield and brownfield development projects
• Experience with complex lease negotiations and real estate transactions
• Strong market knowledge across US and Canadian real estate markets preferred
• Excellent financial modeling and analytical skills
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications (CCIM, SIOR, CPM) a plus
• Experience with GIS mapping and site analysis tools
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure requirements (power, cooling, connectivity)
• Established network of relationships with brokers, developers, and industry contacts
• Experience with municipal zoning and permitting processes
• Background in industrial or mission-critical facility development

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive site selection processes for data center expansion opportunities across US and Canadian markets
• Evaluate sites based on critical data center requirements including power availability, fiber connectivity, zoning, environmental factors, and proximity to network infrastructure
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and municipal authorities across target markets
• Execute thorough due diligence processes including environmental assessments, title reviews, zoning analysis, and utility capacity studies
• Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, construction, operations, legal, finance) and external consultants to ensure comprehensive site evaluation
• Manage transaction timelines and deliverables from LOI through closing
• Assess and mitigate real estate-related risks throughout the development process
• Lead lease negotiations for build-to-suit and existing facility opportunities
• Structure creative deal terms that align with Cologix's operational and financial objectives
• Collaborate with legal counsel on lease documentation and ensure terms support long-term operational requirements
• Negotiate purchase agreements for land acquisition and facility purchases
• Develop financial models and investment analysis for potential opportunities
• Present recommendations and regular updates to Corporate Development leadership and executive team
• Track market trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory changes affecting site selection decisions and local real estate market

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account options
• Non-accrued PTO
• Company paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Discount Marketplace
• Employee Recognition Platform

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees