Vice President, Data Center Development
About The Position
Apex Clean Energy is seeking a senior development executive to establish and lead a new Data Center Development division. This role is responsible for originating, developing, and advancing large‑scale data center projects across the United States, leveraging Apex’s existing strengths in real estate, development and permitting, transmission and interconnection, engineering, construction, and energy infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to build a new business line within a mature, vertically integrated renewable energy platform. The Vice President of Data Center Development will be accountable for market strategy, project origination, team formation, and execution through key development milestones, while integrating data center‑specific expertise into Apex’s established development processes. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in utility‑scale data center development and a demonstrated ability to lead complex, capital‑intensive projects from site selection through permitting, design coordination, and readiness for construction.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, real estate, business, planning, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with significant experience in large‑scale data center, infrastructure, or mission‑critical facilities development.
- Demonstrated success leading data center projects through site control, entitlements, utility coordination, and pre‑construction phases.
- Strong understanding of power infrastructure, including utility interconnection processes, transmission constraints, and load‑driven development challenges.
- Experience working with local governments, utilities, and regulatory bodies across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
- Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams within a fast‑paced development environment.
- Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize and convey complex technical and commercial issues.
- Highly organized, analytical, and detail‑oriented problem solver who views obstacles as development challenges to be addressed creatively.
- Professional presence with strong personal integrity and ethical standards.
- Willingness to travel as required (approximately 15–35%).
- Ability to work from Apex headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, or another approved Apex office location.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Establish and lead Apex’s data center development business, including strategy, market focus, and organizational design.
- Originate large‑scale data center development opportunities through site identification, land control, and early feasibility diligence.
- Lead site selection activities, including evaluation of power availability, transmission access, fiber connectivity, water resources, zoning, and community considerations.
- Coordinate closely with Apex’s real estate, permitting, transmission & interconnection, engineering, construction, legal, and finance teams to advance projects efficiently.
- Oversee permitting and entitlement strategies with local, state, and regional authorities having jurisdiction.
- Develop and manage relationships with utilities, transmission providers, municipalities, economic development authorities, and key infrastructure partners.
- Drive project schedules, budgets, and risk management from early development through notice‑to‑proceed for construction or sale.
- Recruit, build, and mentor a high‑performing data center development team.
- Develop internal playbooks, standards, and processes specific to data center development, while aligning with Apex’s existing development framework.
- Support commercial strategy and negotiations with hyperscale, enterprise, or colocation customers as applicable.
- Prepare and present investment materials, development updates, and board‑level communications.
- Represent Apex externally at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to enhance market visibility and thought leadership.
Benefits
- medical and dental
- 401(k) with corporate match
- Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
- comprehensive high-deductible health plans
- dental and vision insurance plans
- short-term and long-term disability
- group life insurance
- 401(k) corporate matching
- flexible spending arrangements
- company paid parking and cell phone
- fitness and wellness corporate discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
