VP, Utilities & Power Development (Data Center Portfolio)

American Real Estate Partners LLC•McLean, VA

106d

About The Position

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US-based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet. PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Backed by strategic joint venture partnerships, PowerHouse leverages its proven leadership and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions. Position Summary The VP of Utilities & Power Development will work with both the Acquisitions and Asset Management Departments to strategize, plan, finance, and execute permanent power infrastructure projects. This position will deliver business plans and sophisticated financial models for the development and construction of utility-scale or behind-the-meter power solutions. A core focus is negotiating and closing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Interconnection Agreements, Utility Construction or Development Agreements, Energy Service Agreements and related commercial contracts with investor-owned utilities, independent system operators (ISOs), and regulatory bodies to secure reliable, long-term power supply under private investment structures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, Energy Economics, or related field; or additional significant relevant working experience in lieu of degree.
12+ years of progressive experience in utility-scale power project development, energy infrastructure, or independent power producer (IPP) environments.
7 years directly leading PPA negotiations, interconnection processes, and multi-hundred-million-dollar project finance transactions.
Proven success in building and closing complex financial models for greenfield or brownfield power plants (gas, renewables + storage, nuclear SMRs, or hybrid solutions) that have reached financial close and construction.
Deep expertise in U.S. utility regulatory frameworks, FERC tariffs, interconnection procedures (e.g., LGIP, SGIP), and power contract structuring.
Demonstrated ability to raise private capital from infrastructure funds, private equity, or strategic investors.
Exceptional negotiation and deal-closing skills with a track record of delivering favorable commercial terms.
Strategic thinker who can translate complex technical/financial concepts into clear executive and Board-level presentations.
High emotional intelligence and ability to influence senior utility and regulatory stakeholders.
Willingness to travel to project sites, utility headquarters, and investor meetings.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CFA, or PE
Prior experience in data center, hyperscale, industrial, or critical infrastructure environments where “permanent power” delivery is mission-critical.
Experience with major investor-owned utilities and transmission operators.
Experience with merchant power plants, capacity markets, or virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs).
Strong financial acumen with hands-on modeling proficiency (Excel, @Risk or similar, PVSyst or equivalent for renewables).

Responsibilities

Lead the creation of comprehensive, investor-grade business plans and multi-year financial models (project finance, merchant, hybrid) for the development, financing, construction, and operation of permanent power assets.
Structure private investment for power generation, transmission, and substation assets. Prepare and present investment memoranda, lead due diligence processes with institutional investors, and manage relationships with financial advisors, lenders, and rating agencies.
Manage the negotiation, drafting, and execution of long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with utilities, corporate off-takers, and energy marketers.
Lead all aspects of utility interconnection processes, including queue management, system impact studies, facilities studies, and final Interconnection Agreements. Negotiate cost allocation, construction timelines, and grid upgrade responsibilities with transmission owners and ISOs/RTOs.
Build and maintain relationships with utility executives, state/federal regulators (FERC, PUCs, state siting boards), and permitting agencies.
Partner with internal engineering, legal, finance, and development and construction teams, as well as external EPC contractors, consultants, and technical advisors to deliver projects on time and on budget. Provide executive-level reporting to the Principals and investors on project status, risks, and financial performance.
Continuously assess energy market dynamics, utility rate cases, capacity markets, renewable integration trends, and emerging technologies to inform site selection, technology choices, and investment strategy.