Senior Associate, Data Center Site Development & Land Planning

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Senior Associate, Data Center Site Development & Land Planning is responsible for assisting with land acquisition and entitlement activities and processes from property selection and due diligence through completion of site plan and permitting. The position supports the Land Acquisition team by providing assistance with planning, design review, and market analyses for Data Center developments. 

This role reports to the Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development and has an on-site schedule in McLean, VA.   

Primary Responsibilities  

• Lead due diligence for data center land acquisitions, coordinating internal teams and external consultants to assess site viability across zoning, municipal approvals, environmental conditions, utility availability, geotechnical findings, traffic, grading, drainage, title, and right-of-way considerations. 
• Evaluate site feasibility and layout by reviewing jurisdictional zoning and code requirements, and collaborating with design consultants to develop site plans that balance functionality with maximum site coverage. 
• Develop pre-development budgets, cashflows, conceptual site plans, and project schedules spanning entitlement through construction completion, including detailed permitting timelines; prepare materials for investment committee presentations. 
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams (civil, geotechnical, environmental, architectural, landscape) to ensure thorough and timely progression of due diligence reports and entitlement deliverables. 
• Assess environmental risk of potential acquisitions by reviewing public data and studies; develop mitigation strategies, underwrite remediation costs, and negotiate work plans or protective agreements with relevant parties. 
• Support land use approvals and entitlements by assisting in the preparation and review of easements, development agreements, governmental submissions, and related legal documents. 
• Track local and state policy, ordinance amendments, and tax incentive programs affecting data center development; coordinate incentive applications with specialized consultants and prepare materials for public and neighborhood meetings. 
• Identify acquisition risks and propose mitigations; monitor project milestones and communicate status updates to the Land Acquisition team and senior management. 
• Assist in market and feasibility research to evaluate new pursuit sites and support go/no-go decision making for the Powerhouse data center portfolio. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications & Competencies:  

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate, Civil Engineering, Architecture or related discipline, or additional related experience in lieu of degree. 
• 5+ years of experience in land planning, entitlements, or site engineering. Candidates with data center design or development are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Candidates with CAD and GIS knowledge and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.  
• Experience dealing with municipalities and other governmental agencies. 
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and preparing presentation materials. 
• Proven ability to successfully multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong project management and communication skills. 
• Knowledge of planning and development criteria. 
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise activities of consulting team. 
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend strategy and solutions.