Director, Site Development
Rowan Digital Infrastructure, Denver, CO, United States
Role Summary
Rowan is seeking a Director of Site Development to lead the evaluation and advancement of data center development activities across our project portfolio. This role is integral to shaping and executing Rowan’s development strategy—determining which sites to pursue, advancing them through due diligence and entitlements, and delivering them into the leasing and construction pipeline in alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of delivering complex data center projects, paired with strategic acumen, disciplined risk management, and exceptional negotiation and communication skills. Success in this role requires comfort with ambiguity, a highly organized and proactive approach, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
Travel:
Ability to travel up to 40% for company gatherings or to project sites.
Location:
Denver, CO (3 day hybrid in‑office role)
Compensation:
$170,000‑$215,000 (offers bonus)
Essential Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end site development for a portfolio of data center projects—from early diligence and site access through construction commencement—with active stakeholder engagement, risk management, and commercial oversight
Negotiate key agreements with external partners, including land acquisitions, development agreements, and other commercial contracts that support risk mitigation and project advancement
Oversee all development activities, including land use and entitlements, permitting, physical and legal due diligence, and other pre‑construction workstreams
Serve as the primary liaison with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), external stakeholders, landowners, and vendors for assigned development projects
Collaborate with internal teams—including energy, finance, water & wastewater, engineering, legal and economic development—to identify and address key project risks and ensure long‑term viability
Communicate project value by partnering with leadership to articulate the customer proposition and strategic fit of priority sites
Represent the project internally and externally, providing clear, concise updates to leadership and leading customer‑facing development discussions
Ensure effective project execution by working with the project management team to develop and manage budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
Contribute to the team’s growth and scalability by helping establish strong diligence and reporting practices and continuously improving development processes and systems
Education, Skills, and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, real estate, environmental management) and 10+ years of experience leading large‑scale, complex site development projects or portfolios in the data center or commercial real estate industry
Proven success in negotiating commercial agreements, including land control, energy, water/wastewater service, and economic development agreements
Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders, including authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), utilities, and economic development agencies to advance complex infrastructure projects
Strong experience leading cross‑functional initiatives, with responsibility for project strategy, budgets, schedules, and risk management
Proficiency in environmental due diligence, permitting, and entitlements for large‑scale developments
Skilled at communicating with senior leadership and executive stakeholders across the organization
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, collaboration, and communication skills
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and cross‑functional environment
Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience evaluating the feasibility and ROI of large capital investments
Benefits
Hybrid working environment
Team building and educational opportunities
Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k) company contribution
Unlimited PTO
Competitive compensation and bonus 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.
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Travel:
Ability to travel up to 40% for company gatherings or to project sites.
Location:
Denver, CO (3 day hybrid in‑office role)
Compensation:
$170,000‑$215,000 (offers bonus)
Essential Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end site development for a portfolio of data center projects—from early diligence and site access through construction commencement—with active stakeholder engagement, risk management, and commercial oversight
Negotiate key agreements with external partners, including land acquisitions, development agreements, and other commercial contracts that support risk mitigation and project advancement
Oversee all development activities, including land use and entitlements, permitting, physical and legal due diligence, and other pre‑construction workstreams
Serve as the primary liaison with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), external stakeholders, landowners, and vendors for assigned development projects
Collaborate with internal teams—including energy, finance, water & wastewater, engineering, legal and economic development—to identify and address key project risks and ensure long‑term viability
Communicate project value by partnering with leadership to articulate the customer proposition and strategic fit of priority sites
Represent the project internally and externally, providing clear, concise updates to leadership and leading customer‑facing development discussions
Ensure effective project execution by working with the project management team to develop and manage budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
Contribute to the team’s growth and scalability by helping establish strong diligence and reporting practices and continuously improving development processes and systems
Education, Skills, and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, real estate, environmental management) and 10+ years of experience leading large‑scale, complex site development projects or portfolios in the data center or commercial real estate industry
Proven success in negotiating commercial agreements, including land control, energy, water/wastewater service, and economic development agreements
Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders, including authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), utilities, and economic development agencies to advance complex infrastructure projects
Strong experience leading cross‑functional initiatives, with responsibility for project strategy, budgets, schedules, and risk management
Proficiency in environmental due diligence, permitting, and entitlements for large‑scale developments
Skilled at communicating with senior leadership and executive stakeholders across the organization
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, collaboration, and communication skills
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and cross‑functional environment
Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience evaluating the feasibility and ROI of large capital investments
Benefits
Hybrid working environment
Team building and educational opportunities
Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k) company contribution
Unlimited PTO
Competitive compensation and bonus 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.
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