Director, Site Development

Rowan Digital Infrastructure; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working environment

Generous benefits package

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

A leading digital infrastructure firm in Denver seeks a Director of Site Development to lead and manage data center development projects. The role requires 10+ years of experience in site development, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders. Key responsibilities include overseeing project execution, managing budgets, and representing the firm with external partners. This position offers a hybrid working environment and a competitive compensation package, including generous benefits and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale site development projects or portfolios.
• Proven success in negotiating commercial agreements.
• Experience in working with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end site development for data center projects.
• Negotiate key agreements with external partners.
• Oversee all development activities and communicate project value.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or environmental management

Job description

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.