Remote Data Center Site Acquisition Lead

Ascenra; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 181,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Real Estate Lead to own land acquisition strategy and site-control execution for our data center portfolio across the U.S. This role sits at the front end of infrastructure delivery, translating market intelligence and relationships into shovel-ready positions that meet power, land, permitting, and expansion needs.

The role is an individual contributor with no initial direct reports, responsible for market prioritization, negotiating terms, and coordinating due diligence with

Qualifications

• 8+ years in commercial real estate acquisition, site selection, or corporate development—ideally with data center or hyperscaler firms.
• Proven success identifying and closing large-scale land deals (typically 500+ acres) under tight timelines.
• Strong negotiation skills and familiarity with LOIs, PSA terms, option agreements, and closing mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Own market prioritization and portfolio acquisition strategy across target geographies.
• Proactively source and evaluate land parcels at scale to support long-term data center growth.
• Build and manage a national pipeline of site opportunities using broker/developer relationships, land-owner outreach, utility intelligence, and market mapping.
• Lead commercial site-control strategy and run multiple negotiations in parallel across LOIs, option agreements, PSA structures, BTS, lease, or related pathways.
• Coordinate cross-functional diligence across zoning, entitlements, title/ALTA, environmental, power/water infrastructure, and easement needs.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Market analysis

Travel readiness

Data center/site selection

Job description

OpenAI is seeking a Real Estate Lead to own land acquisition strategy and site-control execution for our data center portfolio across the U.S. This role sits at the front end of infrastructure delivery, translating market intelligence and relationships into shovel-ready positions that meet power, land, permitting, and expansion needs.

The role is an individual contributor with no initial direct reports, responsible for market prioritization, negotiating terms, and coordinating due diligence with