Vice President, Data Center Development

Apex Clean Energy; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and dental insurance

401(k) corporate matching

Paid Time Off

Flexible spending arrangements

Job summary

Apex Clean Energy is seeking a Vice President of Data Center Development to lead a new division aimed at advancing large-scale data center projects across the United States. This executive role entails overseeing project origination, team building, and strategy implementation while collaborating with various internal teams to ensure effective execution.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of comprehensive experience in data center or infrastructure projects, with a strong track record in site selection and development negotiations. The work environment is dynamic and offers opportunities for professional growth and impact.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data center or infrastructure development.
• Ability to lead complex projects through all phases.
• Strong understanding of power infrastructure and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Apex’s data center development business.
• Originate large-scale data center development opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams to advance projects.

Skills

Data center development

Team leadership

Project management

Negotiation skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Apex Clean Energy is seeking a senior development executive to establish and lead a new Data Center Development division. This role is responsible for originating, developing, and advancing large-scale data center projects across the United States, leveraging Apex’s existing strengths in real estate, development and permitting, transmission and interconnection, engineering, construction, and energy infrastructure.

This is a unique opportunity to build a new business line within a mature, vertically integrated renewable energy platform. The Vice President of Data Center Development will be accountable for market strategy, project origination, team formation, and execution through key development milestones, while integrating data center‑specific expertise into Apex’s established development processes.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in utility‑scale data center development and a demonstrated ability to lead complex, capital‑intensive projects from site selection through permitting, design coordination, and readiness for construction.

Hours: Full Time

Level: Executive

Travel: Approximately 15–35%

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and lead Apex’s data center development business, including strategy, market focus, and organizational design.
• Originate large‑scale data center development opportunities through site identification, land control, and early feasibility diligence.
• Lead site selection activities, including evaluation of power availability, transmission access, fiber connectivity, water resources, zoning, and community considerations.
• Coordinate closely with Apex’s real estate, permitting, transmission & interconnection, engineering, construction, legal, and finance teams to advance projects efficiently.
• Oversee permitting and entitlement strategies with local, state, and regional authorities having jurisdiction.
• Develop and manage relationships with utilities, transmission providers, municipalities, economic development authorities, and key infrastructure partners.
• Drive project schedules, budgets, and risk management from early development through notice‑to‑proceed for construction or sale.
• Recruit, build, and mentor a high‑performing data center development team.
• Develop internal playbooks, standards, and processes specific to data center development, while aligning with Apex’s existing development framework.
• Support commercial strategy and negotiations with hyperscale, enterprise, or colocation customers as applicable.
• Prepare and present investment materials, development updates, and board‑level communications.
• Represent Apex externally at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to enhance market visibility and thought leadership.

Qualifications

To succeed as Vice President of Data Center Development at Apex Clean Energy, you will bring the following qualifications and attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, real estate, business, planning, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with significant experience in large‑scale data center, infrastructure, or mission‑critical facilities development.
• Demonstrated success leading data center projects through site control, entitlements, utility coordination, and pre‑construction phases.
• Strong understanding of power infrastructure, including utility interconnection processes, transmission constraints, and load‑driven development challenges.
• Experience working with local governments, utilities, and regulatory bodies across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams within a fast‑paced development environment.
• Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize and convey complex technical and commercial issues.
• Highly organized, analytical, and detail‑oriented problem solver who views obstacles as development challenges to be addressed creatively.
• Professional presence with strong personal integrity and ethical standards.
• Willingness to travel as required (approximately 15–35%).
• Ability to work from Apex headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, or another approved Apex office location.

Additional Information

Work Environment

Works in both an indoor office environment and an outdoor environment, occasionally at night which may be subject to inclement weather. Extended hours may be required to complete scheduled repairs.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands‑on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short‑term and long‑term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.