VP, Utilities & Power Development (Data Center Portfolio)

American Real Estate Partners LLC; North Dakota; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

FSA

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discount

Job summary

American Real Estate Partners LLC is seeking a VP of Utilities & Power Development to strategize, plan, finance, and execute permanent power infrastructure projects. You will develop investor-grade plans and complex financial models for power assets, negotiating PPAs and interconnection agreements with utilities, ISOs, and regulators.

You will lead private investment structures, due diligence, and executive reporting, coordinating with engineering, legal, finance, and external EPC teams to

Qualifications

• Requires 12+ years in utility-scale power development or IPP environments.
• Experience leading complex multi-hundred-million-dollar project finance transactions.
• Deep expertise in U.S. utility regulatory frameworks and interconnection procedures.
• Proven ability to raise private capital from infra funds, PE, or strategic investors.
• Strong negotiation and deal-closing skills with favorable terms.

Responsibilities

• Lead investor-grade business plans and multi-year financial models for power assets.
• Structure private investment for generation, transmission, and substation assets; manage due diligence and investor relations.
• Negotiate and execute long-term PPAs with utilities and energy marketers.
• Lead utility interconnection processes and cost allocations with ISOs/RTOs.
• Build relationships with utility executives and regulators; provide executive reporting.

Skills

PPA negotiations

Interconnection processes

Financial modeling

Capital raising

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

@Risk

PVSyst

Job description

Position Summary

The VP of Utilities & Power Development will with work with both the Acquisitions and Asset Management Departments to strategize, plan, finance, and execute permanent power infrastructure projects. This position will deliver business plans and sophisticated financial models for the development and construction of utility-scale or behind-the-meter power solutions. A core focus is negotiating and closing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Interconnection Agreements, Utility Construction or Development Agreements, Energy Service Agreements and related commercial contracts with investor‑owned utilities, independent system operators (ISOs), and regulatory bodies to secure reliable, long‑term power supply under private investment structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of comprehensive, investor‑grade business plans and multi‑year financial models (project finance, merchant, hybrid) for the development, financing, construction, and operation of permanent power assets.
• Structure private investment for power generation, transmission, and substation assets. Prepare and present investment memoranda, lead due diligence processes with institutional investors, and manage relationships with financial advisors, lenders, and rating agencies.
• Manage the negotiation, drafting, and execution of long‑term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with utilities, corporate off‑takers, and energy marketers.
• Lead all aspects of utility interconnection processes, including queue management, system impact studies, facilities studies, and final Interconnection Agreements. Negotiate cost allocation, construction timelines, and grid upgrade responsibilities with transmission owners and ISOs/RTOs.
• Build and maintain relationships with utility executives, state/federal regulators (FERC, PUCs, state siting boards), and permitting agencies.
• Partner with internal engineering, legal, finance, and development and construction teams, as well as external EPC contractors, consultants, and technical advisors to deliver projects on time and on budget. Provide executive‑level reporting to the Principals and investors on project status, risks, and financial performance.
• Continuously assess energy market dynamics, utility rate cases, capacity markets, renewable integration trends, and emerging technologies to inform site selection, technology choices, and investment strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, Energy Economics, or related field; or additional significant relevant working experience in lieu of degree.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in utility‑scale power project development, energy infrastructure, or independent power producer (IPP) environments.
• 7 years directly leading PPA negotiations, interconnection processes, and multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar project finance transactions.
• Proven success in building and closing complex financial models for greenfield or brownfield power plants (gas, renewables + storage, nuclear SMRs, or hybrid solutions) that have reached financial close and construction.
• Deep expertise in U.S. utility regulatory frameworks, FERC tariffs, interconnection procedures (e.g., LGIP, SGIP), and power contract structuring.
• Demonstrated ability to raise private capital from infrastructure funds, private equity, or strategic investors.
• Exceptional negotiation and deal‑closing skills with a track record of delivering favorable commercial terms.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex technical/financial concepts into clear executive and Board‑level presentations.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to influence senior utility and regulatory stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, utility headquarters, and investor meetings.

Candidates with any or all of the following background are strongly encouraged to apply:

• MBA, CFA, or PE
• Prior experience in data center, hyperscale, industrial, or critical infrastructure environments where “permanent power” delivery is mission‑critical.
• Experience with major investor‑owned utilities and transmission operators.
• Experience with merchant power plants, capacity markets, or virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs).
• Strong financial acumen with hands‑on modeling proficiency (Excel, @Risk or similar, PVSyst or equivalent for renewables).

AREP offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your eligible family members, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), life and supplemental life insurance and short and long‑term disability insurance. Our package includes Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, 401(k) plan with employer match, Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discount Program.

AREP is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require special accommodation, please email [e-mail].

AREP does not accept unsolicited resumes or identifiable candidate information from third‑party recruiters. Any unsolicited information will not be considered for engagement purposes.