ROLE OVERVIEWNscale is seeking a Director, Data Center Development to lead end-to-end development of new AI data center sites across the Americas - from origination and site control through entitlement, design coordination, and partnership with construction for ultimate delivery. Reporting to the SVP, Site Selection, you will own a portfolio of development projects and lead a team of internal reports and external consultants delivering Nscale's speed to market.
You will be accountable for advancing sites through the full development lifecycle - securing land and power (in partnership with Nscale's power team), managing due diligence, permitting, and entitlements, and coordinating design, energy, and preconstruction workstreams to bring shovel-ready, powered sites to Final Investment Decision (FID).
DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP & EXECUTION- Lead a development team responsible for advancing a portfolio of AI data center sites from origination through diligence and FID
- Own project development strategy, budgets, and schedules across the portfolio, driving speed-to-power and speed-to-market
- Manage the full development lifecycle - site control, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, utility coordination, and design management
- Coordinate cross-functional workstreams across Energy and Power, Design, Preconstruction, and Sales to keep projects on schedule and on budget
SITE CONTROL, DUE DILIGENCE & ENTITLEMENTS- Direct site due diligence - title, survey, geotechnical, environmental, zoning, and utility studies - and lead risk identification and mitigation
- Lead land acquisition and site-control efforts (purchase, option, ground lease) in partnership with Legal and external resources
- Manage entitlement and permitting strategy and schedule, engaging jurisdictions, land-use counsel, and consultants to de-risk the path to FID
- Partner with Energy and Power teams on utility interconnection and self-generation power procurement to validate deliverability
PROJECT DELIVERY & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT- Develop and manage integrated development budgets and total development cost, partnering with Preconstruction and Finance on capital planning and FID packages
- Track project milestones, costs, and risks, and report status to executive leadership
- Manage external consultants, engineers, and design partners through the development phase
- Drive standardization and continuous improvement of development processes, playbooks, and reporting
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT- Represent the development team in executive reviews, investment committees, and partner and jurisdiction meetings
- Build and maintain relationships with landowners, developers, brokers, utilities, and local authorities
- Hire, mentor, and develop junior team members building a high-performance team culture as the group scales
QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a relevant discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 8+ years of related experience in data center, real estate, or infrastructure development, with a track record advancing complex projects from site selection to construction
- Data center or mission-critical facility development experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated expertise across the development lifecycle - site control, due diligence, entitlements and permitting, and design coordination
- Experience managing development budgets, schedules, and total development cost, and preparing FID / capital approval packages
- Working knowledge of power and utility interconnection and its role in data center deliverability
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office tools
- Willingness to travel up to 25% based on business needs
The range below reflects the base salary for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related factors such as skill set, experience, education, and location. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonus, equity, and/or commission programs. Nscale may offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, parental leave, and retirement plan participation.
Salary Range
$170,000-$290,000 USD 
