Vice President, Data Center Development

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of nearly 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

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

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

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• 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.