Senior Associate, Data Center Site Development & Land Planning

Senior Associate, Data Center Site Development & Land Planning

McLean, VA

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US-based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet.

PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Backed by strategic joint venture partnerships, PowerHouse leverages its proven leadership and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions.

Position Summary

The Senior Associate, Data Center Site Development & Land Planning is responsible for assisting with land acquisition and entitlement activities and processes from property selection and due diligence through completion of site plan and permitting. The position supports the Land Acquisition team by providing assistance with planning, design review, and market analyses for Data Center developments.

This role reports to the Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development and has an on-site schedule in McLean, VA.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence for data center land acquisitions, coordinating internal teams and external consultants to assess site viability across zoning, municipal approvals, environmental conditions, utility availability, geotechnical findings, traffic, grading, drainage, title, and right-of-way considerations.
• Evaluate site feasibility and layout by reviewing jurisdictional zoning and code requirements, and collaborating with design consultants to develop site plans that balance functionality with maximum site coverage.
• Develop pre-development budgets, cashflows, conceptual site plans, and project schedules spanning entitlement through construction completion, including detailed permitting timelines; prepare materials for investment committee presentations.
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams (civil, geotechnical, environmental, architectural, landscape) to ensure thorough and timely progression of due diligence reports and entitlement deliverables.
• Assess environmental risk of potential acquisitions by reviewing public data and studies; develop mitigation strategies, underwrite remediation costs, and negotiate work plans or protective agreements with relevant parties.
• Support land use approvals and entitlements by assisting in the preparation and review of easements, development agreements, governmental submissions, and related legal documents.
• Track local and state policy, ordinance amendments, and tax incentive programs affecting data center development; coordinate incentive applications with specialized consultants and prepare materials for public and neighborhood meetings.
• Identify acquisition risks and propose mitigations; monitor project milestones and communicate status updates to the Land Acquisition team and senior management.
• Assist in market and feasibility research to evaluate new pursuit sites and support go/no-go decision making for the Powerhouse data center portfolio.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications & Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate, Civil Engineering, Architecture or related discipline, or additional related experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of experience in land planning, entitlements, or site engineering. Candidates with data center design or development are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Candidates with CAD and GIS knowledge and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience dealing with municipalities and other governmental agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and preparing presentation materials.
• Proven ability to successfully multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of planning and development criteria.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise activities of consulting team.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend strategy and solutions.

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 View email address on talent.com.

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