Chief Development Officer

Equity / Compensation: Executive Salary + Annual Bonus + Series A EquityAbout the Opportunity A fast-growing, Series A-funded digital infrastructure developer is seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to spearhead the rapid acquisition, power procurement, site development, and construction of next-generation data center campuses across Texas and core US markets. Backed by top-tier institutional investors, our client is building the mission-critical infrastructure required to power high-density AI, cloud, and enterprise workloads. As CDO, you will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, taking direct ownership of the growth pipeline from land acquisition and power interconnection through to shovel-ready delivery.

Key Responsibilities: Site Selection & Land Acquisition:

• Identify, evaluate, and secure high-capacity sites suitable for hyperscale and high-density data center developments across Texas and target regional markets.
• Power Procurement & Utility Strategy:
• Lead negotiations with electric utilities (ERCOT, co-ops, municipal utilities) and power producers for large-scale grid interconnections, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and substation infrastructure.
• Entitlements & Permitting:
• Drive municipal, county, and environmental approvals, zoning changes, tax abatement negotiations, and community engagement.
• Development & Pre-Construction:
• Oversee civil engineering, site planning, water/fiber utility access, and environmental impact studies to transition raw land to shovel-ready status.
• Executive Leadership:
• Build and manage a high-performing development team while partnering closely with the CEO, Board, and capital partners on strategic market expansion.

Candidate Profile: Track Record:10+ years of senior leadership experience in data center development, energy/power development, or large-scale digital infrastructure. Energy Expertise:

• Deep working knowledge of high-voltage power delivery, interconnection queues, and utility dynamics (direct ERCOT/Texas energy market experience strongly preferred).Dealmaker Mindset:
• Proven ability to source sites, negotiate complex real estate deals, and execute power agreements for multi-hundred-megawatt projects.
• Series A / Growth Orientation:
• Hands-on leader comfortable operating in a high-growth, fast-paced venture environment where speed-to-market is a core differentiator.