Director of Data Center Development

The Director of Data Center Development will drive the growth of the utility business by identifying and cultivating new data center clients while continuing to manage existing relationships and partnerships. This role involves developing strategic partnerships, understanding client needs, and promoting the utility’s services to support data center growth opportunities. This role will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Black Hills Energy by developing initiatives that align with our strategic vision while driving growth and enhancing our competitive position. The ideal candidate has experience developing relationships with hyperscalers, colocation providers, or large data center operators as well as experience building relationships with economic development organizations, community leaders, industry partners, and regulatory stakeholders to support project development and implementation. The ideal candidate is a customer relationship-driven leader who demonstrates strong commercial acumen, and brings the passion, resilience, and cross-functional collaboration skills necessary to drive growth in a rapidly evolving market.

Pay Range: $170,000 - $280,550 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: VP of Strategic Growth, * Identify and target potential data center customers, developing strategies to attract and secure new business. Develop and implement strategic growth plans to expand the utility’s customer base within the data center sector.

• Lead negotiations with potential data center customers to secure agreements and partnerships. Create compelling and innovative proposals and presentations to showcase the utility’s services and value proposition.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including data center customers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead cross-functional coordination among regulatory, engineering, transmission, generation, finance, legal, and operations teams to advance data center opportunities from initial engagement through execution.
• Monitor and analyze market trends to identify new opportunities and stay ahead of industry developments.
• Ensure all business development activities comply with industry standards and regulations. Identify and mitigate risks associated with client acquisition and contract negotiations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting data center operations and utility services. Understand and navigate utility operations, tariffs, legislative, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and optimize project outcomes.
• Serve as one of the spokesperson for the company by representing the company in its relationships with data center partners in the business and financial communities.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals, and updates to executive management.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to business units and functional leaders throughout the project lifecycle.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience primarily working in the energy sector in fields related to business development, finance, account management, project management, strategic planning, or commercial growth is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience is required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in data center development is preferred.
• Strong understanding of the data center industry and its operational needs, and knowledge of utility services and their application in data center operations.
• Demonstrated executive presence with the ability to confidently engage, influence, and build credibility with senior executives, large commercial customers, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic growth initiatives while managing complex projects, negotiation, and cross-functional leadership skills to drive timely decisions and successful outcomes.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to evaluate commercial opportunities, develop business cases, assess project economics and risk, and drive complex negotiations.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address client needs and overcome challenges. Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and client requirements.
• Demonstrated success in acquiring and managing client relationships while cultivating strategic partnerships and industry networks that support growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate market intelligence into commercial strategies that drive profitable growth and long-term customer value.
• This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.
• This role will be required to travel up to 25% of the time.

What Is Desired:

• Demonstrated self-starter with a strong sense of ownership, work ethic, resilience, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while driving results in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of utility services, including power supply, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and standards affecting data center operations and utility services., Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at jobs@blackhillscorp.com.

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other., About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).