Economic Development Lead

Rowan Digital Infrastructure is redefining how data centers are delivered—faster, smarter, and at scale. We partner with hyperscale customers to provide tailored, high-performance infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility.

Our experienced, end-to-end team delivers custom solutions across a growing portfolio of strategic sites in key markets across the United States. Backed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, Rowan is committed to enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure—and building a more sustainable future in the process.

Ready to help transform how the world’s most important technologies are powered? Join us.

Role Summary

Rowan Digital Infrastructure is looking for an Economic Development Lead to help drive economic development activities for projects across Rowan’s data center portfolio. This role is a critical part of the team that works with leadership and subject matter expert teams from across the business to bring into fruition Rowan’s expansion strategy.

This role will be helping to materialize Rowan’s economic development efforts, lead negotiations with key government and community stakeholders, execute incentive agreements, and be a subject matter expert for the wider Rowan team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully drafting and executing economic development agreements in the data center/infrastructure industry; however, experienced professionals in other asset classes are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have excellent strategic thinking and negotiation skills, organizational and communication skills, the ability to multitask, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Travel:

Ability to travel up to 25% for company gatherings or for site visits.

Location:

Denver, CO (hybrid in-office role)

Compensation:

$130-$165K (Offers Bonus)

Essential Responsibilities

- Establish partnerships with state and local economic development agencies to: support site selection efforts; identify additional key partnerships to support project development; and maintain positive working relationships throughout the project’s life-cycle

- Lead negotiation, drafting and execution of incentive agreements, and other economic development program needs for the development of Rowan data centers throughout the United States

- Effectively communicate the benefits of Rowan projects/investments to external key stakeholders, including AHJs, economic development partners, elected officials, and the community at large

- Support compliance efforts to ensure Rowan is meeting all of its economic development agreement obligations

- Provide direct support to project development cross-functional teams, including site identification, due diligence, and supporting asset management of projects in operation

- Work closely with Leadership to share customer value proposition from a tax incentive lens for key sites

- Act as a voice of the project in reporting for Leadership and other critical internal forums, and for customer-facing development meetings

- Support the growth of the economic development team and Rowan by helping to establish good project diligence and reporting practices, and improving processes and systems as we scale

Education, Skills, And Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of experience as an economic development practitioner, consulting, or similar experience

- Experience with economic development and/or real estate commercial negotiations with sophisticated parties

- Demonstrated track record of success in developing strong partnerships with AHJs, economic development organizations, state and local government, and other key stakeholders

- Public policy/government affairs experience

- Experience in tax related incentives, concessions, compliance, and agreements

- Experience supporting economic and fiscal impact analyses with the ability to effectively articulate the unique and positive impacts of economic development projects

- Experience communicating with senior leaders and executives at all levels of the organization

- Experience with data center site development preferred

- Knowledge of data center industry and trends preferred

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, and highly cross-functional environment

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Fueled by Excellence & Collaboration

At Rowan, we are a distributed team united by a common mission to transform data center delivery. Across our two offices, we offer a hybrid work environment supported by the teamwork, technology, and in-office gathering time to help you be successful. We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and have an office in Seattle, Washington. Our team of talented and passionate individuals is spread out across the U.S.

Here to support you

At Rowan, we want to make sure you can do great work. We offer competitive benefits focused on helping you be and achieve your best.

- Hybrid working environment

- Team building and educational opportunities

- Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k) company contribution

- Unlimited PTO

- Competitive compensation and bonus plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rowan Digital is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all aspects of our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.