Director & Data Center Permitting & Environmental Services

Acara Solutions is seeking a Director for Data Center Permitting & Environmental Services to support a top client in the environmental services industry. This role is responsible for developing and executing market strategy, driving business development, and supporting permitting and regulatory efforts for data center projects. Location Remote (Client based in Irvine, CA) Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute go-to-market strategy targeting hyperscalers and colocation operators • Build and scale a data center permitting and regulatory services practice • Identify and develop relationships with data center developers, operators, and hyperscale clients • Lead proposal development, client presentations, and commercial negotiations • Support permitting strategies including air quality, NPDES, stormwater, and Section 401/404 compliance • Support project delivery efforts including permitting roadmaps, agency coordination, and site due diligence • Partner with internal teams to expand service offerings and drive cross‑selling opportunities • Build and maintain relationships with external partners (consultants, legal advisors, subcontractors) • Track market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive positioning • Represent the organization in client meetings, industry events, and conferences Required Skills • Bachelor's Degree • Minimum 2 years of experience in building and leading a practice for a professional services firm • Minimum 2 years of experience in owner/developer/operator side of data center development and operation • Minimum 2 years of experience in supporting project or program delivery Preferred Skills • Strong knowledge of environmental regulations including NEPA, Clean Air Act (Title V, NSR, GHG), and Clean Water Act • Experience with utility interconnection, temporary power systems, or energy storage • Understanding of data center development lifecycle • Experience working in multi-jurisdictional permitting environments • Established industry relationships within data centers, utilities, or large industrial development • Experience building or scaling a service line or practiceProficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office