Pre-Development Project Specialist

Who We Are:

It's exciting to find yourself standing in a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world-class data centers are supporting our customers most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation.

As AI and cloud drive the demand for increased speed, capacity and capability, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader, committed to connecting the world for good. Driven by purpose and fueled by a spirit of innovation, QTS designs, builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced, forward-thinking data centers. QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone. 

QTS is Powered by People. People who play a vital role in our company’s culture, innovation and growth. People who are committed to contributing to the communities where we operate and work. People who are knowledgeable, resourceful and mission driven. Together, we do great things.

Who You Are:

The Predevelopment Project Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting the predevelopment activities for the business. The Project analyst will interact on a regular basis with the predevelopment Project Manager and internal stakeholders in various departments including Corporate Real Estate, Development, Engineering and Data Center Operations staff. Predevelopment analysts should have both written and oral communication skills commensurate with this level of regular communication.

What You Will Do:

• Support Predevelopment Project Managers and Acquisitions teams with necessary upfront diligence workstreams including researching jurisdictional databases and codes prior to Purchase and Sale Agreement execution

• Assist with the preparation of predevelopments budgets and management of project cashflow forecasts

• Assist with the creation of updates on development program initiatives & project status on a monthly basis suitable for executive level reviews.

• Support real estate due diligence efforts on potential or new land banks and properties, including evaluating opportunities to design & build new data centers by working with key stakeholders: Corporate Real Estate, Connectivity, Power & Construction teams.

• Support the development of entitlement & permit schedules for new properties and data centers

• Participate in design, entitlement, and permit activities for key projects as assigned, new greenfield and brownfield projects

• Ensure designs are consistent with QTS approved standards & evaluate areas where standards should be improved

What You Will Need to be Successful:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Business, Engineering or equivalent professional experience

• Requires a minimum of 2-4 years of related experience.

• One to three years of professional experience in commercial development or real estate practices and procedures, including management of property due diligence workstreams, entitlement and permit pursuit, design management project delivery methods from conceptual development through construction handoff.

•  Experience with Microsoft Office suite, specifically PowerPoint for use in communicating program updates to executive level, and Excel to create and maintain site program & individual project budgets

Nice to Have:

• MBA, Masters in Engineering, Management, or related field desirable

• Experience with delivery of mission critical data center facilities

• Experience with management of Civil Design

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities You Will Need:

• Understanding of property due diligence, entitlement processes, permitting, and project delivery methodologies.

• Familiarity with methods such as Lump Sum, Construction Management @ Risk, and Design-Build.

• Basic knowledge of mission-critical data center requirements, including systems and infrastructure.

• Knowledge of scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

• Awareness of local, state, and federal permitting and compliance requirements.

• Understanding of procurement processes, vendor management, and bid evaluation.

• Ability to interpret financial documents, track budgets, and perform cost estimates.

• Ability to coordinate at least one project, maintain schedules, budgets, and documentation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of preparing reports, presentation materials, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to evaluate proposals, analyze costs, and monitor project performance metrics.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and potentially other project management or data analysis tools.

• Capable of identifying issues early and proposing effective solutions.

• Ability to work with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to negotiate scope, costs, and schedules effectively.

• Manage project effectively, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.

• Foster positive relationships with internal teams, external vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

• Ensure accuracy in budgets, schedules, submittals, and documentation.

• Adjust to changing project scopes, schedules, or unforeseen challenges.

• Continuously seek to improve knowledge of project management trends, construction practices, and data center technologies.

TOTAL REWARDS 

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits. This role is bonus eligible and may be eligible for equity.

#LI-SM1

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.  We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.  We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here:

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.