Director of Workforce Housing & Developer Partnerships

Title: Director of Workforce Housing & Developer Partnerships Primary Location: Remote, US About Applied Digital: At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms. We are: • Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution. • Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers. • Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards. At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution. Position Summary: Applied Digital develops and operates large-scale data center campuses in several communities across the United States. Access to quality, reliable housing is a critical success factor for attracting permanent employees, supporting construction labor, and maintaining strong community relationships. The Director of Workforce Housing & Developer Partnerships will be responsible for developing and executing Applied Digital’s housing strategy across all markets. This role owns the full spectrum of housing solutions—existing inventory, temporary accommodations, and new development partnerships—while also directly managing relationships with housing developers to ensure housing quality, delivery timelines, and alignment with employee and contractor needs. This role will also take ownership of remediating underperforming or problematic housing developments, working with existing developers to correct deficiencies, improve quality, and ensure housing meets Applied Digital’s standards. This is a highly cross-functional role requiring coordination with internal teams, developers, local officials, and third-party partners, with a strong bias toward problem-solving, accountability, and execution. Key Responsibilities: Workforce Housing Strategy & Planning • Develop and maintain a comprehensive workforce housing strategy to support: • Permanent employees • Temporary construction labor • Visiting contractors and specialists • Assess housing needs by market based on headcount projections, construction timelines, and operational staffing requirements. • Identify gaps in local housing availability by and recommend short-, medium-, and long-term solutions. Housing Solutions & Sourcing • Identify and secure a mix of housing options, including: • Existing residential inventory (single-family, multi-family, short-term rentals) • Temporary or modular housing solutions • New housing developments in partnership with third-party developers • Work with internal teams to provide housing leads, options, and guidance for employees and contractors where Applied Digital is not directly providing housing. • Evaluate cost, quality, availability, and scalability of housing options in each market. Relation Management & New Builds • Serve as Applied Digital’s primary point of contact for housing developers and all external groups involved in housing. • Source, evaluate, and onboard developers and all necessary groups where new builds are required. • Oversee developer performance to ensure: • Housing is delivered on schedule • Construction quality meets expectations • Units are appropriate for workforce needs (layout, durability, amenities, pricing) • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure housing plans align with campus development schedules. Fixing Underperforming Housing Developments • Take ownership of addressing issues with existing housing developments that are not meeting expectations. • Diagnose problems related to construction quality, livability, safety, maintenance, or management. • Work directly with developers to: • Establish corrective action plans • Set timelines and accountability • Drive improvements through completion • Escalate issues internally and externally as needed to protect employee experience and Applied Digital’s reputation. Cross-Functional & External Coordination • Work closely with: • Operations and construction teams • Human Resources and recruiting • External Affairs and community relations • Coordinate with local officials, economic development groups, and community partners, to better understand housing efficiencies. • Support community-friendly housing solutions that balance company needs with local sensitivity. Standards, Oversight & Continuous Improvement • Establish baseline housing standards for quality, safety, and suitability across markets. • Track housing availability, utilization, and performance. • Continuously improve housing strategies based on employee feedback, contractor needs, and market conditions. Basic Qualifications: • Real estate development or housing development • Workforce or employer-provided housing • Real estate project management or asset management • Demonstrated experience managing third-party developers or real estate partners. • Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in fixing underperforming or troubled projects. • Ability to operate independently and drive initiatives from concept through execution. • Comfortable working in rural or emerging markets with limited existing infrastructure. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with large infrastructure, industrial, or energy-related projects. • Familiarity with modular or temporary housing solutions. • Experience working alongside construction-heavy workforce. • Understanding of how housing availability impacts recruiting, retention, and community perception. Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship. Essential Skills: • Communication: Clear verbal and written communication to document incidents and ensure proper shift handoffs. • Collaboration: Ability to work closely with team members, supervisors, and cross-functional partners. • Adaptability: Flexible in responding to changes in process, tools, environment, and shift assignments. • Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through with minimal supervision. • Attention to Detail: Maintains thorough and accurate logs, inspections, records, and documentation. • Time Management: Manages time effectively to meet performance expectations and service levels. • Integrity: Adheres to company policies, safety protocols, and professional ethics always. • Continuous Improvement Mindset: Recommends and supports efficiency, safety, and system innovations. • Documentation Discipline: Maintains clear, consistent records for operational continuity and compliance. • Security Compliance: Maintains awareness of data center physical and logical security expectations. • Digital Literacy: Uses productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Excel, ticketing systems) for communication and documentation in office or hybrid settings. Physical Requirements: • Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed. The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. Apply tot his job