Campus Director - Build at Applied Digital Corporation – Ellendale, North Dakota

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:

As the Campus Director – Build you have overall responsibility for the delivery of the AI Factory campus for Applied Digital. This is not simply a construction role it is the integration of key aspects of the development of the campus that will lead to the success of the project. While the role does focus on execution of multi-billion-dollar projects, other components are integration with safety, community affairs, legal, finance, procurement, utility providers, execution management, and operations. The conductor of a large orchestra with ultimate responsibility for the delivery of the campus.

Key Responsibilities:

Construction:

• Establish baseline construction schedules to coordinate with contractual RFS dates, including L3/L4/L5 Milestones, early access requirements, Equipment ROJ Dates. Ensure contractual dates are established and coordinated amongst all Applied Digital departments.
• Assist Director of Project Management Operations team in establishing and maintaining overall project budget (Total Cost Report)
• Lead/Assist SVP of Construction Procurement in solicitation and selection of GC(s), and primary subcontractors. Vet and prepare recommendations for Applied Digital Leadership review and authorization.
• Lead/Assist SVP of Construction Procurement in LNTP and AIA contracting strategy. Ensure alignment with Applied Digital Leadership timelines and risk mitigation efforts.
• Lead/Assist SVP of Construction Procurement in GMP negotiations and vetting for final approval.
• Develop Construction Applied Digital’s execution team organizational chart and management plan for campus construction delivery success. Assist in recruiting and hiring efforts where needed.
• Lead overall construction contracts and scope of performance for all project construction operations. This includes management of GC contract executions, Tenant Fit Out efforts, and external campus work, all the while ensuring Applied Digital obligations are met and coordination between multiple prime contractors and projects is executed with excellence.
• Establish and maintain quality control practices for campus construction activities.
• Establish and maintain EHS practices for campus construction activities.
• Establish project controls and reporting metrics to align with Applied Digital Leadership reporting requirements, ensuring complete and efficient project updates and governance efforts.

Community:

• Establish local relationships with Municipality, Inspections, County Officials, and other key community members to build point of trust and transparency on the technical execution of the project during construction.
• Assist Applied Digital External Affairs team with presentations, community outreach, project tours, and other external audience opportunities.
• Have keen understanding of the community impact stress points and ensure that construction operations are aligned, and continually maintained, to alleviate stress points.

Utility:

• Assist [power procurement team] to establish and coordinate interphase between project construction operations and development of utility required infrastructure. Establish need-by dates and ensure alignment with construction needs.
• Lead project management effort for Applied Digital team, ensuring coordination effort with utility provider aligns with overall project requirements.
• Lead coordination effort between Utility Project(s) and Construction projects, aligning logistics, safety, schedule and security requirements.

Planning:

• Lead and develop Logistics Planning efforts for campus development efforts – including construction access planning, public roads improvements, worker accommodations (housing, food services, parking, etc.), or other construction operations efforts.
• Lead/Assist the Director of Design, Land and External Affairs teams in permitting strategy and execution, aligning with project needs. This includes environmental due diligence, zoning and regulatory, construction and operational required efforts.
• Coordination with local municipalities on utilities coordination, road/traffic improvements, etc.

Legal:

• Assist/manage Applied Digital Legal Team, acting as technical expert and project representative for required development agreements, construction contracts, utilities agreements, tenant negotiations, or other project specific legal agreements.

Project Team Development:

• Lead Applied Digital Campus execution team. This will include regular team reporting, coordination and management of a team up to 10+ people, including superintendents, project managers, safety professionals, external affairs, and others and necessary.
• Lead Applied Digital Campus execution team in alignment with, and as a champion for, the goals and values of Applied Digital.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience managing large‑scale data center design, construction, or critical infrastructure programs.
• Proven leadership overseeing multi‑disciplinary teams (construction, commissioning, safety, vendor management, engineering).
• Experience managing full project lifecycle for data center builds—from site readiness through commissioning and hand‑off to operations.
• Strong knowledge of critical systems (electrical, mechanical, BMS/EPMS, cooling, UPS, generators).
• Experience managing large capital budgets and vendor/contractor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across a campus or multi‑facility environment.
• Expertise in construction safety standards and compliance practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale data center builds.
• Master’s degree in engineering, project management, or business.
• PMP, PE, or other relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, Data Center design certifications)

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.

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.