VP, Site Acquisition

About Riot Platforms

Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s most trusted platform for powering and building digital infrastructure. Riot’s mission is to empower the future of digital infrastructure by positively impacting the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows us to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.

Who we are

At Riot, we’re building the future of digital infrastructure. Our team members have unparalleled opportunities to work on groundbreaking initiatives. Through technical excellence and strategic execution, Riot has positioned itself as a leader in the industry driving advancements that continue to set new benchmarks in digital infrastructure. 

We are trailblazers. Problem solvers. People who thrive in fast paced environments, communicate clearly, and bring relentless focus to efficiency and execution.

About the role

Riot is hiring a Vice President of Site Acquisition to lead the sourcing, evaluation, and securing of powered land for data center development across the United States. You will lead execution and be a key voice in shaping our acquisition strategy, building the site pipeline that fuels Riot's next phase of growth.

This is a builder's role with real influence. Working within our corporate development team, you will help refine target markets and site criteria, source deals, run diligence, and drive transactions to close, partnering closely with our engineering, leasing, construction, power, finance, and legal teams to turn raw parcels into shovel-ready campuses. As the pipeline grows, you will build and lead a team of acquisition professionals.

We have a strong preference for candidates based in or near our Irvine / Orange County, California or Denver, Colorado offices, but remote is possible for an exceptional candidate, with regular travel as the pipeline requires.

What you'll do

• Shape the strategy. Work within the corporate development team as a significant contributor to Riot's site acquisition strategy, refining target markets, utility territories, and site criteria, and helping direct where and how we pursue powered-land opportunities.

• Source the deals. Identify, originate, and evaluate development sites across the country, including large industrial and raw parcels capable of supporting hyperscale campuses, prioritizing locations with deliverable power, transmission access, and fiber connectivity.

• Run the diligence. Review and interpret technical and utility documentation, including interconnection studies, load letters, capacity availability, easements, title, environmental, zoning, and entitlement materials, to validate buildability and de-risk each site before close.

• Underwrite every opportunity. Lead real estate underwriting, scenario modeling, and ROI analysis for each site, building the investment case and presenting recommendations to executive leadership.

• Negotiate and close. Lead commercial negotiations and structure and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, options, and long-term leases, driving transactions from LOI through diligence to signature.

• Structure creative deals. Develop joint venture and partnership structures with existing landowners and power partners, contributing land or power into a Riot development while sharing in the upside, to unlock sites that a straight purchase would not.

• Engage utilities and authorities. Coordinate directly with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, municipalities, and economic development officials to confirm power deliverability, secure incentives and development agreements, and build community support.

• Build the network. Cultivate and maintain relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and power partners so a valid site is never missed and Riot is the first call when powered land comes to market.

• Partner cross-functionally. Work closely with engineering, leasing, construction, power procurement, finance, and legal to assess feasibility and align each acquisition with Riot's development and commercial roadmap.

• Build and lead the team. Hire, mentor, and lead a team of acquisition professionals, and represent Riot at industry and community events.

What you'll bring

• 10+ years of experience in land or site acquisition, real estate development, or energy infrastructure, with a track record acquiring powered land or comparable mission-critical sites.

• Demonstrated success sourcing deals and closing complex, high-stakes land transactions, from origination and diligence through negotiation and close.

• Strong command of data center siting fundamentals: high-voltage power, interconnection, transmission and substation capacity, fiber, cooling, water, and tax and incentive structures.

• Hands-on experience reviewing technical and utility documents and translating them into clear buildability and risk conclusions.

• Proven ability to structure and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, options, and leases, with sharp commercial and financial judgment.

• Financial fluency in real estate underwriting, scenario modeling, and ROI analysis, with the ability to build and defend an investment case.

• Experience building, leading, and mentoring acquisition or development teams.

• Experience structuring joint ventures or partnerships with landowners or power providers is a strong plus.

• Deep familiarity with U.S. land use, zoning, entitlement, and permitting processes, and the diligence that surrounds them.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills across brokers, landowners, utilities, and government, with the ability to operate independently in a fast-moving environment.

• Willingness to travel as projects require.

• Bachelor's degree required.

Bonus Points

• Experience with behind-the-meter natural gas generation development for large-scale loads.

• Substation and transmission capacity procurement, and powered-land structures where energy is committed before construction.

• Experience securing economic incentives and development agreements, and a long-term land-banking mindset.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive Salary: Base range (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant. 

• Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match. 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans. 

• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work. 

Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.