Director – Acquisitions

Job Description

Digital Realty is seeking an experienced real estate acquisitions professional with a demonstrated track record of sourcing, underwriting, negotiating, and closing institutional real estate investments. The Director will lead transactions from initial evaluation through investment committee approval, due diligence, and closing, supporting the company’s data center investment and expansion strategy.

The successful candidate will bring strong investment judgment, established industry relationships, and direct responsibility for completed acquisitions. This is a hands-on transaction role requiring the ability to evaluate complex opportunities, negotiate commercial terms, and independently drive execution.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate acquisitions of land, existing assets, and portfolios aligned with the company’s investment strategy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, developers, brokers, investors, and other counterparties to generate investment opportunities.
• Lead underwriting, including cash flow modeling, valuation, development feasibility, capital structure analysis, and sensitivity testing.
• Form investment recommendations supported by market research, comparable transactions, business plans, and a clear assessment of risks and returns.
• Prepare and present investment committee materials and secure internal approvals.
• Lead negotiations of letters of intent and commercial terms in purchase and sale agreements, working closely with legal counsel.
• Manage due diligence across title, survey, environmental, zoning, entitlements, leases, physical condition, and development requirements.
• Partner with power, development, engineering, and commercial teams to assess utility availability, delivery timelines, site suitability, and customer demand.
• Coordinate internal teams and external advisers to resolve transaction issues, manage deadlines, and close acquisitions.
• Mentor junior investment professionals and maintain high standards for underwriting and transaction execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of relevant experience, including substantial direct acquisitions experience at a real estate private equity firm, REIT, institutional owner, developer, or comparable investment platform.
• Demonstrated track record of personally leading and closing real estate acquisitions, with clear responsibility for underwriting, negotiations, due diligence, and execution.
• Experience independently managing transactions from initial screening through closing and presenting recommendations to investment committees.
• Advanced financial modeling skills and a strong understanding of real estate valuation, investment returns, debt financing, and joint venture structures.
• Practical experience negotiating transaction terms and working with counsel on purchase agreements and related documentation.
• Established relationships with brokers, owners, developers, and other market participants.
• Strong commercial judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain investment merits, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Data center, industrial, infrastructure, or land acquisition experience preferred; candidates with strong acquisitions credentials in other real estate sectors will also be considered.