Vice President, Regional External Affairs (South East)

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

Who You Are:

As the you Vice President, Regional External Affairs you are responsible for developing and executing QTS's external affairs strategy across an assigned multi-state region. You oversee government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, economic development, permitting and zoning, community engagement, stakeholder relations, and public affairs activities that support QTS's growth, development, operations, and long-term reputation. Reporting directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Vice President serves as a key member of the External Affairs leadership team and leads a regional organization of approximately 10-12 team members. You will partner closely with leaders across Communications, Marketing, Legal, Development, Energy Strategy, Operations, and the Executive Team to advance business priorities, support market expansion, and drive strategic advocacy initiatives. You will build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, policymakers, economic development partners, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and internal business partners. Success in the role requires a campaign-oriented mindset, combining strategic planning, disciplined execution, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building to advance QTS's business objectives and strengthen its position as a trusted community and industry partner.

What You Will Do: (Job Responsibilities)

- Develop and execute a comprehensive regional external affairs strategy aligned with QTS's growth, development, operational, and public policy objectives.
- Lead and coordinate integrated advocacy campaigns at the state and local levels to advance business priorities and support market expansion efforts.
- Direct and develop a high-performing regional team, establishing clear priorities, accountability, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
- Partner closely with cross-functional leaders to align external affairs strategies with corporate objectives and operational priorities.
- Manage regional operating plans, budgets, consultants, and external resources to support legislative, regulatory, business development, community engagement, and growth priorities.
- Build and maintain influential relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
- Anticipate emerging political, policy, regulatory, and community issues and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk and create opportunity.
- Serve as a member of the External Affairs leadership team, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, organizational development, and long-term planning.
- Represent QTS externally as a senior leader and trusted advocate in support of the company's mission, values, and growth objectives.

Areas of Responsibility:

Government Affairs & Public Policy

Lead government affairs, legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and public policy efforts across the region. Develop strategies that advance QTS growth objectives and strengthen relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Community Engagement & Reputation

Lead stakeholder engagement strategies that build trust, support development objectives, and enhance QTS's reputation. Serve as QTS's senior regional representative with community leaders, business organizations, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders.

Economic Development & Market Expansion

Partner with Development, Site Selection, Energy Strategy, and Operations teams to support market expansion, site development, infrastructure investments, and growth initiatives. Identify opportunities and mitigate risks that could impact business objectives.

Executive Counsel & Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on political, regulatory, economic, and community dynamics affecting the business. Support high-profile development, policy, permitting, and reputational matters through proactive planning and stakeholder strategy.

Organizational Leadership

Lead and develop a high-performing regional external affairs organization. Drive accountability, operational excellence, resource stewardship, and measurable business outcomes across the region.

Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need to Be Successful: (Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications)

- Bachelor's degree in public policy, Political Science, Business, Communications, Law, Economics, Urban Planning, or related fields.
- 12+ years of leadership experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, lobbying, economic development, public affairs, or external affairs, including responsibility for a multi-state region.
- Demonstrated success leading complex stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and public policy initiatives.
- Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving results across executive-level, cross-functional organizations.
- Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, permitting, economic development, and community engagement processes.
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, technology, real estate, utility, telecommunications, or industrial development projects.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned region.

Nice to Have: (Preferred Qualifications)

- Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Industrial Labor Relations, or related field.
- Experience in the data center, technology, infrastructure, energy, utility, telecommunications, or real estate sectors.
- Prior experience in government, legislative affairs, public affairs consulting, lobbying, political campaigns, or economic development.
- Established relationships with state, local, and regional policymakers and industry stakeholders.
- Experience advising senior executives on complex public policy, reputational, or stakeholder matters.

In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.

The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:
$229,125.00 - 345,215.00

Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location.  The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:

- Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
- Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
- Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
- 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
- Pet and Legal Insurance
- Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
- Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
- Parental Leave
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program

QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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.