Communications Director

QTS Data Centers•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

The Communications Director is responsible for leading QTS’s public relations efforts to enhance the company’s brand and reputation. This role will work closely with integrated marketing, government affairs, development, and external agencies to create and promote the corporate identity and mission to the public, prospects, and customers. They will support media relations and serve as a company liaison, shaping responses to inquiries from the press and proactive opportunities to tell the QTS story. This role will grow and develop the Communications Team and oversee implementation of Communications initiatives. Develop and implement communications strategies that align with QTS’s overall goals and objectives of building goodwill across communities and within the industry to positively shape the data center narrative and establish QTS as a thought leader. Support the development of proactive narrative and proof points at the national and community level to support our public relations strategies. Manage the development of messaging and communications campaigns in markets where QTS is developing and engaging with the community. Develop and manage QTS’s go-to-market communications plans that advance key messages and guide stakeholder engagement, including earned and paid media, for data center expansion and launches in the U.S. and Europe. Collaborate with Government Affairs, Marketing, and Development partners on QTS’s go-to-market communications plans. Support national and local media relations including development of responses and proactive engagement with reporters and journalists. Manage communciations content across a broad array of channels including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, byline articles, company statements/quotes, FAQs, and media briefing books. Manage the identification of case studies and assets that align to our narratives and generate proactive opportunities to engage reporters and key stakeholders. Lead the preparation for company interviews, briefings, events, and other general public- and media-facing opportunities. Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including Blackstone, agency partners, thought leaders, industry influencers, partners, press/media contacts, and customers. Actively track and report data findings on industry news/trends, market activities, competitive practices, inquiries, and client surveys to identify opportunities to better position the company. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency in messaging and branding for proactive and ongoing communications and crisis response. Lead the translation of media landscape into actionable ways for QTS to engage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field; equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree.
Eight or more years of experience in communications, including leading public relations or media relations.
Demonstrate strong communications skills through excellent oral and written communication in accordance with Associated Press style guidelines and create compelling content.

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with local, trade and national media to secure stories.
Experience counseling clients and/or internal stakeholders on public relations and media strategy, including crisis communications.
Experience working in the technology or data center industry.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to report on key metrics and insights to leaders.
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities simultaneously.
Knowledge of crisis communication best practices.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface across all levels of the organization.
Highly organized and detail oriented.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment.
Strong service and support orientation.
An enthusiastic positive team player who can support and serve those around them.

Responsibilities

Lead QTS’s public relations efforts to enhance the company’s brand and reputation.
Work closely with integrated marketing, government affairs, development, and external agencies to create and promote the corporate identity and mission.
Support media relations and serve as a company liaison, shaping responses to inquiries from the press and proactive opportunities to tell the QTS story.
Grow and develop the Communications Team and oversee implementation of Communications initiatives.
Develop and implement communications strategies that align with QTS’s overall goals and objectives.
Support the development of proactive narrative and proof points at the national and community level.
Manage the development of messaging and communications campaigns in markets where QTS is developing and engaging with the community.
Develop and manage QTS’s go-to-market communications plans that advance key messages and guide stakeholder engagement.
Collaborate with Government Affairs, Marketing, and Development partners on QTS’s go-to-market communications plans.
Support national and local media relations including development of responses and proactive engagement with reporters and journalists.
Manage communications content across a broad array of channels including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, byline articles, company statements/quotes, FAQs, and media briefing books.
Manage the identification of case studies and assets that align to our narratives and generate proactive opportunities to engage reporters and key stakeholders.
Lead the preparation for company interviews, briefings, events, and other general public- and media-facing opportunities.
Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including Blackstone, agency partners, thought leaders, industry influencers, partners, press/media contacts, and customers.
Actively track and report data findings on industry news/trends, market activities, competitive practices, inquiries, and client surveys.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency in messaging and branding for proactive and ongoing communications and crisis response.
Lead the translation of media landscape into actionable ways for QTS to engage.