Community Engagement Lead
About The Position
Our client is a hyper-growth AI and data center infrastructure pioneer building the physical foundation for the future of artificial intelligence. They acquire power, design and build next-generation data centers, and operate massive compute clusters for the world's leading technology laboratories and enterprise firms. Backed by substantial institutional capital, they operate at a breakneck pace where speed-to-market and sheer scale are their core competitive advantages. Because their physical developments represent long-term investments that will integrate into local communities for decades, our client treats community integration as a fundamental pillars of project success. They are looking for a Community Engagement Lead to act as the primary bridge between their scaling infrastructure projects and the local municipalities, utility networks, and civic organizations that surround them. Reporting directly to a recently appointed Head of Public Affairs (who joined the firm from a Tier-1 global technology company), you will own local strategy from early-stage site development through long-term asset operations.
Requirements
- Hyperscale or Energy Sector Context: Direct experience managing public affairs, site-selection support, or community relations within the hyperscale data center, heavy energy, or large-scale industrial infrastructure sectors.
- Utility & Grid Literacy: Solid familiarity with regional energy procurement, grid interconnection dynamics, or large-scale sustainability and environmental permitting communications.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Depth: A proven track record of handling municipal approvals and community diplomacy across multiple US states or international jurisdictions.
- Sovereign & Private Diplomacy: Experience successfully balancing relationships with government bodies and public utilities alongside fast-moving private enterprise priorities.
- Willingness to Travel: Flexibility to travel 30%+ to active and prospective data center project sites as required by development timelines.
Responsibilities
- Build the Playbook: Standardize the company’s community relations strategy by developing a scalable engagement playbook covering stakeholder mapping, local outreach cadences, risk escalation protocols, and regional benefit structures.
- Be the Public Representative: Act as the face of the company at local town halls, county planning commissions, public hearings, and regional economic development forums.
- Manage Complex Stakeholder Matrices: Cultivate and sustain trusted partnerships with a diverse web of external stakeholders, including elected officials, municipal staff, utility providers, school districts, trade associations, and grassroots community groups.
- Mitigate Reputational & Political Risk: Proactively detect local opposition or regulatory shifts before they organize. You will monitor state and municipal legislation, analyze utility and environmental policy trends, and brief internal site-selection and legal teams before capital is committed.
- Structure Local Impact Programs: Design and execute customized community benefit initiatives—including local workforce development programs, educational partnerships, and targeted grants—and translate complex engineering realities into clear, meaningful local narratives.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Robust retirement program
- Generous paid time off policy and flexible corporate perks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
