Director, Community Relations

DC BLOX•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Director, Data Center Community Relations serves as DC BLOX’s primary ambassador and local representative in communities where data center development, construction, or operations are planned or underway. The role builds trust, fosters positive relationships, and maintains open communication with local government leaders, community stakeholders, media, and residents. The director keeps the company informed about local sentiment and communicates the company’s vision, investments, and commitment to communities before development, during construction, and after project completion. The position develops and maintains relationships with elected officials, municipal leaders, economic development organizations, media, nonprofits, educational institutions, workforce development programs, and other community groups. It plans and participates in public and stakeholder engagements, coordinates internal teams to respond to local needs, monitors community sentiment and local developments, and provides strategic updates to company leadership. The director also manages community investment and sponsorship opportunities in alignment with company objectives, established guidelines, budgets, and local priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Economic Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 7 years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, economic development, corporate communications, or stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated success building relationships with government officials, community leaders, and media organizations.
Strong public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple stakeholder groups and navigate complex public issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience in data center development, telecommunications, utilities, energy, infrastructure, commercial real estate, or economic development.
Familiarity with local government processes, land-use considerations, permitting environments, and community engagement practices.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and the local community.
Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, municipal leaders, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders and influencers, including schools, sports organizations, and church leaders.
Represent the company at community, civic, business, and media events.
Build trust and credibility through consistent engagement and transparent communication.
Work with the Public Affairs Director to initiate and coordinate engagement with government officials.
Present the company’s Community Promise and align commitments with specific community needs.
Plan, organize, and participate in town hall meetings, chamber meetings, HOA and neighborhood meetings, stakeholder forums, and community outreach events.
Engage and align appropriate company teams, including government affairs, marketing, finance, and construction, to address local community needs and requests.
Address community questions and concerns and seek feedback related to data center development and operations.
Ensure community stakeholders are informed about project milestones, benefits, and impacts.
Establish and maintain relationships with local media outlets and journalists.
Serve as a spokesperson or coordinate media engagement with corporate communications teams.
Support proactive and responsive communications about company activities, announcements, and community initiatives.
Monitor media coverage and public discourse related to company projects and the broader data center industry.
Manage market intelligence processes to identify key stakeholders and influencers and measure community sentiment ahead of market engagement.
Monitor community sentiment, political developments, economic trends, and stakeholder priorities in local markets.
Identify emerging opportunities, risks, concerns, or issues that could affect company reputation or project success.
Provide company leadership with regular updates and strategic insights on local conditions and stakeholder perspectives.
Build relationships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, workforce development programs, and community groups.
Identify opportunities for and administer local community investment programs and sponsorship initiatives.
Evaluate and approve sponsorship requests within established guidelines and budgets.
Ensure community investments align with company objectives and local priorities.