Director, Government Affairs and Community Liaison

T5 Properties•Atlanta, GA

17h

About The Position

The Director, Government Affairs and Community Liaison serves as the primary bridge between T5’s data center developments and surrounding communities, local and state government officials, lobbyists, and other industry and regional stakeholders. The role works to establish T5 as a responsible, transparent, long-term partner through proactive engagement with residents, elected officials, regulators, utilities, and civic organizations. It also provides a continuous feedback loop so internal teams understand and address community sentiment, risks, and opportunities. The Director ensures external communications are consistent with current best practices at company developments. Regular in-person engagement across T5’s regional markets is required. The position also supports public policy strategy, community education and events, workforce and education initiatives, and coordination across development, construction, operations, and communications teams. The role assists in maintaining the company’s ISO 27001 certification by following security policies and supporting information security, compliance, and audit-related activities.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in community relations, public affairs, local government, infrastructure, utilities, and/or strategic communications.
Understanding of the legislative process and experience developing strategies in response to proposed legislation.
Strong public speaking ability and experience presenting at public meetings and regulatory hearings.
Proven relationship-building skills with community leaders, elected officials, and civic groups.
Ability to navigate sensitive issues and maintain professionalism under pressure.
Excellent writing and documentation skills for reports, briefings, and public-facing materials.
Proactive, detail-oriented self-starter able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong listening and analytical skills, and sound legal judgment.
Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
Professional communication skills and ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
Ability to negotiate effectively and identify practical, business-oriented solutions.
High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Strong organizational skills and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, handling, feeling, typing, smelling, talking, hearing, seeing at close and distance ranges, and distinguishing colors.
Ability to work inside and outside.

Nice To Haves

Experience with infrastructure or energy topics, especially data centers, utilities, or large-scale development.
Familiarity with zoning and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with local residents, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, press and publication representatives, lobbying groups, and business leaders.
Serve as a primary point of contact for local elected officials, press and external publications, lobbying groups, and industry-influencing government officials.
Represent the company at public policy hearings, council meetings, community forums, and open houses.
Translate technical information about data center operations, energy use, construction impacts, and environmental considerations into clear, accessible messaging.
Monitor community sentiment and identify emerging issues, risks, misinformation, or concerns requiring internal escalation.
Monitor and report internally on data center-related legislation.
Assist in developing positions on public policy proposals and strategies to advance those positions.
Capture and synthesize feedback from residents, officials, and stakeholders into actionable insights for development, construction, operations, and communications teams.
Support cross-functional coordination to align engagement activities with project milestones and operational needs.
Manage external messaging campaigns to communicate appropriate project details and topic positioning.
Develop and deliver community education materials, FAQs, talking points, and outreach content in partnership with communications teams.
Plan and execute community events, including site tours, open houses, workforce programs, and school partnerships.
Maintain ongoing documentation of stakeholder interactions, commitments, issues, and engagement workflows.
Prepare periodic reports for internal leadership summarizing community sentiment, risks, opportunities, and engagement outcomes.
Identify and prioritize community engagement opportunities at the project and campaign levels.
Support workforce and education initiatives with local schools, technical colleges, and workforce development organizations.
Ensure consistent messaging across community-facing communications, public statements, and engagement materials.
Travel regularly within active project regions to maintain an active, visible presence in host communities.
Assist in maintaining the company's ISO 27001 certification by following established security policies and procedures and supporting information security, compliance, and audit-related activities.