Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

QTS Data Centers•Ashburn, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Federal Government Relations & Public Policy is responsible for leading QTS’s federal engagement strategy across Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies, advancing public policy outcomes that support the development, operation, and long-term growth of QTS’s digital infrastructure platform. This role operates at the intersection of federal policy, regulation, and large-scale infrastructure investment, ensuring federal engagement lowers risk, increases certainty, and supports QTS’s project pipeline and business objectives. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and works in close coordination with QTS’s State and Local Government Relations teams to ensure aligned and complementary engagement across all levels of government. The role translates complex, evolving federal policy into clear, actionable insights and represents QTS thoughtfully and credibly in politically sensitive environments.

Requirements

Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or a related role.
Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent professional experience in public policy, government, law, political science, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience advancing policy outcomes in complex, highly regulated environments.
Proven ability to operate effectively across Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration.
Deep understanding of federal legislative, regulatory, and budget processes.
Strong policy judgment with the ability to balance advocacy, credibility, and long‑term relationship building.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior executives clearly and concisely.
Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute QTS’s federal government relations and public policy strategy in alignment with company business objectives and growth priorities.
Advocate for QTS policy priorities before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, including DOE, Treasury, EPA, FCC, DoD, DHS, Commerce, and FERC.
Monitor, analyze, and engage on federal legislation, regulation, executive actions, and agency guidance impacting digital infrastructure, energy markets, transmission, permitting, tax policy, AI, national security, and infrastructure finance.
Lead the development of federal policy positions, including briefing materials, talking points, comment letters, testimony, and internal guidance.
Translate complex federal policy developments into clear, business‑relevant insights for executive leadership and internal stakeholders.
Partner closely with Legal, Energy, Development, Finance, Economic Development, and other internal teams to ensure policy positions reflect operational, commercial, and regulatory realities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency officials, and Administration stakeholders.
Represent QTS in trade associations, coalitions, and industry working groups; build coalitions where shared advocacy advances company interests.
Manage and coordinate federal external advisors, consultants, and lobbying partners to ensure disciplined, compliant, and effective advocacy.
Work closely with state and local government relations, economic development, and communications teams to ensure seamless vertical alignment across all levels of government.
Support major development and expansion projects by engaging federal stakeholders where approvals, funding, incentives, or policy considerations impact outcomes.
Provide strategic guidance on emerging federal policy risks and opportunities tied to AI infrastructure growth, grid reliability, energy availability, and ratepayer impacts.
Ensure compliance with all federal lobbying, ethics, transparency, and disclosure requirements.
Support internal governance, reporting, and coordination related to federal engagement and public policy activities.
Other duties as assigned.