Director/VP of Community Affairs and Economic Development

Salute Inc.

23h • $150,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Director/VP of Community Affairs and Economic Development is responsible for creating, executing, and measuring a comprehensive strategy to build enduring, positive relationships with local government, community stakeholders, and business leaders in communities where Salute operates data center facilities. This role is a key strategic partner, focused on building relationships and mitigating operational risk by proactively addressing infrastructure, housing, and workforce gaps that can threaten long-term success for Salute and its clients.

Requirements

• Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with elected officials, community leaders, non profits, and business organizations.
• Strong strategic planning capabilities with experience designing and executing community or economic development programs that mitigate operational risk.
• Experience addressing infrastructure adjacent challenges such as housing availability, workforce readiness, transportation, emergency services, or public utilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to align messaging across internal leadership, external partners, and community audiences.
• Ability to operate as a senior cross functional partner, collaborating with Operations, Account Directors, Vendor Management, Learning & Development, Marketing, and Communications.
• Comfort developing presentations, briefing materials, and executive level reports for internal and external audiences.
• Drive to make a difference in the communities we serve
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Economic Development, Public Administration, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in community affairs, economic development, government relations, public–private partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with local and state government entities, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community stakeholders.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, industrial, real estate, or mission critical facilities (e.g., data centers, utilities, manufacturing, logistics) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated executive presence and credibility when representing an organization publicly.
• Ability to influence without authority and navigate complex, multi stakeholder environments.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy when addressing sensitive community or political issues.
• Desire to build and lead a team
• Willingness to travel regularly to Salute operating communities and customer locations (estimated 25–40%).

Responsibilities

• Housing and Quality of Life: Partner with public and private entities to address critical infrastructure needs like affordable housing, emergency services and community resources for families.
• Local Procurement: Work with Vendor Management to develop and manage a program to prioritize and onboard local small businesses as vendors for property management and facility management services.
• Workforce Pipeline Creation: Work with Corporate Learning to coordinate local workforce development programs in collaboration with nearby community colleges and vocational schools.
• Community Relationships: Proactively build relationships with key local stakeholders and influencers, including business owners, community officials, non-profits, and school district leadership to build support and ensure continuous communication and transparency.
• Chamber and Economic Development: Work with Account Directors to maintain a highly visible and active role in the local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organizations to position Salute’s workforce as a long-term community asset.
• Communications: Work with Corporate Communications and Marketing to develop internal and external messaging in support of community affairs and economic development initiatives.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy 8 company-paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and PTO so you can rest, celebrate, and take care of what matters most.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including Medical, Dental, and Vision that you can enroll in starting on Day 1. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30-days of employment.
• Peace of Mind: The Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees, even if you do not participate in the benefits package.
• Your financial future matters: Enjoy our employer-supported 401(K) with immediate 100% vesting, plus a 3% employer match and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Wellness Support: Access to HSA, mental health resources, and gym discounts—because your health matters.
• Extra Protection & Perks: Through discounted group programs, such as legal services, home & auto insurance, pet insurance, and ID theft protection for life’s unexpected moments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director