Regional Manager, Community Engagement

QTS Data Centers•Irving, TX

About The Position

QTS Data Centers is seeking a Community Engagement Regional Manager to manage a team of “on-the-ground representatives” for QTS in key communities where we operate and develop data centers. This role is responsible for building trust, addressing community concerns in real-time, and ensuring QTS is viewed as a responsible corporate partner. As part of the Government Relations & External Affairs team, this position will work directly in communities across a region, leveraging the expertise of Communications, Brand, Community Impact, and Government Relations teams to execute an informed and strategic engagement approach. The goal is to proactively engage communities, mitigate opposition, and ensure smooth project execution while upholding QTS’s core values.

Requirements

Seven or more years of experience in community engagement, public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
Experience collaborating directly with communities, particularly in industries involving land use, infrastructure, or large-scale development projects.
Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, or related professional experience.
Experience in crisis response and managing public opposition to development projects, demonstrating accountability and action-oriented leadership.
Ability to travel regionally, with an estimated 50-75% travel depending on project locations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, or related professional experience.
Experience in real estate development, energy, mining, or hyperscale projects is a plus.
Military veterans with Civil Affairs Corps experience or professionals with a background in community engagement for regulated industries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ability to navigate local government processes, permitting, and regulatory frameworks while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Experience in real estate development, energy, mining, or hyperscale projects is a plus.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with data analysis tools to assess community feedback and sentiment is preferred.
Military veterans with Civil Affairs Corps experience or professionals with a background in community engagement for regulated industries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in a respectful and solution-driven manner.
Ability to navigate local government processes, permitting, and regulatory frameworks while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Responsibilities

Serve as QTS’s primary local representative in a geographic region, engaging directly with residents, businesses, government officials, civil society organizations, churches and advocacy groups to foster relationships based on integrity and trust.
Establish an on-site presence during major construction projects, acting as a first point of contact for community concerns and ensuring quick issue resolution with accountability and respect.
Attend public meetings, hearings, and town halls to represent QTS and communicate the company’s mission, demonstrating character and transparency.
Work with QTS Community Impact Team to assess site specific community needs and align with QTS Community Impact priorities to identify fit-for-purpose partnerships in a particular community that align with QTS values and goals.
Identify and develop strategic local partnerships that align with QTS’s commitment to supporting communities and volunteerism.
Partner with Government Relations to navigate regulatory, permitting and policy environment in each community and region where operate.
Work with Communications & Brand teams to ensure consistent messaging and support the media team to engage with appropriate local media.
Align with Community Impact on philanthropic initiatives and local partnerships that support families, faith organizations, and volunteer efforts.
Coordinate with Pre-Development & Real Estate teams to provide insights on community sentiment and potential project risks associated with community opposition.
Conduct early assessments of community sentiment and political risk before QTS enters a new market, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
Implement on-the-ground engagement strategies during construction to prevent minor concerns from escalating into major opposition.
Function as a real-time analytical person, addressing complaints (e.g., noise, dust, traffic) before they turn into larger advocacy efforts against QTS projects.
Provide regular updates to leadership, flagging potential issues and recommending initiative-taking solutions.
Maintain engagement with local stakeholders after projects are completed, ensuring QTS remains a trusted long-term community partner.
Foster relationships with schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations to support QTS’s commitment to family, faith, and volunteerism.
Monitor and report on community sentiment trends, helping QTS stay ahead of emerging issues.
Develop and execute engagement strategies that include digital engagement platforms, community forums, and virtual outreach events.
Implement systems for collecting and analyzing community feedback, ensuring QTS adapts its approach based on real-time insights.