Regional Manager, Economic Development

QTS Data Centers•Irving, TX

About The Position

The Regional Manager, Economic Development supports QTS’ economic development activities across Texas and the Southwest. The role partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance project execution, strengthen QTS’ competitive position, and deliver measurable value to communities hosting QTS data centers. The manager leads day-to-day coordination and implementation of economic development plans and agreements across Texas, from early site due diligence and stakeholder engagement through development and operations, while aligning work with QTS’ strategic objectives and managing regional considerations, timelines, and risks. The role advances active projects, supports entry into new markets, and cultivates relationships that position QTS as a trusted local partner and industry leader. It manages economic development workstreams for domestic site selection and expansion, coordinates due diligence and engagement across approximately 10–15 sites simultaneously, and develops tailored plans and materials to strengthen QTS’ market position. The manager identifies, quantifies, and negotiates market-specific economic development packages and agreements, including community investment and workforce development initiatives, and advises project teams on deal structures and social return on investment. The position maintains awareness of political, economic, and policy factors affecting QTS, builds relationships with stakeholders across Texas and the Southwest, advocates for QTS’ priorities, and represents the company in relevant chambers, associations, and coalitions. The role may be based in Irving, Austin, or Midland, Texas, and involves frequent travel anticipated to exceed 25%.

Requirements

At least 8–10 years of experience in economic development, public policy, government relations, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated success negotiating economic development programs and community-benefit agreements and securing successful outcomes for complex projects.
Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to contribute to strategic business discussions and drive projects to completion.
Credibility and presence to represent the company effectively with senior government officials and community leaders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to sell ideas and concepts to varied stakeholders and constituents.
Ability to manage fast-paced, frequently changing workstreams and adapt to shifting priorities.
Comfort with frequent travel, anticipated to exceed 25%.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience with state and local legislative and regulatory processes and the ability to analyze legislative and policy proposals and their implications for QTS.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, including the ability to report key metrics and insights to leaders.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, matrixed environment and under pressure with tight deadlines.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
Self-starter who takes initiative and follows through on tasks to completion.
Ability to work at one of the listed locations: Irving, Austin, or Midland, Texas.

Nice To Haves

Experience in or knowledge of the data center industry or analogous capital-intensive sectors such as energy or utilities.
Postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as public policy, economics, business, planning, or law.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate economic development workstreams for domestic site selection and expansion, from stakeholder mapping, positioning, and messaging through agreement execution and post-deal partnership and value stewardship.
Coordinate economic development due diligence and engagement for approximately 10–15 sites simultaneously.
Build relationships with local stakeholders and develop tailored economic development plans and collateral to strengthen QTS’ market position.
Identify, quantify, and negotiate market-specific economic development packages on behalf of QTS and its customers.
Structure economic development agreements, including community investment plans and workforce development projects, to support local impact and shared economic outcomes.
Support project teams throughout the deal-flow process by advising on economic development aspects of deal structures and their social return on investment.
Maintain awareness of political, economic, and policy factors that may affect QTS’ business and economic development activities.
Build and sustain relationships with local and state government, policymakers, economic development organizations, customers, industry coalitions, and community and nongovernmental organizations across Texas and the Southwest.
Advocate for QTS’ priorities on economic and community issues and represent the company in relevant chambers, associations, and coalitions.
Articulate QTS’ competitive advantages and differentiators to internal and external audiences.
Analyze legislative and policy proposals and their implications for QTS.
Report key metrics and insights to leaders.
Travel to QTS sites, state and local capitals, and regional meetings and hearings.