Vice President, Public Policy

Cologix•Ashburn, VA

About The Position

The VP, Public Policy reports to the President at Cologix and is responsible for shaping and executing Cologix’s public policy and community engagement strategy in priority U.S. markets. This role protects and accelerates data center development and expansion by proactively managing regulatory, permitting, and community-related risks. The position serves as Cologix’s senior external representative with local and state policymakers, community leaders, and industry partners, ensuring the company maintains a strong, credible, and responsible presence in key markets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, communications, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory strategy, community affairs, or infrastructure permitting and development.
Deep experience with data centers, utilities, energy markets, land-use regulation, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Proven ability to influence policy outcomes and build credibility with elected officials, regulators, utilities, and community leaders.
Strong strategic thinking, political judgment, and issue-management skills.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and public speaking capabilities.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently to priority markets and policy centers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of any employment visa or work authorization, including CPT/OPT.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead Cologix’s public policy agenda across Ohio, Virginia and other strategic markets.
Establish Cologix public policy function.
Build and maintain relationships with state and local policymakers, regulatory agencies, utility commissions and planning authorities.
Anticipate and neutralize policy, regulatory, and community risks—such as moratorium threats or permitting delays—before they impact development timelines or capital deployment.
Develop and implement targeted community engagement strategies, including town halls, civic meetings, workforce and education initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to strengthen community trust and support.
Lead strategies to mitigate moratorium risks, zoning restrictions and permitting delays.
Engage with utilities and state regulators on power allocation, grid constraints, land use, and long-term planning.
Represent Cologix and influence policy initiatives in the Data Center Coalition and other industry forums; provide strategic policy insight and recommendations to Cologix leadership.
Track and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting data center permitting/construction, power, water, and ESG commitments; deliver actionable insights to internal stakeholders.
Partner closely with construction/development, legal, real estate, ESG, operations, marketing, and executive team to provide early insight into policy headwinds and to align public policy and affairs strategy and messaging with development, investment, and operational priorities.
Represent Cologix in high-stakes meetings, legislative briefings, and regulatory forums.
Serve as a rapid-response leader for high-risk or sensitive issues at the community or regulatory level, protecting Cologix’s reputation and project momentum.