Vice President, Regional External Affairs – Mid West

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a thorough regional external affairs strategy that supports QTS's objectives for growth, development, operations, and public policy.

• Lead and orchestrate integrated advocacy initiatives at both state and local levels.

• Direct and cultivate a regional team consisting of around 10–12 members.

• Set priorities, ensure accountability, establish performance expectations, and create professional development opportunities.

• Collaborate with leaders from Communications, Marketing, Legal, Development, Energy Strategy, Operations, and the Executive Team.

• Oversee regional operating plans, budgets, consultants, and external resources.

• Build and nurture relationships with elected officials, regulatory bodies, economic development organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders.

• Anticipate and address political, policy, regulatory, and community issues while formulating proactive strategies.

• Contribute to enterprise-wide strategies, organizational development, and long-term planning as part of the External Affairs leadership team.

• Represent QTS externally as a senior leader and trusted advocate.

• Assist in market expansion, site development, infrastructure investments, and growth initiatives.

• Provide strategic insights to senior leadership regarding political, regulatory, economic, and community dynamics.

• Support significant development, policy, permitting, and reputational matters.

• Promote accountability, operational excellence, resource stewardship, and measurable business outcomes.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, Political Science, Business, Communications, Law, Economics, Urban Planning, or a related field.

• Over 12 years of leadership experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, lobbying, economic development, public affairs, or external affairs, with responsibility for a multi-state region.

• Proven track record in leading complex stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives, and public policy projects.

• Experience in leading teams, managing budgets, and achieving results within executive-level, cross-functional organizations.

• Strong grasp of legislative, regulatory, permitting, economic development, and community engagement processes.

• Experience in supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, technology, real estate, utility, telecommunications, or industrial development projects.

• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region.

• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field (preferred).

• Experience in the data center, technology, infrastructure, energy, utility, telecommunications, or real estate sectors (preferred).

• Previous experience in government, legislative affairs, public affairs consulting, lobbying, political campaigns, or economic development (preferred).

• Established connections with state, local, and regional policymakers and industry stakeholders (preferred).

• Experience advising senior executives on intricate public policy, reputational, or stakeholder matters (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting.

• Every employee is eligible for bonuses or commissions.

• Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days, plus Floating Holidays.

• Stock Purchase Plan (SPP).

• 11 paid Holidays annually, with holiday compensation for worked days.

• Pet and Legal Insurance.

• Q-Rest Sabbatical Program.

• Q-Anniversary Service Award Program.

• Parental Leave.

• Military Benefits Package.

• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program.

• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents.

• QTS Crisis Fund.

• Wellness Program.

• Tuition Reimbursement Program.

• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.