Chief of Community Partnerships & Economic Development

Verrus; California (MO); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Verrus is seeking a Head of Community Partnerships and Economic Development to lead national community engagement and to develop a repeatable multi‑metro partnership playbook. This full‑time role requires extensive travel, representing Verrus in first‑mile communities and coordinating with cross‑functional teams.

You will build partnerships across metros, translate Verrus' mission into local value, and ensure consistent, authentic engagement with residents, local leaders, and stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Economic Development, Regional Planning, Corporate Communications, Journalism or equivalent.
• 12+ years in community engagement, economic development, strategic communication, public relations, or related field, including senior leadership and team/agency management.
• Experience managing organized public opposition and crisis response for large-scale development projects in sectors such as data centers, energy, infrastructure, real estate, or natural resources.
• Experience partnering with HOAs, neighborhood groups, and community organizations to navigate complex projects from concept to delivery.
• Experience selecting and managing external agencies, consultants, and on-the-ground representatives across multiple markets.
• Exceptional communication and public-speaking skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50% or more across multiple metros and states.

Responsibilities

• Own Verrus' national community partnerships and economic development strategy, shaping it to a repeatable multi‑metro partnership playbook that scales across the portfolio.
• Serve as Verrus' trusted local presence and lead voice in the first metros, forging lasting partnerships with residents, local stakeholders, land community organizations, leading open houses, public hearings, and community meetings in person.
• Build and lead the network of local partners, consultants, public relations firms and community ambassadors who deepen Verrus' presence and credibility in every market.
• Earn community trust by listening early and often, engaging questions with candor and transparency, and building broad coalitions and local champions for Verrus.
• Be a responsive, accountable neighbor across the full project lifecycle, from site selection through construction and into operations, resolving day‑to‑day matters with care and respect.
• Quantify for partner communities Verrus’ lasting measurable local impact: economic development, quality jobs, workforce and supplier opportunities, grid and clean energy benefits, and lasting community investment.
• Bring the community's voice into the business, partnering across pre‑development, real estate, construction, engineering and permitting, and coordinating with energy policy leadership on the local‑to‑state seam.
• Maintain a portfolio‑level view of community sentiment, trust, impact, and engagement across all metros (stakeholder mapping, engagement standards, concern response, hearing prep).
• Prioritize time and investment across metros by permitting stage and community need.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree (Urban Planning / related)

Master's degree (related field)

Job description

Verrus is seeking a Head of Community Partnerships and Economic Development to lead national community engagement and to develop a repeatable multi‑metro partnership playbook. This full‑time role requires extensive travel, representing Verrus in first‑mile communities and coordinating with cross‑functional teams.

You will build partnerships across metros, translate Verrus' mission into local value, and ensure consistent, authentic engagement with residents, local leaders, and stakeholders