Community Relations Director, Data Center Development

Related Digital; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Related Digital seeks a Director, Community Relations to lead community and stakeholder engagement across its data center projects and development pipeline. This role, within the Communications organization, reports to the EVP of Corporate Communications and collaborates with Government Affairs, Development and Site Selection teams.

The ideal candidate has a track record navigating local community dynamics, with experience in community engagement, communications or public policy, and preference

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, or community investment program management.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams — including Government Affairs, Legal, and Development — on community-facing issues; this is a communications and community relations role, not a direct government affairs or lobbying position.
• Experience partnering with nonprofit organizations, foundations, or community-based organizations, ideally through corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, or community investment programs.
• Track record building trust with communities on complex or contested development projects; data center, energy, or utility-scale infrastructure experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute public engagement plans for prospective and active data center development, including community meetings, open houses, and direct stakeholder briefings tied to zoning, entitlement, and permitting milestones.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with local nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and civic groups whose missions align with Related Digital’s presence in a market, advancing the company’s corporate social responsibility priorities.
• Support the development of community benefit agreements and local partnership commitments in coordination with individual project teams, including development, legal and communications.
• Serve as a point of contact for community organizations, residents, and business groups, providing project updates and answering questions.
• Monitor local sentiment and emerging issues across markets, and develop plans to address community concerns early and actively, with a focus on transparency and collaboration.
• Partner closely with the Communications team on messaging, media relations, and content to ensure a consistent Related Digital narrative across owned and community-facing channels.
• Design and manage community investment and CSR programs — including philanthropic partnerships, sponsorships, and sustainability initiatives — that build lasting local support and align with company priorities.
• Attend community events and industry forums on behalf of Related Digital to provide project information and answer community questions.

Skills

Community relations

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Public policy

Travel willingness

Communication skills

Dallas-based

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in public policy or communications (not required but a plus)

Job description

Related Digital seeks a Director, Community Relations to lead community and stakeholder engagement across its data center projects and development pipeline. This role, within the Communications organization, reports to the EVP of Corporate Communications and collaborates with Government Affairs, Development and Site Selection teams.

The ideal candidate has a track record navigating local community dynamics, with experience in community engagement, communications or public policy, and preference