Director, Public Affairs (Midwest)

EdgeConneX; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EdgeConneX is seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Midwest) with state government experience to drive policy engagement in Indiana and surrounding markets. Based in Indiana, Chicago, or at our global HQ in Herndon, VA, you will lead strategic lobbying and advocacy initiatives.

Responsibilities include developing and executing strategies to influence legislation, monitoring Indiana bills, and building coalitions with industry groups and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 6 years experience in government affairs, public affairs or advocacy.
• Indiana government experience preferred; local economic development exposure a plus.
• Technical knowledge of data centers, utility regulation, electricity markets, and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to influence legislation at local and Indiana state levels.
• Monitor proposed bills and ordinances; draft policy briefs and impact reports.
• Represent EdgeConneX in industry coalitions; manage outside advisors.

Skills

Strategic Communication

Relationship Building

Crisis Management

Legislative Acumen

Policy Analysis

Education

J.D. / MPA / BA

Job description

About the role

• The Director, Public Affairs (Midwest) must hold state government experience in Indiana and can be based in Indiana, Chicago or our global HQ in Herndon, VA

What you'll do

• Government Relations & Direct Lobbying: Develop and execute strategies and conduct lobbying meetings to influence legislation, regulations, and administrative policies at the local (e.g., city council, county commissioners court) and Indiana state levels, including various state agencies

• Legislative Monitoring & Analysis: Track and analyze proposed bills and ordinances in Indiana that impact the organization. Draft policy briefs, bill analyses, and impact reports for internal teams

• Coalition Building/Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the company in relevant industry coalitions, trade associations (e.g., Data Center Coalition), and coalitions to advocate for data center interests and influence positive outcomes in all forums. Manage outside advisors to execute on needed policy/legislative/operational actions to support the company's objectives

• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build and nurture strong relationships with key political figures, community leaders, and industry counterparts in Indiana. Lead grassroots advocacy campaigns and coordinate/assist with community outreach initiatives

• **Thought Leadership, Messaging, Communication:** Prepare policy briefs, white papers, talking points, testimony, other materials for internal teams or senior leadership. Prepare needed materials for external engagements to educate policymakers/other stakeholders on the role of data centers and AI infrastructure in the digital economy

• Coordinate with cross-functional internal teams

• PublicAffairs & Government Relations Support: Provide support across the Public Affairs team and legislative teams as needed as they liaise with local officials, government agencies and communities, monitor legislative or regulatory developments, or manage political/community risks

• Community Engagement Support: Provide support as needed for community outreach/charitable/education programs as well as for public forums, open houses, and stakeholder meetings

• Manage and work with Outside counsel and consultants

• **Compliance & Reporting:** To the extent applicable, ensure lobbying activities comply with applicable laws, including necessary registrations. Ensure needed disclosure reports are filed

Qualifications

• ~6 years experience in government affairs, public affairs or advocacy. Prior work in Indiana serving as a legislative staffer, agency official, or campaign manager is considered a plus

• Experience in local Indiana economic development is considered a plus

• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of data centers, utility regulation, electricity markets, economic development, local/state governments or related experience. Comprehensive understanding of Indiana government, legislative/administrative processes, and key state/local funding or regulatory mechanisms

• Juris Doctor (J. D.), Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, or related filed.

• Legislative Acumen: Deep understanding of local governance, policy processes, and regulatory frameworks.

• Strategic Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Relationship Building: Network of contacts within the local legislative and regulatory community.

• Crisis Management: Ability to analyze data and respond quickly.