Regional External Affairs VP — Policy & Growth

QTS Realty Trust; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off (PTO)

Volunteer days

Stock Purchase Plan

Holidays and sabbaticals

Job summary

QTS Realty Trust seeks a Vice President, Regional External Affairs to lead a multi-state external affairs team and drive government relations, public policy, permitting, and community engagement in support of growth and operations. You will guide a region of 10–12 professionals while partnering with Legal, Development, Energy Strategy, and other functions.

You will build trusted relationships with policymakers, economic development partners, and industry stakeholders, anticipating issues and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy or related field.
• 12+ years of leadership experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, lobbying, economic development, public affairs, or external affairs for multi-state regions.
• Proven success leading complex stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and public policy initiatives.
• Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving results across executive-level, cross-functional organizations.
• Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, permitting, economic development, and community engagement processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive regional external affairs strategy aligned with growth, development, operational, and public policy objectives.
• Lead integrated advocacy campaigns at state and local levels to advance business priorities and support market expansion.
• Direct and develop a high-performing regional team with clear priorities, accountability and professional development.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to align external affairs with corporate objectives and operations.
• Manage regional operating plans, budgets, consultants, and external resources to support legislative, regulatory, and growth priorities.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, economic development orgs, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Anticipate emerging political, policy, regulatory, and community issues and develop proactive strategies.
• Represent QTS externally as a senior leader and trusted advocate for the company's mission and growth objectives.
• Lead government affairs, legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and public policy efforts across the region.
• Develop strategies to strengthen relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead stakeholder engagement strategies to build trust and enhance reputation with community leaders and organizations.
• Partner with Development, Site Selection, Energy Strategy, and Operations to support market expansion and infrastructure investments.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on political, regulatory, economic, and community dynamics.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or related fields

Job description

QTS Realty Trust seeks a Vice President, Regional External Affairs to lead a multi-state external affairs team and drive government relations, public policy, permitting, and community engagement in support of growth and operations. You will guide a region of 10–12 professionals while partnering with Legal, Development, Energy Strategy, and other functions.

You will build trusted relationships with policymakers, economic development partners, and industry stakeholders, anticipating issues and