Regional External Affairs VP — Policy, Growth & Advocacy

QTS Realty Trust; United States; Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus / commission eligible

Generous PTO & paid volunteer days

Stock purchase plan

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Educational and charitable matching

Job summary

QTS Realty Trust is seeking a Vice President, Regional External Affairs to develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy across an assigned multi-state region. You will oversee government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, economic development, permitting and zoning, and community engagement to support growth and reputation.

You will lead a regional team of 10-12, partner with cross-functional leaders, and manage budgets and external resources to advance business

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, Political Science, Business, Communications, Law, Economics, Urban Planning, or related fields.
• 12+ years of leadership experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, lobbying, economic development, public affairs, or external affairs.
• Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving results across executive-level, cross-functional organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive regional external affairs strategy aligned with QTS's growth, development, operational, and public policy objectives.
• Lead and coordinate integrated advocacy campaigns at the state and local levels to advance business priorities and support market expansion efforts.
• Direct and develop a high-performing regional team, establishing clear priorities, accountability, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to align external affairs strategies with corporate objectives and operational priorities.
• Manage regional operating plans, budgets, consultants, and external resources to support legislative, regulatory, business development, community engagement, and growth priorities.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Anticipate emerging political, policy, regulatory, and community issues and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk and create opportunity.
• Serve as a member of the External Affairs leadership team, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, organizational development, and long-term planning.
• Represent QTS externally as a senior leader and trusted advocate in support of the company's mission, values, and growth objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Public policy

Government affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Team management

Budget management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy

Job description

QTS Realty Trust is seeking a Vice President, Regional External Affairs to develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy across an assigned multi-state region. You will oversee government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, economic development, permitting and zoning, and community engagement to support growth and reputation.

You will lead a regional team of 10-12, partner with cross-functional leaders, and manage budgets and external resources to advance business