Vice President of Public & External Affairs - Data Center Development

Irving Knight Group; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Hyperscale Data Center Development Firm is seeking an experienced VP of Public and External Affairs to lead external communications, stakeholder relations, and public engagement as the company scales hyperscale campuses across the United States.

This executive role offers significant autonomy to shape messaging, navigate regulatory environments, manage government relations, and build a team with responsibilities spanning media relations, crisis communications, and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, or external affairs roles.
• Demonstrated experience in data center development, hyperscale data center operations, or the data center industry (required).
• Proven track record managing complex stakeholder relationships in regulated industries or large infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of data center site selection, permitting, zoning, and real estate development cycles.
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications.
• Track record of building and leading high-performing communications or public affairs teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Political acumen and ability to navigate complex regulatory and community environments.
• Strategic thinking with proven ability to translate business objectives into external messaging and engagement plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive public and external affairs strategies aligned with growth objectives.
• Lead media relations, including press releases, outreach, crisis communications, and thought leadership.
• Manage government and regulatory relations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders and civic organizations.
• Oversee corporate communications and brand messaging across external channels.
• Lead community engagement initiatives to build support for new data center projects.
• Manage reputational risks related to development, environmental concerns, or operations.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences.
• Collaborate with development, operations, finance, and legal teams on external messaging.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise leadership on implications.
• Build and lead a public affairs team as the company scales.

Skills

Public affairs leadership

Stakeholder management

Media relations

Regulatory affairs

Strategic communications

Government relations

Crisis communications

Team leadership

Written and verbal communication

Data center industry experience

Job description

Company: Hyperscale Data Center Development Firm (small firm, responsibility to build the team)

Location: Remote (US-based)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced VP of Public and External Affairs to lead all external communications, stakeholder relations, and public engagement for a rapidly expanding hyperscale data center development company. This executive role is critical to managing our firm's reputation, securing community support, navigating regulatory environments, and maintaining strong relationships with government, media, industry partners, and local communities across our development markets.

This position offers significant autonomy and strategic influence in shaping how our company engages with the public, regulators, and key stakeholders as we develop large-scale data center campuses across the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive public and external affairs strategies aligned with company growth and development objectives
• Lead all media relations, including press releases, media outreach, crisis communications, and thought leadership positioning
• Manage government affairs and regulatory relations at federal, state, and local levels; serve as primary liaison with permitting and planning authorities
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local officials, and civic organizations in data center development markets
• Oversee corporate communications, messaging, and brand positioning across all external channels
• Lead community engagement initiatives and public outreach programs to build support for new data center projects
• Manage potential controversies and reputational risks related to development, environmental concerns, or operational challenges
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and speaking engagements
• Work cross-functionally with development, operations, finance, and legal teams to ensure aligned external messaging
• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments affecting data center development and advise executive leadership on strategic implications
• Build and lead a public affairs team as the company scales

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, or external affairs roles
• Demonstrated experience in data center development, hyperscale data center operations, or the data center industry (required)
• Proven track record managing complex stakeholder relationships in regulated industries or large infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of data center site selection, permitting processes, zoning, and real estate development cycles
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications
• Track record of building and leading high-performing communications or public affairs teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Political acumen and ability to navigate complex regulatory and community environments
• Strategic thinking with proven ability to translate business objectives into external messaging and engagement plans

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with renewable energy, grid infrastructure, or power-intensive industries
• Background in real estate development, infrastructure, or industrial real estate
• Understanding of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communications and sustainability initiatives
• Previous experience in a Chief Communications Officer or similar C-suite adjacent role
• Network within data center industry, infrastructure development, or technology sectors
• Experience in state or local government, policy, or regulatory affairs

What We're Looking For

Beyond the credentials, we need someone who understands the unique challenges of hyperscale data center development - permitting complexity, community concerns about land use and power consumption, environmental considerations, and the balance between growth and local buy-in. You should be equally comfortable in a boardroom, a city council meeting, or a community forum. You must have the credibility and experience to guide executives through external stakeholder strategy and the communication finesse to tell our company's story authentically to diverse audiences.