VP of Public & External Affairs - Hyperscale Data Center

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

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.