The JobThe Director of External Affairs is Core Scientific's primary liaison to the communities, local governments, and regional stakeholders where we live and operate. This role leads local government affairs, community engagement, and external communications efforts across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and other markets - directly influencing how Core Scientific is understood, trusted, and welcomed in the regions where it operates. The Director builds authentic relationships at the local level, earns community credibility, and ensures that Core Scientific is a visible, constructive, and valued presence in every locality it calls home.
Responsibilities- Build and maintain proactive relationships with local elected and appointed officials - including county judges, county commissioners, city council members, mayors, school board trustees, economic development boards, and other civic leaders - in localities where Core Scientific operates across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and other markets as determined.
- Serve as Core Scientific's primary relationship manager with Congressional district offices and state district offices in every locality where Core Scientific operates, ensuring ongoing, productive, and respectful communication with district-level staff.
- Anticipate local policy and community priorities that may affect Core's operations, positioning Core as a credible, accessible, and good-faith partner for local officials and district staff.
- Establish a proactive policy intelligence framework that enables the company to anticipate and respond to emerging local government, policy, and community risks with no material surprises.
- Lead Core Scientific's community engagement strategy across all operating localities.
- Design, launch, and lead community initiatives that reflect Core Scientific's commitment to the regions where it operates - including workforce development, local education partnerships, environmental stewardship, and economic development efforts.
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with community leaders, neighborhood organizations, local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and other civic stakeholders, ensuring Core Scientific is seen as a long-term, invested community partner.
- Proactively identify and act on opportunities to contribute meaningfully to local communities, going beyond regulatory or reputational necessity to demonstrate genuine civic commitment.
- Deliver measurable progress in community relationship depth, initiative impact, and local stakeholder awareness.
- Collaborate with Corporate Communications to develop and execute public communications and outreach campaigns that elevate Core Scientific's visibility, credibility, and reputation at the local and regional level.
- Ensure all regional and local communications are consistent with Core's brand, messaging standards, and corporate strategy, while remaining authentically tailored to the unique character and concerns of each community.
- Translate complex energy, technology, regulatory, and operational concepts into clear, compelling, and accessible messaging for local audiences - including residents, local officials, and community organizations.
- Act as a primary spokesperson and communications liaison for Core Scientific in local and regional forums, media engagements, and stakeholder discussions.
- Provide timely, candid strategic guidance to the Senior Director of Policy on local stakeholder dynamics, community sentiment, emerging issues, and communications opportunities - with particular attention to areas creating reputational risk or opportunity.
- Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of local government affairs, community engagement, and communications efforts.
- Foster open, respectful, and professional communication directly within the team as well as with co-workers/ teammates and leaders across the organization.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, Community Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in local government affairs, community engagement, or public affairs roles.
- Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with local elected officials, Congressional district offices, state district offices, and community stakeholders in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments.
- Proven ability to lead community-facing initiatives from conception through execution.
- Strong strategic communications and messaging development skills, with the ability to craft narratives that resonate across diverse audiences.
- Ability to represent an organization with credibility, warmth, and professionalism at the local level.
- Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and executive presentation skills.
- A bias for action and demonstrated ability to build programs, community presence, and government relationships where little existed before.
Preferred
- Existing relationships with local elected officials, county commissioners, city governments, and/or community organizations in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.
- Experience working in or alongside local government.
- Background in community affairs, civic engagement, or corporate social responsibility in a high-visibility external-facing role.
- Familiarity with the energy, technology, or data center industry and the community dynamics those sectors create.
LocationTo be considered for this role, you must reside near Atlanta, GA.
TravelFrequent travel is required, approximately 30-40%, across GA, NC, AL, and other markets as needed. Travel to operating localities for community engagement and local government meetings is an integral part of this role.
Work EnvironmentThis job operates across a variety of environments including data center campuses, local government offices, community venues, and corporate office settings.
Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Position Type / Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position. General hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evenings and weekends will be required for community events, local government meetings, and public forums.
