Director, Public Affairs

The Director of Public Affairs leads government relations and public policy supporting STACK's data center development and operations across North America. The Director develops strategies to move projects forward, manage political and regulatory risk, and support STACK's growth. The role is a senior external representative of the company and is responsible for building productive relationships with government officials, economic development organizations, community leaders, utilities, industry groups, clients, and partners. The Director works closely with Development, Site Strategy, Energy, Sustainability, Operations, Construction, Legal, and Communications to account for political, regulatory, economic development, and community issues in site selection and project execution. The role also keeps senior leaders informed of state and local developments and coordinates public affairs support across projects. The position may be based remotely or at STACK's headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Responsibilities include: • Monitor state and local legislation, regulations, ordinances, ballot measures, and policy trends affecting data center development, including land use, energy, utilities, taxes, incentives, permitting, and environmental requirements. • Develop public affairs and advocacy plans for priority markets and projects. Prepare position papers, comment letters, testimony, and other materials as needed. • Build relationships with state and local officials, planning and zoning bodies, utility commissions, economic development organizations, community leaders, and industry groups. • Bring political, regulatory, utility, and community considerations into site selection, market reviews, project planning, permitting, and approval strategies. • Represent STACK at public hearings, stakeholder briefings, industry meetings, and other forums. Work with decision-makers to address issues and keep project approvals on track. • Advise senior leaders and project teams on local requirements, political and regulatory developments, stakeholder concerns, and risks or opportunities in priority markets. • Prepare presentations, briefing memos, talking points, public statements, FAQs, and other materials for company leaders and external audiences. • Coordinate with internal teams, clients, trade associations, and other partners on project timelines, advocacy efforts, reporting, and stakeholder commitments. THE DETAILS: • Location: Denver, Colorado or remote • Benefits: Healthcare, Dental Care, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Leave Programs • Travel: Domestic travel based on business needs, up to 30% • Must be eligible to work in the United States • Must pass comprehensive background screening MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree. A degree in public policy, political science, or a related field is preferred. • At least seven years of experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative or regulatory policy, or a related field, including responsibility for complex initiatives. Experience in data centers, digital infrastructure, energy, real estate development, utilities, telecommunications, or industrial development is preferred. • Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, ordinances, and policy developments and applying that analysis to business and project decisions. • Good political judgment and an ability to evaluate stakeholder dynamics, spot issues early, manage reputational risk, and escalate concerns when needed. • Strong writing and speaking skills, with an ability to explain complex policy and technical issues clearly to senior leaders and external audiences. • Ability to manage work across several markets, jurisdictions, projects, and deadlines. • Experience managing outside counsel, lobbyists, consultants, or related budgets is preferred. Compensation Range: $140,980.00 - $163,240.00 THIS MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF: • You are a strong communicator, you are persuasive and clear, blending analytics with experience in decision-making. • You do not get flustered easily. You can juggle multiple priorities while balancing urgent requests with shifting timelines and deliverables. • You are a team builder. You take the time to understand and develop the strengths of your resources while formulating long-term plans for the growth and success of the team. • You are naturally curious and driven toward continual improvement. While you celebrate your successes, you take time to review and analyze campaigns for future learning.