Role SummaryRowan Digital Infrastructure is looking for an External Affairs Lead, Bauxite to help lead government and community engagement, economic development, public policy, and more at Rowan's Bauxite data center campus. This role is a critical part of the team that works with project leadership and subject matter expert teams from across the business, including close partnering with Rowan's construction team, to strengthen Rowan's portfolio in this region.
This role will help to bring to fruition Rowan's portfolio of projects in Frederick by ensuring the government and community landscape is favorable to our company's operations. The External Affairs - Lead, Bauxite will also help to protect existing investments by tracking legislation and local policy changes that may impact our operations. The role will act as a face of the company in communities where we are making investments throughout the region.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully working in government and community affairs/public policy/economic development settings. The successful candidate will have excellent strategic thinking and negotiation skills, organizational and communication skills, the ability to multitask, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Travel: Ability to travel up to (20%) to company gatherings
Location: Frederick, MD
Compensation: $150K - $175K (Offers Bonus)
Essential Responsibilities- Engage with government representatives, community organizations, residents, and other local stakeholders about Rowan's projects
- Track local legislation, regulatory proceedings, and project entitlements and advocate on these items as necessary
- Form coalitions with interested individuals and organizations to support/oppose legislation, local policy issues, community initiatives, and more
- Support drafting and managing the execution of strategic plans for political and community engagement
- Represent Rowan at various public events and effectively communicate the benefits of Rowan project investments to external key stakeholders, including AHJs, economic development partners, elected officials, and the community at large
- Support the drafting of communications content to broaden and amplify messaging about our community, economic, and environmental benefits in public settings, including project pitches, AHJ presentations, customer meetings, etc
- Identify and track pertinent legislation and local policy proposals that may have business implications on Rowan's operations
Education, Skills, and Experience- Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years of public policy and/or community engagement experience within government and/or relevant nonprofits, economic development organizations, public interest groups, business, campaigns or industry associations
- Skilled at persuasively and diplomatically advocating policy positions publicly before key stakeholders
- Demonstrated track record of success in developing strong partnerships with AHJs, economic development organizations, state and local government, and other key stakeholder
- Experience communicating with senior leaders and executives
- Experience drafting strategic communications and supporting public relations
- Knowledge of policies impacting data center industry preferred
- Experience with legislative tracking for targeted industries preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, and highly cross-functional environment
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Fueled by Excellence & CollaborationAt Rowan, we are a distributed team united by a common mission to transform data center delivery. Across our two offices, we offer a hybrid work environment supported by teamwork, technology, and in-office gathering time to help you be successful. We are headquartered in downtown Denver, Colorado and have an office in Seattle, Washington. Our team of talented and passionate individuals is spread out across the U.S.
Here to support youAt Rowan, we want to make sure you can do great work. We offer competitive benefits focused on helping you be and achieve your best.
- Hybrid working environment
- Team building and educational opportunities
- Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k)-company contribution
- RTD ECO pass or parking reimbursement
- Competitive compensation, bonus, and an incentive plan
