Position Overview
This role can be based in Ashburn, VA following our flexible work policy (3 days in-office, 2 days flexible). As well as Atlanta, Georgia or New Albany, Ohio.As a Senior Community Engagement Specialist, you will lead Vantage's community engagement and local external affairs strategy across the Eastern Region, serving as the primary representative for community and stakeholder engagement across one of the company's most highly visible markets. This role will be responsible for building and managing relationships with local elected officials, government staff, community leaders, workforce development partners, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, business groups, and other key stakeholders to support project success, strengthen Vantage's social license to operate, and reinforce the company's reputation as a trusted long-term community partner.
Working closely with Public Policy counterparts, Marketing, Construction, Operations, Sustainability, and People & Culture, you will enhance and execute market-specific engagement strategies, oversee local external affairs efforts, identify and mitigate stakeholder and reputational risks, advance community investment and workforce development initiatives, and
provide strategic counsel to internal teams throughout the development, construction, and operational phases of Vantage's projects.
As the lead community engagement representative for the Eastern Region, you will serve as a trusted advisor to project teams and company leadership, providing market intelligence, monitoring community sentiment, identifying emerging issues and opportunities, and helping shape engagement strategies that build trust, foster meaningful partnerships, and maintain Vantage's social license to operate in the communities where we invest and operate.
Key Responsibilities include:Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management- Serve as a primary community engagement representative for Vantage across Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, and other Eastern Region markets, building and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders.
- Develop and sustain relationships with local elected officials, government staff, community leaders, business organizations, educational institutions, workforce development partners, and nonprofit organizations to support project objectives and strengthen community partnerships.
- Represent Vantage at community meetings, civic events, industry forums, and stakeholder engagements, helping build awareness, trust, and understanding of the company's projects and commitments.
- Support stakeholder outreach efforts by identifying engagement opportunities, coordinating meetings, and maintaining regular communication with key community partners.
Community Partnerships & Impact- Implement community engagement initiatives that support Vantage's business objectives while addressing local community priorities and needs.
- Coordinate community investment, workforce development, educational, and nonprofit partnership programs that create meaningful value for local communities and strengthen Vantage's reputation as a long-term partner.
- Identify opportunities to build new partnerships and expand existing relationships that advance community and business goals.
- Support volunteer, sponsorship, and community relations activities that reinforce Vantage's commitment to responsible growth and community stewardship.
Community Intelligence & Issue Management- Monitor community sentiment, stakeholder feedback, local issues, and emerging trends that could impact project development, construction, operations, or community relationships.
- Provide regular updates and insights to project teams and leadership regarding stakeholder priorities, community concerns, and engagement opportunities.
- Help identify and address stakeholder concerns through proactive outreach, relationship management, and coordination with internal teams.
- Support issue management and community response efforts by facilitating communication and helping maintain constructive stakeholder relationships.
Cross-Functional Project Support- Partner with Public Policy, Development, Construction, Operations, Sustainability, Marketing, and People & Culture teams to support stakeholder engagement activities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Coordinate community engagement activities that support development, permitting, construction, and operational priorities.
- Help ensure stakeholder perspectives and local community considerations are incorporated into project planning and decision-making.
- Maintain stakeholder records, engagement plans, and activity tracking to support project execution and organizational knowledge sharing.
- Strategic Advisory & Reporting
- Provide recommendations to project teams and leadership based on stakeholder feedback, community priorities, and local market dynamics.
- Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of engagement efforts and identifying opportunities to strengthen stakeholder relationships and community impact.
- Prepare briefings, stakeholder updates, community engagement summaries, and reports for internal audiences.
- Support continuous improvement of community engagement practices by sharing lessons learned, emerging trends, and best practices across the region.
Qualifications- 5-8 years of experience in community engagement, external affairs, stakeholder relations, nonprofit partnerships, or public affairs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including writing and public speaking, with a proven ability to build trust across diverse communities; a natural relationship builder and people-oriented professional.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments and regions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, and project management tools; experience with CRM or impact reporting tools is a plus.
- Flexibility to travel for site visits, events, or stakeholder meetings as needed (anticipated up to 40%).
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
- Experience supporting community programs in regulated, capital-intensive, or infrastructure-related industries.
- Ability to navigate both grassroots engagement and executive-level relationships.
- Existing relationships and experience working with VA, OH or GA-based communities, local governments, civic and business organizations, educational institutions, workforce development partners, or nonprofit stakeholders.
Physical Demands and Special RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Additional Details- Salary Range: $135,000 - $145,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on CO market data and may vary in other locations)
- This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
- Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.
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