Senior Manager, Public Policy, Economic Development, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Global Public Policy Department 

The mission of Vantage Data Centers’ Global Public Policy team is to help deliver the best possible digital infrastructure for the world’s leading technology companies. By advocating for positions, advising on issues, and building relationships with stakeholders, through a combination of creativity, resourcefulness, trust, problem-solving, and an outward mindset, we aim to create a more favorable and resilient public policy environment for our company. Our work ensures success across the asset lifecycle, mitigates risks and fosters sustainable, long-term growth for our company and our customers, and establishes the company as a value-adding member of the community.   

Global Public Policy is responsible for Vantage Data Centers’ government relations, economic development, and community engagement. The team partners with our New Site Development, Construction, Engineering, Legal, Tax, People, Operations, and other departments to grow market share, acquire and retain customers, navigate through regulatory and policy developments, mitigate risk, and expand into new geographies. We are a dedicated team of problem solvers who strive for excellence and drive value-creation in our work. We practice empathy, humility, curiosity, and accountability, and we strive to support and empower each other to promote the value that our company generates for our customers, investors, employees, and communities. 

Position Overview

This role can be based remotely in the US.

The Senior Manager, Public Policy – Economic Development will be primarily responsible for creating and managing the company’s economic development program in North America. The Senior Manager will partner with various internal customers to determine Vantage’s economic development priorities, build relationships with key partners, and engage at the appropriate level of government to advocate for Vantage’s position in the obtainment of various incentives and benefits under economic development programs.

This role will be an integral part of driving forward end-to-end market success as Vantage grows in the region. This includes supporting initial market intelligence and land selection through to the development of sites and the operation of our data centers. This individual will also help to establish and maintain a pro-investment public policy climate to facilitate Vantage’s growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Create and implement a strategic economic development engagement plan to drive forward business objectives at all levels of government in North America.

• Research, identify and track current and emerging issues and trends around economic development across North America, engage internal partners to determine the company’s position, priorities, and risks, and actions to take.

• Develop and implement a strategy to navigate and achieve economic development objectives; engage with state, provincial, and local governments, especially economic development organizations and decision-makers, to advance the company’s public policy interests.

• Collaborate closely with internal team members including Global Public Policy colleagues, New Site Development, Engineering, Legal, Tax, Construction, and Operations teams on key issues and workstreams, establishing a cadence of regular briefings.

• Engage in pre-development processes, researching policy drivers in new markets, understanding and pursuing local tax incentives and funding programs for data center development, and with permit approvals and zoning decisions as necessary.

• Lead relevant consultants, association memberships, and coalition partnerships.

Job Responsibilities

• Draft strategy and other public policy documents as required; prepare decks and talking points for meetings, as well as briefings for executives and key internal customers.

• Negotiate on behalf of Vantage to obtain the best possible outcomes for the company and communities we call home through economic development programs.

• Attend select federal, state and local meetings to testify/comment on Vantage’s behalf.

• Participate in various chambers, associations and coalitions as a proponent of the data center industry.

• Partner with Marketing and other teams to develop messaging, positioning, collateral and public relations materials.

• Promote Vantage’s commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusivity; engage in the community supporting Vantage’s role as a good corporate citizen.

• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

•  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• 5-7 years of hands-on experience in economic development in North America. Preference will be given for candidates with experience in economic development for large capital-intensive projects.

• Experience learning business needs and representing those interests before economic developers.

• Demonstrated creative and critical thinking, and the ability to understand complex issues and identify clear and effective action plans to resolve them is desired.

• Consistent track record in obtaining successful outcomes in economic development situations.

• Strong written and verbal communication to internal and external audiences including senior government officials and company executives.

• A teammate that is comfortable working in a matrixed organization to drive forward business value creation is strongly preferred.

• Experience leading consultants and working as an economic development lobbyist for a private company is strongly preferred.

• Advanced political savvy and the ability to connect with team members from all backgrounds.

• Must be comfortable balancing multiple priorities with shifting timelines and objectives.

• Significant travel is anticipated (>25%). Travel includes visits to other Vantage offices, capital cities, regional meetings and hearings, etc. Travel may increase over time as the business evolves.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The 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 accommodation 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-$140,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado 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.

#LI-Remote #LI-CM1

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!