Vice President, Regional External Affairs (Mid West)

QTS Data Centers

Iowa City, IA

Full Time

Posted October 21, 2026

$162k - $202k· Est.

Utilities

Apply Now

Application opens on company website

Listing evidence and provenance

Source: Workday View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed October 22, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Utilities
Pay provenance: Estimated benchmark; not employer-provided

Job Description

Lead stakeholder engagement strategies that build trust, support development objectives, and enhance QTS's reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive regional external affairs strategy aligned with QTS's growth, development, operational, and public policy objectives.
Lead and coordinate integrated advocacy campaigns at the state and local levels to advance business priorities and support market expansion efforts.
Direct and develop a high-performing regional team, establishing clear priorities, accountability, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
Partner closely with cross-functional leaders to align external affairs strategies with corporate objectives and operational priorities.
Manage regional operating plans, budgets, consultants, and external resources to support legislative, regulatory, business development, community engagement, and growth priorities.
Build and maintain influential relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
Anticipate emerging political, policy, regulatory, and community issues and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk and create opportunity.
Serve as a member of the External Affairs leadership team, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, organizational development, and long-term planning.
Represent QTS externally as a senior leader and trusted advocate in support of the company's mission, values, and growth objectives.
Lead government affairs, legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and public policy efforts across the region. Develop strategies that advance QTS growth objectives and strengthen relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Requirements

As the Vice President, Regional External Affairs you are responsible for developing and executing QTS's external affairs strategy across an assigned multi-state region. You oversee government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, economic development, permitting and zoning, community engagement, stakeholder relations, and public affairs activities that support QTS's growth, development, operations, and long-term reputation.
Reporting directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Vice President serves as a key member of the External Affairs leadership team and leads a regional organization of approximately 10-12 team members. You will partner closely with leaders across Communications, Marketing, Legal, Development, Energy Strategy, Operations, and the Executive Team to advance business priorities, support market expansion, and drive strategic advocacy initiatives.
Youbwill build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, policymakers, economic development partners, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and internal business partners. Success in the role requires a campaign-oriented mindset, combining strategic planning, disciplined execution, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building to advance QTS's business objectives and strengthen its position as a trusted community and industry partner.
Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Industrial Labor Relations, or related field.
Experience in the data center, technology, infrastructure, energy, utility, telecommunications, or real estate sectors.
Prior experience in government, legislative affairs, public affairs consulting, lobbying, political campaigns, or economic development.
Established relationships with state, local, and regional policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Experience advising senior executives on complex public policy, reputational, or stakeholder matters.
In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:
Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
Pet and Legal Insurance
Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
Parental Leave
Military Benefits Package
QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
QTS Crisis Fund
Wellness Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program