Public Affairs and Policy Director

About Yondr

Yondr is a disruptor. We challenge convention and simplify complexity. A global developer, owner operator and service provider of data centers, we deliver complex data center capacity needs for the world’s largest tech companies. Our exponential growth sees us looking for extraordinary people to help accelerate us towards our vision: Tomorrow delivered. 

But we can’t do this without you.

About the Role 

The Public Affairs and Policy Director will play a critical role in supporting Yondr's growth strategy by shaping and leading our public affairs and policy engagement strategy, including stakeholder engagement and external affairs efforts, across existing and future data center markets. Acting as a trusted advisor to business leaders, this individual will help align Yondr's development and operations initiatives with local and regional priorities while strengthening  relationships with government, regulators, local authorities, economic development organizations, community leaders, utilities, and other key stakeholders. 

Working in close partnership with Development, Construction, Operations, Sustainability, Legal and Executive Leadership teams, the Public Affairs and Policy Director will develop and co-ordinate execution of engagement strategies that anticipate policy developments and support land acquisition, entitlement, permitting, power, infrastructure expansion, and campus growth initiatives. This role will identify opportunities to build strategic partnerships, communicate Yondr's commitment to local communities, and ensure stakeholders understand the long-term economic and social benefits generated by Yondr's responsible data center investments.

Main Responsibilities 

/ Develop and execute public affairs, policy,  stakeholder engagement, and community relations strategies to support Yondr's responsible data center development and expansion initiatives.  

/ Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and regional government departments, economic development agencies, utility providers, business organizations, and community stakeholders.  

/ Partner with Development and Delivery teams to support land acquisition, entitlement, zoning, permitting, power and infrastructure projects.  

/ Serve as a strategic advisor to project and business leadership on external risks, opportunities, and stakeholder considerations.  

/ Lead policy and engagement (and engage with policymakers on issues affecting data center investment) across key areas impacting Yondr’s business objectives including: planning and development; energy and grid infrastructure; environmental policy; investment policy 

/ Support the preparation of evidence and advocacy materials, and develop messaging and strategic communication materials, that effectively articulate Yondr's mission, investment strategy, sustainability commitments, and long-term economic impact.  

/ Identify partnership opportunities with educational institutions, workforce development organizations, nonprofit groups, and local business communities.  

/ Monitor and assess key legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments that could impact Yondr’s data center operations, power infrastructure, or development activities. Translate complex policy developments into clear business recommendations. 

/ Coordinate with internal communications, marketing, sustainability, and executive leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging across stakeholders.  

/ Support crisis communications and issue management efforts when required. 

/ Manage external policy and public affairs advisers and consultants where required. 

/ Ensure public affairs activity complies with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements, including in relation to transparency, lobbying, ethics and corporate governance. 

Qualifications and experience 

/ Bachelor’s degree  in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, Urban Planning, Economic Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

/ 10+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, stakeholder engagement, or strategic partnership roles. Data center experience preferred. 

/ Demonstrated experience collaborating with public policy, regulatory, and cross-functional business teams to support large-scale infrastructure initiatives. 

/ Demonstrable experience supporting complex development projects, including data centers, energy, utilities, telecommunications, industrial, transportation, or other critical infrastructure sectors. 

/ Strong understanding of local government processes, land use, zoning, permitting, and community engagement. 

/ Ability and willingness to travel up to 35% to support project sites, stakeholder meetings, and regional initiatives.

/ Experience working in Public Affairs within Virginia. 

/ Ability to identify opportunities and areas for improvement and operate independently and in a fast-moving environment. 

/ Excellent communication skills and ability to speak publicly on behalf of the company. 

/ Strong stakeholder management, relationship-building and influencing skills.

At Yondr, we want to enhance the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging of our workforce to reflect the world we live in. Our roles are potential opportunities for everyone; all interested parties, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, or gender, are welcome to apply. We ensure all candidates have equitable access and consideration throughout the hiring process.

Yondr is committed to fostering a welcoming, safe and inclusive work environment. We provide support through our benefits, which are inclusive of all backgrounds.