Senior Manager, Public Policy, West, 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 in Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Santa Clara, Ca and Reno, NV, following our flexible work policy (3 days in-office, 2 days flexible).

The Public Policy Senior Manager - West, North America will be primarily responsible for implementing and reporting on the company’s state and local public affairs program in key markets including Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington. The Public Policy Senior Manager will partner with various internal stakeholders to determine Vantage’s policy priorities, establish relationships with key stakeholders, and engage at the state and local level to advocate for Vantage’s position on a variety of issues, including energy, sustainability, tax, economic development, and land use. 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 the development and across the operation of our data centers. This role will also be responsible for establishing regulatory and policy environments that support Vantage’s economic development, access to energy, community engagement, and sustainability strategies.

Essential Job Functions

• Support the execution of a strategic public policy engagement plan to drive forward business objectives in North America.

• Research, identify, and track current and emerging policy issues across geographies, and engage internal partners to figure out the company’s position, priorities, and risks.

• Develop a strategy to navigate and impact policy objectives; engage with state and local governments to advance the company’s public policy interests.

• Collaborate with Vantage’s design, sustainability, tax, legal, and construction teams on key issues, 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 and zoning as necessary.

• Manage contract lobbyists, association memberships, and coalition partnerships.

Job Responsibilities

• Draft positioning statements/documents; prepare decks and talking points for meetings, as well as briefings for executives and key internal partners.

• Attend 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 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.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

• 5-7 years of hands-on experience in economic development, government relations, and/or community engagement desired.

• Experience learning business needs and representing those interests before government officials.

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

• Beneficial to have experience working on policies related to energy, artificial intelligence, taxes, sustainability, infrastructure development.

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

• A standout colleague who enjoys working in a matrixed organization to drive forward business value creation is strongly preferred.

• Experience leading contract lobbyists and working as an internal lobbyist for a private company is strongly preferred.

• Advanced political acumen and the ability to connect with collaborators from all backgrounds.

• Must at ease balancing multiple priorities with shifting timelines and objectives.

• Significant travel is anticipated. 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-Hybrid #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!