Manager of Public Policy and Economic Strategy

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage is dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces inclusion, equity, respect, and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and actively seek opportunities to learn from each other's experiences.

Vantage Data Centers provides the essential infrastructure that powers, cools, protects, and connects the technology of leading hyperscalers, cloud providers, and large enterprises. With operations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, Vantage has transformed data center design in innovative ways, achieving significant improvements in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability within adaptable environments that can scale in response to market demands.

Global Public Policy Department

The mission of Vantage's Global Public Policy team is to facilitate the optimal digital infrastructure for the world's foremost technology companies. Through advocacy, issue advisement, and relationship building, we utilize creativity, resourcefulness, trust, problem-solving, and an outward approach to cultivate a more favorable and resilient public policy landscape for our organization. Our efforts ensure success throughout the asset lifecycle, mitigate risks, and promote sustainable, long-term growth for Vantage and our clients, establishing Vantage as a valuable community partner.

Global Public Policy oversees Vantage's government relations, economic development, and community engagement initiatives. The team collaborates with New Site Development, Construction, Engineering, Legal, Tax, Operations, and other departments to enhance market share, attract and retain clients, navigate regulatory and policy changes, mitigate risks, and expand into new regions. We are a committed team of problem solvers striving for excellence and value creation in our endeavors. We practice empathy, humility, curiosity, and accountability, supporting and empowering one another to promote the value Vantage delivers to our customers, investors, employees, and communities.

Position Overview

In this newly established role, the Senior Manager, Public Policy – Economic Development will primarily focus on developing and overseeing the company's economic development initiatives in North America. The Senior Manager will collaborate with various internal stakeholders to identify Vantage's economic development priorities, forge relationships with key partners, and engage with government entities to advocate for Vantage's interests in securing various incentives and benefits under economic development programs. This position will play a crucial role in driving comprehensive market success as Vantage expands in the region, supporting everything from initial market intelligence and land selection to site development and data center operations. Additionally, this individual will work to create and sustain a pro-investment public policy environment that facilitates Vantage's growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and execute a strategic economic development engagement plan to advance business objectives at all levels of government in North America.
• Research, identify, and monitor current and emerging issues and trends related to economic development across North America, engaging internal partners to establish the company's position, priorities, risks, and necessary actions.
• Formulate and implement strategies to navigate and achieve economic development goals; engage with state, provincial, and local governments, particularly economic development organizations and decision-makers, to promote the company's public policy interests.
• Work closely with internal team members, including Global Public Policy colleagues, New Site Development, Engineering, Legal, Tax, Construction, and Operations teams on key issues and initiatives, establishing a regular briefing schedule.
• Participate in pre-development processes, researching policy drivers in new markets, understanding and pursuing local tax incentives and funding programs for data center development, and managing permit approvals and zoning decisions as necessary.
• Lead relevant consultants, association memberships, and coalition partnerships.

Duties

• Draft strategic and other public policy documents as needed; prepare presentations and talking points for meetings, as well as briefings for executives and key internal stakeholders.
• Negotiate on behalf of Vantage to secure optimal outcomes through economic development programs.
• Prepare and submit applications for economic development programs, ensuring Vantage's compliance with relevant requirements.
• Attend select federal, state, and local meetings to represent Vantage's interests.
• Engage in various chambers, associations, and coalitions as an advocate for the data center industry.
• Collaborate with Marketing and other teams to develop messaging, positioning, collateral, and public relations materials.
• Promote Vantage's commitment to sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity; engage with the community to support Vantage's role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of practical experience in economic development in North America, with preference for candidates experienced in large capital-intensive projects.
• Experience in understanding business needs and representing those interests to economic developers.
• Demonstrated creative and critical thinking abilities, with a knack for understanding complex issues and formulating clear, effective action plans.
• Proven track record of achieving successful outcomes in economic development scenarios.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for engaging with internal and external audiences, including senior government officials and company executives.
• A collaborative team player comfortable working in a matrixed organization to drive business value creation.
• Experience leading consultants and acting as an economic development advocate for a private company is highly preferred.
• Advanced political acumen and the ability to connect with team members from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with shifting timelines and objectives.
• Significant travel is expected, including visits to other Vantage offices and participation in regional meetings and hearings.

Additional Information

• Salary Range: $120,000 base plus bonus (this range is based on market data and may vary in other locations).
• This position is eligible for company benefits, including 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 with company match, and various additional voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on various factors, including qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience, and may fall outside the range shown.

At Vantage, we operate with a culture of collaboration and support, valuing each other's strengths and respecting our differences. We find joy in our work and actively seek opportunities to create a positive environment. Our dedication to hard work is rewarded with a competitive total compensation package, along with a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits that exceed local expectations.

Throughout the year, the benefits of being part of the Vantage team are evident through recognition, training, development opportunities, and the knowledge that your contributions add value to both the company and the community.

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 for candidates submitted by recruiters without an agreement in place; such resumes will be considered the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.