Director, Government Affairs and Community Liaison

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Forever On! From the start in 2008, T5 has been focused on supporting enterprise and hyperscale customers with customized data center solutions. Today, we remain dedicated to an unrivaled level of quality that extends across the lifecycle of the core data center ranging from customized turnkey development, facilities management and data center operations to customized construction needs worldwide!

The world’s biggest companies trust T5 with their data center operations.

At T5, our success is fueled by our team. With over 400 engineers, technicians and professional staff, we’re proud to foster an inclusive culture of excellence and progression that’s dedicated to serving our customers

-Commitment to Diversity & Military Veterans

-Battle-Tested Leadership Experience

-100% Data Center Focused

-Owner-Operator Mindset

The Director, Government Affairs and Community Liaison serves as the primary bridge between the company’s data center developments and the surrounding community, local and state government officials, and industry specific and regional lobbyist and stakeholders. This role ensures the company is viewed favorably as a responsible, transparent, long‑term partner by proactively engaging residents, elected officials, regulators, utilities, and civic organizations. The Liaison provides a continuous feedback loop between external stakeholders and internal teamsto ensure community sentiment, risks, and opportunities are understood and acted upon.  The Liaison will ensure that all external communications are consistent and in harmony with the latest best practices being implemented at the company’s developments.

This position requires regular in‑person engagement across the company’s regional markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain relationships with local residents, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, press and publications representatives, lobbying groups, and business leaders.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for local elected officials, press and external publications, lobbying groups, and industry influencing government officials.
• Represent the company at public policy hearings, council meetings, community forums, and open houses.
• Translate technical information about data center operations, energy use, construction impacts, and environmental considerations into clear, accessible messaging. 
• Monitor community sentiment and identify emerging issues, risks, misinformation, or concerns requiring internal escalation.
• Monitor and report internally on data center related legislation. Assist in developing positions on public policy proposals and strategies to advance such positions.
• Capture and synthesize feedback from residents, officials, and stakeholders into actionable insights for development, construction, operations, and communications teams.
• Support cross‑functional coordination to align engagement activities with project milestones and operational needs.
• Manage external messaging campaigns to communicate appropriate project details and topic positioning. Develop and deliver community education materials, FAQs, talking points, and outreach content in partnership with communications teams.
• Plan and execute community events including site tours, open houses, workforce programs, and school partnerships.
• Maintain ongoing documentation of stakeholder interactions, commitments, issues, and engagement workflows.
• Prepare periodic reports summarizing community sentiment, risks, opportunities, and engagement outcomes for internal leadership.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for community engagement at the project and campaign level.
• Support workforce and education initiatives with local schools, technical colleges, and workforce development organizations.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all community‑facing communications, public statements, and engagement materials.
• Travel regularly within active project regions to maintain an active, visible presence in host communities.
• Assist in maintaining the company's ISO 27001 certification by following established security policies and procedures and supporting information security, compliance, and audit-related activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 6+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, local government, infrastructure, utilities, and/ or strategic communications.
• Experience with infrastructure or energy topics preferred, especially data centers, utilities, or large‑scale development.
• Understanding of legislative process and experience in developing strategies in response to proposed legislation.
• Strong public speaking ability with experience presenting at public meetings and regulatory hearings.
• Proven relationship‑building skills with community leaders, elected officials, and civic groups.
• Ability to navigate sensitive issues and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Excellent writing and documentation skills for reports, briefings, and public‑facing materials.
• Familiarity with zoning and permitting processes is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES

• A proactive, detail‑oriented self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong listening, analytical skills, and sound legal judgment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to negotiate effectively and identify practical, business‑oriented solutions.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Strong organizational skills and pride in producing high‑quality work.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

PHYSICAL 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl using both arms and legs
• Ability to reach, grasp, push, pull, handle, feel, and type with both hands and arms 
• Ability to smell, talk and hear
• Ability to see at close and distance ranges and the ability to see and correctly distinguish color
• Ability to work inside and outside

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.