Strategic Communications & Community Engagement Lead

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms. We are: Forward‑Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution. Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers. Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards. At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward‑thinking innovators driving the AI revolution. Position Summary Applied Digital is rapidly expanding its infrastructure footprint across the United States, building high‑performance data centers and AI compute campuses in communities large and small. As we grow, so does the need to show up clearly, credibly, and quickly in every market we enter. We're looking for a seasoned, self‑directed communicator to serve as the critical link between our Marketing team and our External Affairs (EA) function. This is a role for someone who takes full ownership — you'll hit the ground running, navigate ambiguity with confidence, and bring structure to a fast‑moving, multi‑site environment without waiting to be told what to do next. Key Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Community Liaison: Partner closely with dedicated EA leads at each site to understand local dynamics, surface emerging issues early, and ensure the marketing team is never caught flat‑footed. Rapid Response & Crisis Communications: Draft and deploy location‑specific talking points, messaging frameworks, and reactive comms when community concerns arise — often on very short timelines. Integrated Content Production: Own the creation of site‑level marketing materials: town hall invitations, presentations, event signage, fact sheets, and community‑facing content. Local Events Support: Support planning and execution of community events, open houses, and local stakeholder meetings in coordination with EA and operations teams. Stakeholder Event Management: Oversee the strategic planning and communication strategy for open houses, town halls, and stakeholder meetings, ensuring a consistent and professional brand presence. Issue and Narrative Handling: Stay attuned to local media, social sentiment, and community forums to flag reputational risks and proactively shape the narrative around AI infrastructure. Scalable Comms Systems: Build repeatable templates and playbooks that scale as we add new sites, so the marketing team can move efficiently without reinventing the wheel each time. Basic Qualifications 8+ years in communications, public affairs, or community relations — with a track record of operating independently in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. Demonstrated ability to own a communications function end‑to‑end, without significant day‑to‑day direction; you're a builder, not just an executor. Proven ability to craft clear, credible messaging on complex or contested topics — infrastructure, energy, real estate, tech, or similar industries a strong plus. Comfortable operating with urgency — you can go from briefing to finished talking points in hours, not days, and you stay composed under pressure. Strong collaboration instincts; you earn trust quickly with cross‑functional partners — including EA, operations, and legal — and know how to work across organizational seams. Experienced producing a full range of marketing and communications assets: presentations, one‑pagers, event materials, and community‑facing content. Willingness to travel to project sites regularly; comfortable engaging with diverse local stakeholders, elected officials, and community groups. Familiarity with AI, data centers, or emerging tech is a strong advantage — intellectual curiosity and the ability to translate technical concepts for general audiences is a must. Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration‑related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, F‑1 CPT, J‑1, TN, E‑2, E‑3, L‑1, O‑1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr Applied Digital