Community Engagement Lead

Job Description

About the Opportunity & The Company

Our client is a hyper-growth AI and data center infrastructure pioneer building the physical foundation for the future of artificial intelligence. They acquire power, design and build next-generation data centers, and operate massive compute clusters for the world's leading technology laboratories and enterprise firms. Backed by substantial institutional capital, they operate at a breakneck pace where speed-to-market and sheer scale are their core competitive advantages.

Because their physical developments represent long-term investments that will integrate into local communities for decades, our client treats community integration as a fundamental pillars of project success.

They are looking for a Community Engagement Lead to act as the primary bridge between their scaling infrastructure projects and the local municipalities, utility networks, and civic organizations that surround them. Reporting directly to a recently appointed Head of Public Affairs (who joined the firm from a Tier-1 global technology company) , you will own local strategy from early-stage site development through long-term asset operations.
What You Will Do

This is an execution-focused position for a hands-on strategist. You will have direct exposure to executive leadership and site development teams, serving as a critical contributor to whether major infrastructure projects close on time or stall in regulatory approvals.

• Build the Playbook: Standardize the company's community relations strategy by developing a scalable engagement playbook covering stakeholder mapping, local outreach cadences, risk escalation protocols, and regional benefit structures.
• Be the Public Representative: Act as the face of the company at local town halls, county planning commissions, public hearings, and regional economic development forums.
• Manage Complex Stakeholder Matrices: Cultivate and sustain trusted partnerships with a diverse web of external stakeholders, including elected officials, municipal staff, utility providers, school districts, trade associations, and grassroots community groups.
• Mitigate Reputational & Political Risk: Proactively detect local opposition or regulatory shifts before they organize. You will monitor state and municipal legislation, analyze utility and environmental policy trends, and brief internal site-selection and legal teams before capital is committed.
• Structure Local Impact Programs: Design and execute customized community benefit initiatives-including local workforce development programs, educational partnerships, and targeted grants-and translate complex engineering realities into clear, meaningful local narratives.

Who You Are

We are looking for an agile operator with sharp commercial instincts, flawless public communication skills, and the baseline autonomy required to navigate fast-moving infrastructure development lifecycles.

The core criteria for this position include:

• Hyperscale or Energy Sector Context: Direct experience managing public affairs, site-selection support, or community relations within the hyperscale data center, heavy energy, or large-scale industrial infrastructure sectors.
• Utility & Grid Literacy: Solid familiarity with regional energy procurement, grid interconnection dynamics, or large-scale sustainability and environmental permitting communications.
• Multi-Jurisdictional Depth: A proven track record of handling municipal approvals and community diplomacy across multiple US states or international jurisdictions.
• Sovereign & Private Diplomacy: Experience successfully balancing relationships with government bodies and public utilities alongside fast-moving private enterprise priorities.
• Willingness to Travel: Flexibility to travel 30%+ to active and prospective data center project sites as required by development timelines.

The Compensation Package

• Highly competitive base salary mirroring top-tier technology market rates
• Meaningful equity upside package tied to company scale and milestones
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust retirement program
• Generous paid time off policy and flexible corporate perks

Summary

• Client: Top-tier AI Infrastructure & Hyperscale Data Center Developer
• Role: Community Engagement Lead
• Department: Public Affairs / Site Development
• Locations: Austin, TX (Hybrid Working)
• Travel: 30%+ to active and prospective development sites
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent