Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

Who You Are:

(Job Summary) The Director, Federal Government Relations & Public Policy is responsible for leading QTS's federal engagement strategy across Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies, advancing public policy outcomes that support the development, operation, and long-term growth of QTS's digital infrastructure platform. This role operates at the intersection of federal policy, regulation, and large-scale infrastructure investment, ensuring federal engagement lowers risk, increases certainty, and supports QTS's project pipeline and business objectives. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and works in close coordination with QTS's State and Local Government Relations teams to ensure aligned and complementary engagement across all levels of government. The role translates complex, evolving federal policy into clear, actionable insights and represents QTS thoughtfully and credibly in politically sensitive environments

What You Will Do:

(Job Responsibilities) Federal Strategy & Advocacy Develop and execute QTS's federal government relations and public policy strategy in alignment with company business objectives and growth priorities. Advocate for QTS policy priorities before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, including DOE, Treasury, EPA, FCC, DoD, DHS, Commerce, and FERC. Monitor, analyze, and engage on federal legislation, regulation, executive actions, and agency guidance impacting digital infrastructure, energy markets, transmission, permitting, tax policy, AI, national security, and infrastructure finance. Policy Development & Thought Leadership Lead the development of federal policy positions, including briefing materials, talking points, comment letters, testimony, and internal guidance. Translate complex federal policy developments into clear, business‑relevant insights for executive leadership and internal stakeholders. Partner closely with Legal, Energy, Development, Finance, Economic Development, and other internal teams to ensure policy positions reflect operational, commercial, and regulatory realities. Stakeholder & Relationship Management Build and maintain trusted relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency officials, and Administration stakeholders. Represent QTS in trade associations, coalitions, and industry working groups; build coalitions where shared advocacy advances company interests. Manage and coordinate federal external advisors, consultants, and lobbying partners to ensure disciplined, compliant, and effective advocacy. Cross‑Functional Integration Work closely with state and local government relations, economic development, and communications teams to ensure seamless vertical alignment across all levels of government. Support major development and expansion projects by engaging federal stakeholders where approvals, funding, incentives, or policy considerations impact outcomes. Provide strategic guidance on emerging federal policy risks and opportunities tied to AI infrastructure growth, grid reliability, energy availability, and ratepayer impacts. Governance & Compliance Ensure compliance with all federal lobbying, ethics, transparency, and disclosure requirements. Support internal governance, reporting, and coordination related to federal engagement and public policy activities. Other duties as assigned. What You Will Need to

Be Successful:

(Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications) Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or a related role. Bachelor's degree required or equivalent professional experience in public policy, government, law, political science, or a related field. Demonstrated experience advancing policy outcomes in complex, highly regulated environments. Proven ability to operate effectively across Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration.

Other Key Skills:

(KSAs) Deep understanding of federal legislative, regulatory, and budget processes. Strong policy judgment with the ability to balance advocacy, credibility, and long‑term relationship building. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior executives clearly and concisely. Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment. High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism. Location & Travel Based in Ashburn, Virginia, with regular work in Washington, DC. Travel as needed (approximately 20-30%). What You Will Need to

Be Successful:

(Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications) Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or a related role. Bachelor's degree required or equivalent professional experience in public policy, government, law, political science, or a related field. Demonstrated experience advancing policy outcomes in complex, highly regulated environments. Proven ability to operate effectively across Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration.

Other Key Skills:

(KSAs) Deep understanding of federal legislative, regulatory, and budget processes. Strong policy judgment with the ability to balance advocacy, credibility, and long‑term relationship building. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior executives clearly and concisely. Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment. High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism. Location & Travel Based in Ashburn, Virginia, with regular work in Washington, DC. Travel as needed (approximately 20-30%). We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim. The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here: Know Your Rights (English) Know Your Rights (Spanish) The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. It's exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history— and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today's dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers' most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure. As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals. At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we're achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure. And we'd like to invite you to join us. In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees: Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting Every employee is bonus or commission eligible Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays Stock Purchase Plan (SPP) 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked Pet and Legal Insurance Q-Rest Sabbatical Program Q-Anniversary Service Award Program Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers Military Benefits Package QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents QTS Crisis Fund Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement Program