Director, Public Affairs

Job Title:

Director, State and Local Public Affairs, East Region

Location:

Ashburn, VA

About the Role

As Director, State and Local Public Affairs for the East Region, in partnership with external consultants, you will lead Digital Realty’s government and community relations strategy across key markets, including Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. You will represent Digital Realty at the local, city, and state levels, managing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, trade associations, and business leaders.

Your work will be critical in advancing the company’s public policy objectives, facilitating new development, and ensuring that Digital Realty is recognized as a responsible, engaged corporate partner.

This role combines strategic government affairs leadership with community engagement and reputation management. You will develop and implement advocacy strategies that support data center growth and infrastructure expansion while ensuring Digital Realty remains a partner in the communities where it operates. Working closely with internal partners across development, sustainability, energy, operations, communications, and legal, you will ensure policy, community, and business objectives are fully aligned throughout the East Region.

Responsibilities

• Lead Digital Realty’s public affairs and community relations strategy across the East Region (MA, NY, NJ, VA, NC, GA, FL).

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, city, and state government officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.

• Develop and execute advocacy and engagement strategies that support business objectives and long‑term growth.

• Serve as the company’s representative in public hearings, community meetings, and with industry and business organizations.

• Collaborate on land use, zoning, permitting, and development efforts, engaging with government and community leaders to facilitate project success.

• Partner with the communications team to manage media relations and strengthen Digital Realty’s brand and reputation in local markets.

• Manage local sponsor ships and community partnerships, ensuring alignment with company values and regional priorities.

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments and provide strategic insights to company leadership.

• Build coalitions and work with industry associations on policies related to energy, tax, infrastructure, and technology.

• Ability to travel 35% as needed across the East Region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.

• 10+ years of experience working within government, corporate public affairs or public policy organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or within state and local governments, particularly involving real estate, tax, economic development, data centers, information technology, critical infrastructure or energy policy.

• Knowledge of land acquisition, zoning laws, permitting, energy, electricity, utility policy and real estate development is a strong plus.

• Experience in campaign strategy or political communications, including stakeholder engagement and grassroots organizing.

• Experience in media relations, including proactive communications and issue management.

• Experience managing local sponsor ships and community partnerships to support corporate reputation and engagement.

Legal

Our Legal team works in a highly complex global business sector with a diverse range of local, regional and international organizations. From ensuring compliance in different jurisdictions to supporting business teams with customer and supplier contracts, we’re involved in a variety of projects. Working in a dynamic commercial environment, we collaborate with colleagues across different departments and always have a new challenge waiting for us.

What We Can Offer You

Our rapidly evolving business sector offers the opportunity to be part of a courageous and passionate team who work together to understand and meet the changing needs of our global customers. Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where you…