Director, External Communications

## Director, External Communications Apply:
Dallas, TX:
Full time:
Posted Today:
End Date:
October 28, 2026 (29 days left to apply):
R0008128

The Director, External Communications will lead Cyrus One's external communications strategy across national, industry and local markets. This role is responsible for media relations and public relations, local and community communications, corporate reputation, issues and crisis communications, executive media engagement, and management of Cyrus One's external PR agency.
The ideal candidate is an experienced communications leader with exceptional judgment, strong media instincts and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, highly visible industry. This individual will help Cyrus One proactively tell its story, strengthen relationships with key media, anticipate and manage emerging issues, and navigate complex communications surrounding the continued growth of digital infrastructure.
The Director will serve as a senior communications advisor and work closely with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Corporate Communications, Community Affairs, Government Affairs, Legal, Development, Operations, Finance, and executive leadership.
** RESPONSIBILITIES*
* ** Media Relations & Public Relations
*** Lead Cyrus One's external media relations and PR strategy across national, business, trade, technology, infrastructure, energy and local media.
* Serve as the primary internal communications lead for proactive and reactive media engagement.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with national, industry, regional and local journalists.
* Identify proactive opportunities to strengthen Cyrus One's visibility, credibility and industry positioning.
* Develop media strategies, messaging, Q&A, talking points, briefing materials and other external communications.
* Oversee media inquiries received through , ensuring appropriate internal coordination, escalation and response.
* Provide strategic communications counsel surrounding significant company announcements, partnerships, milestones and business developments.
* Ensure national and local communications strategies work together to support Cyrus One's broader corporate narrative.  
** Local & Community Communications
*** Develop and execute localized communications strategies across Cyrus One's development and operating markets.
* Lead local and regional media engagement related to Cyrus One projects and operations.
* Build relationships with reporters and other relevant media in priority local markets.
* Develop locally relevant narratives around economic development, jobs, community investment, infrastructure, power, water, environmental considerations and other issues important to local stakeholders.
* Partner closely with Community Affairs, Government Affairs, Development, Operations and Legal to ensure communications reflect the specific context of each market.
* Identify proactive opportunities to tell Cyrus One's story through local media and credible third-party voices.
* Monitor local media, public narratives and emerging issues in priority markets.
* Develop communications strategies when misinformation, organized opposition or other community concerns begin affecting Cyrus One's external reputation.
* Support communications surrounding major local project milestones and community-facing initiatives.  
** Reputation, Issues & Crisis Communications
*** Develop and execute strategies to strengthen and protect Cyrus One's corporate reputation.
* Monitor the external environment for emerging issues, reputational risks, misinformation and communications opportunities.
* Anticipate potential issues and develop proactive communications strategies before they escalate.
* Lead external communications strategy and response for complex, sensitive or high-profile issues.
* Lead crisis communications planning, preparedness and external response.
* Maintain crisis communications protocols, messaging frameworks and escalation procedures.
* Develop holding statements, reactive messaging, executive talking points, Q&A and other crisis materials.
* Provide senior communications counsel during fast-moving situations requiring sound judgment and rapid decision-making.
* Partner closely with Legal and appropriate business leaders to ensure communications are accurate, coordinated and appropriately managed.  
** Executive & Corporate External Communications
*** Prepare executives and other company spokespersons for media interviews and high-profile external…