Senior Manager, Public Affairs

Senior Manager, Public Affairs

Location:
Kansas City, Kansas

As Senior Manager, State and Local Public Affairs for Kansas, you will lead the execution of Digital Realty’s government and community relations strategy in the state. Working closely with external consultants and internal stakeholders, you will support efforts to advance critical development projects and strengthen Digital Realty’s position as a trusted community partner.

You will manage day-to-day engagement with local, county, and state officials, as well as community organizations, business groups, and regional partners. This role is critical to advancing the company’s public policy priorities, supporting successful project delivery, and maintaining strong community relationships.

This position combines hands‑on government affairs execution with community engagement and reputation management. You will help implement advocacy strategies that support data center development and infrastructure investment while ensuring alignment with local priorities and stakeholder expectations.

Working closely with internal partners across development, sustainability, energy, operations, communications, and legal, you will help ensure policy, community, and business objectives are aligned across Kansas.

• Implement Digital Realty’s public affairs and community relations strategy across Kansas.
• 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 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 to support project delivery.
• Manage local sponsor ships and community partnerships, ensuring alignment with company values and regional priorities.
• Provide strategic insights into political and regulatory landscape changes.
• Work with industry associations on policies related to energy, tax, infrastructure, and technology.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience working within government, corporate public affairs or public policy organizations.
• 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.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401(k) match, disability benefits, wellness and education benefits, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, holidays, and more.