External Affairs Manager Jobs
External Affairs Manager jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare, energy, and higher education, at every level from associate to director, with specializations in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Who we are:
As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.
The Senior Vice President, National External Affairs is responsible for developing and executing QTS’s national external affairs strategy in support of the company’s long-term growth, market expansion, reputation, and public policy objectives. This executive leader serves as the senior authority for government relations, public policy, economic development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder management across the United States.
The SVP will lead a team of leaders and collaborate closely with Development, Legal, Energy Strategy, Communications, Community Engagement, Economic Development, Operations, Sales, Security, and Executive Leadership to advance business priorities and strengthen QTS’s position as a trusted industry leader.
This role is accountable for shaping legislative and regulatory strategies at the federal, state, and local levels; influencing public policy outcomes; supporting site development and infrastructure initiatives; managing key external relationships; and leading a high-performing national organization that drives positive outcomes for communities, policymakers, customers, and QTS. The SVP will oversee significant operating budgets, external consultants, trade associations, and lobbying activities while serving as a strategic advisor to the Executive Leadership Team
What You Will Do:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive national external affairs strategy aligned with QTS’s growth, development, energy, and market expansion objectives.
- Lead and integrate government relations, public policy, economic development, community engagement, and stakeholder management functions across the enterprise.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic counsel on legislative, regulatory, political, and community matters impacting business performance.
- Establish enterprise priorities, operating plans, performance metrics, and resource allocation strategies for the External Affairs organization.
- Lead and develop a nationally distributed team of regional external affairs leaders and subject matter experts.
- Foster strong cross-functional alignment between External Affairs and Development, Operations, Energy, Legal, Communications, Sales, and Enterprise Leadership.
Government Relations & Public Policy
- Provide executive oversight of federal, state, and local government relations strategies.
- Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, regulators, industry associations, economic development organizations, and community leaders.
- Anticipate and influence legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that affect QTS’s business operations, infrastructure growth, energy strategy, and market expansion.
- Direct advocacy efforts related to data center development, energy availability, workforce development, taxation, land use, infrastructure investment, and emerging technology policy.
- Oversee lobbying activities and ensure compliance with all applicable reporting, registration, and ethics requirements.
Economic Development & Market Expansion
- Partner with Development and Economic Development teams to support site selection, incentives strategy, entitlement efforts, permitting initiatives, and infrastructure development.
- Advance relationships with state and local economic development organizations to accelerate growth opportunities.
- Support utility, energy, workforce development, and community investment initiatives that strengthen QTS’s competitive position.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish strategies that strengthen trust and credibility with local communities, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and business partners.
- Provide executive leadership during public hearings, zoning efforts, community outreach initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Support crisis response planning, reputation management initiatives, and strategic community investment programs.
Organizational Leadership
- Lead succession planning, talent development, and organizational capability building for the External Affairs function.
- Develop and manage multi-million-dollar operating budgets, consultant engagements, trade association memberships, and strategic partnership investments.
- Establish accountability measures and performance expectations for regional leaders and external affairs personnel.
- Drive operational excellence, consistency, and best practices across all external affairs disciplines.
What You Will Need to Be Successful:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business, Law, Communications, Public Administration, Economics, or related field.
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, economic development, external affairs, or a related field.
- 10+ years of executive leadership experience leading geographically dispersed teams and complex organizational initiatives.
- Demonstrated success influencing legislative, regulatory, and policy outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Experience managing significant operating budgets, consultant relationships, and external stakeholder networks.
- Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence business strategy.
- Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, permitting, and economic development processes.
- Strong understanding of lobbying strategy, public affairs, legislative processes, crisis policy response, stakeholder advocacy, and the intersection of business strategy and public policy.
- Ability to travel
Nice to Have:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or equivalent).
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, technology, real estate, data center, utility, telecommunications, or industrial development projects.
- Established national network of relationships with government, industry, and community leaders.
- Experience leading enterprise-wide external affairs organizations across multiple regions. Prior experience working in a governor's administration, state or local legislative office, campaign or policy team, local consulting firm, lobbying firm, public affairs firm, or strategic consulting environment.
- Experience serving as a senior policy advisor, lobbyist, or strategic advisor on critical issues before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state legislatures, or other government bodies.
- Experience representing corporate clients or organizations on complex government affairs, public affairs, strategic consulting, or crisis-related matters.
In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:
$203,862.75 - 307,153.21
Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
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
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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)
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.
Who we are:
As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.
The Senior Vice President, National External Affairs is responsible for developing and executing QTS’s national external affairs strategy in support of the company’s long-term growth, market expansion, reputation, and public policy objectives. This executive leader serves as the senior authority for government relations, public policy, economic development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder management across the United States.
The SVP will lead a team of leaders and collaborate closely with Development, Legal, Energy Strategy, Communications, Community Engagement, Economic Development, Operations, Sales, Security, and Executive Leadership to advance business priorities and strengthen QTS’s position as a trusted industry leader.
This role is accountable for shaping legislative and regulatory strategies at the federal, state, and local levels; influencing public policy outcomes; supporting site development and infrastructure initiatives; managing key external relationships; and leading a high-performing national organization that drives positive outcomes for communities, policymakers, customers, and QTS. The SVP will oversee significant operating budgets, external consultants, trade associations, and lobbying activities while serving as a strategic advisor to the Executive Leadership Team
What You Will Do:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive national external affairs strategy aligned with QTS’s growth, development, energy, and market expansion objectives.
- Lead and integrate government relations, public policy, economic development, community engagement, and stakeholder management functions across the enterprise.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic counsel on legislative, regulatory, political, and community matters impacting business performance.
- Establish enterprise priorities, operating plans, performance metrics, and resource allocation strategies for the External Affairs organization.
- Lead and develop a nationally distributed team of regional external affairs leaders and subject matter experts.
- Foster strong cross-functional alignment between External Affairs and Development, Operations, Energy, Legal, Communications, Sales, and Enterprise Leadership.
Government Relations & Public Policy
- Provide executive oversight of federal, state, and local government relations strategies.
- Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, regulators, industry associations, economic development organizations, and community leaders.
- Anticipate and influence legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that affect QTS’s business operations, infrastructure growth, energy strategy, and market expansion.
- Direct advocacy efforts related to data center development, energy availability, workforce development, taxation, land use, infrastructure investment, and emerging technology policy.
- Oversee lobbying activities and ensure compliance with all applicable reporting, registration, and ethics requirements.
Economic Development & Market Expansion
- Partner with Development and Economic Development teams to support site selection, incentives strategy, entitlement efforts, permitting initiatives, and infrastructure development.
- Advance relationships with state and local economic development organizations to accelerate growth opportunities.
- Support utility, energy, workforce development, and community investment initiatives that strengthen QTS’s competitive position.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish strategies that strengthen trust and credibility with local communities, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and business partners.
- Provide executive leadership during public hearings, zoning efforts, community outreach initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Support crisis response planning, reputation management initiatives, and strategic community investment programs.
Organizational Leadership
- Lead succession planning, talent development, and organizational capability building for the External Affairs function.
- Develop and manage multi-million-dollar operating budgets, consultant engagements, trade association memberships, and strategic partnership investments.
- Establish accountability measures and performance expectations for regional leaders and external affairs personnel.
- Drive operational excellence, consistency, and best practices across all external affairs disciplines.
What You Will Need to Be Successful:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business, Law, Communications, Public Administration, Economics, or related field.
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, economic development, external affairs, or a related field.
- 10+ years of executive leadership experience leading geographically dispersed teams and complex organizational initiatives.
- Demonstrated success influencing legislative, regulatory, and policy outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Experience managing significant operating budgets, consultant relationships, and external stakeholder networks.
- Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence business strategy.
- Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, permitting, and economic development processes.
- Strong understanding of lobbying strategy, public affairs, legislative processes, crisis policy response, stakeholder advocacy, and the intersection of business strategy and public policy.
- Ability to travel
Nice to Have:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or equivalent).
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, technology, real estate, data center, utility, telecommunications, or industrial development projects.
- Established national network of relationships with government, industry, and community leaders.
- Experience leading enterprise-wide external affairs organizations across multiple regions. Prior experience working in a governor's administration, state or local legislative office, campaign or policy team, local consulting firm, lobbying firm, public affairs firm, or strategic consulting environment.
- Experience serving as a senior policy advisor, lobbyist, or strategic advisor on critical issues before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state legislatures, or other government bodies.
- Experience representing corporate clients or organizations on complex government affairs, public affairs, strategic consulting, or crisis-related matters.
In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:
$203,862.75 - 307,153.21
Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
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
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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)
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.
See All 50 External Affairs Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find External Affairs Manager JobsExternal Affairs Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in external affairs manager jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications, or a related field
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with legislators, regulators, or government agencies
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute government relations or advocacy strategies
- Strong written communication skills, including policy briefs, comment letters, and executive reports
- Familiarity with state or federal legislative and regulatory processes
- Experience managing cross-functional stakeholder engagement and coalition-building efforts
Tips for Your External Affairs Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to each sector
External affairs work looks different in a utility company than a hospital system or advocacy nonprofit. Reframe the same coalition-building or regulatory experience using the vocabulary of each sector you target, so hiring managers recognize the fit immediately.
Lead with policy outcomes, not activities
Hiring managers want to see what changed because of your work. Replace phrases like 'managed relationships with legislators' with concrete outcomes: bills influenced, rulemakings commented on, or coalitions that delivered a measurable policy result.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists external affairs manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target roles by regulatory environment
Filter openings by industry rather than just title. Heavily regulated sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services post more external affairs roles and expect candidates who already understand their specific regulatory landscape and agency relationships.
Prepare a government relations work sample
Many interview panels ask for a writing sample or a brief strategy memo. Have a one-page stakeholder mapping document or a past comment letter ready to share. It signals you can do the work, not just describe it.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
External affairs roles vary widely in budget authority, travel expectations, and access to senior leadership. During offer conversations, clarify which legislative sessions or regulatory proceedings you own versus support, since that affects your career progression more than title alone.
External Affairs Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most external affairs managers?
The most active employers for external affairs managers right now are QTS, AT&T, and GMTO, and the most openings are in District of Columbia, Virginia, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Organizations in energy, healthcare, and financial services tend to post the most consistently throughout the year.
How many external affairs manager jobs are remote?
About 82% of external affairs manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies by function. Roles focused on federal government relations or national coalition work are more likely to offer flexible arrangements, while positions tied to a specific statehouse or local regulatory body typically require on-site presence.
How do you become an external affairs manager?
Most external affairs managers start in government, public policy, or communications roles and build their way up through direct legislative or regulatory experience. Working as a legislative aide, policy analyst, or public affairs coordinator gives you the government relationships and issue fluency the role demands. A graduate degree in public policy or law strengthens candidacy for more senior positions, but hands-on advocacy experience carries significant weight with most hiring teams.
Can you get hired as an external affairs manager with little experience?
Breaking in without direct government relations experience is possible if you can demonstrate adjacent skills. Campaign work, regulatory compliance roles, community organizing, and trade association internships all build the stakeholder and policy fundamentals employers want. Framing your experience around specific policy areas or regulated industries you understand well, rather than applying broadly, makes a stronger case to hiring managers who need someone productive from day one.
What does the external affairs manager interview process look like?
Most processes run three to four rounds. An initial screening call with a recruiter or HR contact is followed by a substantive interview with the hiring manager focused on your policy experience and strategic thinking. Later rounds often include a panel with government affairs colleagues or senior leadership and may involve a writing exercise or strategy presentation. References with government or regulatory contacts are weighted heavily at the offer stage.
Where can I find and apply to external affairs manager jobs?
You can find and apply to external affairs manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and industry focus, then apply directly to each opening that fits. The listings update regularly, so checking back frequently gives you access to roles as soon as they post.
See All 50 External Affairs Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find External Affairs Manager Jobs