Who We Are

It’s exciting to find yourself standing at a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world-class data centers support our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. As AI and cloud technologies drive unprecedented demand for speed, scale, and reliability, QTS has emerged as a global digital infrastructure leader—committed to connecting the world for good. QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone and is Powered by People. People who innovate, lead with purpose, and are committed to creating positive impact in the communities where we operate.

Who You Are

You are a strategic, outcome-oriented government relations professional who thrives at the intersection of public policy, business strategy, and stakeholder engagement. You are a trusted partner who can translate complex legislative and regulatory environments into actionable insights that reduce risk and create value for the business. You bring a leader-doer mindset, operate comfortably across multiple workstreams, and value long-term relationship building grounded in credibility, alignment, and win-win outcomes.

The Impact You Will Have

As Manager, State Government Relations, you will advance QTS’s growth and operational objectives by supporting effective state-level government relations strategies across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. You will help identify and mitigate legislative and regulatory risk, support site selection and project development, and strengthen QTS’s reputation as a constructive, solutions-oriented partner to state and local governments. You will work closely with internal teams—including Economic Development, Public Relations, Pre-Development, Legal, and Operations—to ensure government engagement is aligned with business priorities and critical-path timelines.

What You Will Do

Advocacy & Policy • Monitor, analyze, and engage on state legislative and regulatory developments impacting data center development, energy, land use, and infrastructure across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast • Support the development and execution of state government relations strategies aligned with QTS business objectives • Advocate for QTS priorities through proactive, strategic engagement with policymakers and regulators Stakeholder Engagement • Cultivate and maintain relationships with state and local government officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and advocacy organizations • Serve as a spokesperson for QTS on assigned state government relations matters • Represent QTS at conferences, forums, and industry events Cross-Functional Partnership • Partner closely with the Economic Development team to support incentive strategies, market positioning, and project enablement • Collaborate with Public Relations and Communications teams to manage reputational risk and ensure coordinated external engagement • Provide government-relations support across the project lifecycle, from early site diligence through development and operations

What You Need to Be Successful

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in government, political campaigns, public policy, public affairs, or a related field
• Experience working in state government relations, public policy, or advocacy roles
• Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to build trust and credibility with public-sector stakeholders
• Strategic thinker able to align public policy engagement with business objectives
• Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Location & Travel

This role may be based at QTS headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, or located within the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast regional coverage area. Travel of up to approximately 40% may be required to support legislative sessions and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Relationship

This role reports directly to the Executive Vice President, Government Relations & External Affairs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Political campaign and/or economic development experience
• Real estate experience and/or real estate development experience
• Experience managing vendors, lobbyists, and internal teams

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong communications, time management, and organizational skills
• Strategic thinker with ability to align economic goals and overarching business objectives with public policy initiatives
• Ability to cultivate relationships and negotiate successful outcomes
• Ability to think outside the box and anticipate industry and political trends

TOTAL REWARDS

• This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.
• This position is Bonus eligible.

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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.