Vice President, Public Policy at Cologix – Ashburn, Virginia

Vice President, Public Policy

About Our Company:Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cologix is a leading North America network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company. Our platform gives customers access to 45+ digital edge and Scalelogix hyperscale edge data centers in 13 markets across the United States and Canada along with a carrier-dense ecosystem of 710+ networks, 360+ cloud providers, 35+ onramps and seven Internet exchanges. We provide our nearly 2,000 customers with direct access to our local operations teams, resulting in strong partnerships enabled by exceptional operational support and unparalleled customer service. Backed by one of the largest North American infrastructure funds, Cologix's experienced leadership team, certified staff and commitment to ESG initiatives help form a culture that values our people, our environment and our clients.
About the Position:The VP, Public Policy reports to the President at Cologix and is responsible for shaping and executing Cologixs public policy and community engagement strategy in priority U.S. markets. This role protects and accelerates data center development and expansion by proactively managing regulatory, permitting, and community-related risks. The position serves as Cologixs senior external representative with local and state policymakers, community leaders, and industry partners, ensuring the company maintains a strong, credible, and responsible presence in key markets.What you do daily:

• Develop and lead Cologixs public policy agenda across Ohio, Virginia and other strategic markets.
• Establish Cologix public policy function.
• Build and maintain relationships with state and local policymakers, regulatory agencies, utility commissions and planning authorities.
• Anticipate and neutralize policy, regulatory, and community riskssuch as moratorium threats or permitting delaysbefore they impact development timelines or capital deployment.
• Develop and implement targeted community engagement strategies, including town halls, civic meetings, workforce and education initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to strengthen community trust and support.
• Lead strategies to mitigate moratorium risks, zoning restrictions and permitting delays.
• Engage with utilities and state regulators on power allocation, grid constraints, land use, and long-term planning.
• Represent Cologix and influence policy initiatives in the Data Center Coalition and other industry forums; provide strategic policy insight and recommendations to Cologix leadership.
• Track and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting data center permitting/construction, power, water, and ESG commitments; deliver actionable insights to internal stakeholders.
• Partner closely with construction/development, legal, real estate, ESG, operations, marketing, and executive team to provide early insight into policy headwinds and to align public policy and affairs strategy and messaging with development, investment, and operational priorities.
• Represent Cologix in high-stakes meetings, legislative briefings, and regulatory forums.
• Serve as a rapid-response leader for high-risk or sensitive issues at the community or regulatory level, protecting Cologixs reputation and project momentum.

What Makes You a Good Fit:

• Bachelors degree in public policy, political science, public administration, communications, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory strategy, community affairs, or infrastructure permitting and development.
• Deep experience with data centers, utilities, energy markets, land-use regulation, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to influence policy outcomes and build credibility with elected officials, regulators, utilities, and community leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking, political judgment, and issue-management skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and public speaking capabilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to priority markets and policy centers.

***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of any employment visa or work authorization, including CPT/OPT.***Benefits:

• We offer a competitive benefit package for full-time employees that includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexble spending account options
• Non-accrued PTO
• Company paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Discount Marketplace
• Employee Recognition Platform

Individual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience. This position will also be eligible for an annual bonus.NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Cologix is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance in applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at recruiting@cologix.com or call 720-940-2551.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) creates privacy rights relating to the collection, sale, disclosure, and deletion of consumers personal information. The CCPA requires businesses to provide consumers, including job applicants and employees, with information about their rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used. For additional information regarding your rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used, please see https://cologix.com/privacy-policy/.
Cologix data centers are ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 14001:2015 certified. These certifications demonstrate Cologixs commitment to both information security and environmental stewardship. At Cologix, protecting information assets and minimizing environmental impacts are everyones responsibility.
Cologix employees are responsible for: Understanding and following Cologixs information security, cybersecurity, privacy,and environmental management policies, procedures, and standards. Ensuring conformance with the requirements of both the Information SecurityManagement System (ISMS) and the Environmental Management System (EMS). Remaining vigilant and reporting any information security or environmental incidents,vulnerabilities, risks, or non-conformities to the appropriate teams. Actively participating in Cologixs efforts to maintain and improve information securityand environmental performance.