Manager, Project Management - Community Engagement

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 Manager, Project Management – Community Engagement leads the planning and execution of complex, cross‑functional programs that advance QTS’s community engagement strategy across multiple markets. This role manages long‑term, high‑impact programs composed of multiple interdependent projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives while maintaining operational continuity during change.

Reporting to the VP of Community Engagement, the role partners closely with Government Relations & External Affairs and cross‑functional teams including Utility, Marketing, Sustainability, Development, and Pre‑Development. The Manager establishes scalable frameworks, governance, and metrics that guide when and how QTS engages communities and partners where it builds and operates.

This position requires strong program and change management capability, the ability to influence across and up the organization, and accountability for budgets, resources, risk mitigation, and delivery quality. Success in the role depends on sound judgment, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to create structure, consistency, and measurable impact in dynamic environments.

·       Design and implement an enterprise community engagement framework that defines when, how, and why QTS engages communities and partners across markets.

·       Lead complex, cross‑functional programs spanning multiple projects, business cycles, and geographies.

·       Establish governance, standards, and operating rhythms to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability.

·       Serve as the single point of accountability for assigned programs, ensuring on time, on budget, high-quality delivery.
 

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  Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations, or a related field.

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  7–10 years of progressive experience in program/project management, operations, or process improvement, including:

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  5+ years leading complex, cross‑functional projects or programs in a matrixed environment.

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  2+ years of people leadership, with demonstrated success delivering results through others.

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  Proven experience managing multi‑project programs involving significant business change.

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  Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high‑quality outcomes across competing demands.

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  Experience developing and managing program budgets, including forecasting and financial discipline. ​

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  Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills, including partnership with senior leaders in a matrixed environment.

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  Proven ability to lead integrated teams across internal, external, business, and technology partners, including oversight of delegated work.

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  Experience managing vendors and contracts, including performance and service‑level accountability.

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  Advanced analytical, strategic, and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.

·       Lead program conversion and business change while maintaining operational continuity.

·       Streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and embed program management best practices.

·       Partner cross functionally to implement tools and solve complex, ambiguous challenges requiring senior judgment.
 

·       Partner with executive sponsors and senior leaders to define program goals, scope, timelines, and funding.

·       Collaborate closely with Community Engagement leadership and cross‑functional partners across Utility, Marketing, Sustainability, Development, and Pre‑Development.

·       Influence up, across, and down the organization to secure alignment, resources, and adoption.

·       Represent QTS Community Engagement publicly, articulating mission, values, and long-term community commitments.
 

·       Lead, develop, and performance‑manage a team of Project Managers delivering multi‑project programs.

·       Oversee cross‑functional teams, vendors, and partners to ensure commitments are met on time and on budget.

·       Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and performance to ensure quality and cost control.
 

·       Define success with metrics and reporting frameworks to track adoption, effectiveness, and impact.

·       Provide regular, actionable updates to senior leadership.

·       Identify, monitor, and mitigate program and project risks.
 

·       Enable a scalable playbook of engagement activities, including events, volunteerism, tours, workforce development, and communications.

·       Analyze community and partner feedback to evolve strategies and improve outcomes.

·       Support on‑site engagement activities as needed and perform other related duties.

·       Other duties as assigned.

·       Master’s degree in business, finance, operations, or a related field.

·       Experience developing business cases, including cost/benefit analysis, NPV, and current/future‑state assessments.

·       Prior experience leading programs across multiple geographies or business cycles.

·       Knowledge of industry best practices in community engagement, infrastructure development, or regulated environments.

·       PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent project/program management certification.

·       Experience driving organizational change adoption at scale.

·       Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex topics to diverse audiences, including executives.

·       Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and create structure and clarity.

·       Strong time management and execution discipline, delivering results independently and through teams.

·       Self‑motivated, continuous learner with the ability to quickly expand technical and interpersonal capabilities.