Economic Development Project Manager Jobs in Forney, TX

Regional Manager, Economic Development
The Regional Manager, Economic Development, supports QTS' economic development activities across the Texas and Southwest regions, partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance project execution, strengthen QTS' competitive position, and deliver measurable value to the communities that host QTS' data centers. The Regional Program Manager will lead the day-to-day coordination and implementation of economic development plans and agreements across Texas- from early site due diligence and stakeholder engagement through development and operations - ensuring alignment with QTS' broader strategic objectives while managing state/regional considerations, timelines, and risk.
The Regional Manager will play a critical role in advancing active projects, supporting new market entry, and cultivating relationships that position QTS as a trusted local partner and industry leader in economic development.
What You Will Do:
• Manage and coordinate economic development workstreams for QTS' domestic site selection and expansion activities, supporting projects end-to-end - from stakeholder mapping, positioning, and messaging through agreement execution and post-deal partnership and value stewardship.
• Manage economic development due diligence and engagement for approximately 10-15 sites simultaneously, building relationships with local stakeholders and developing tailored economic development plans and collateral that strengthen QTS' market position.
• Identify, quantify, and negotiate market-specific economic development packages on behalf of QTS and its customers, structuring economic development agreements that extend beyond traditional tax incentives - including community investment plans and workforce development projects - to drive local impact and shared economic outcomes for both QTS and host communities.
• Support project teams throughout the deal-flow process, advising on the economic development aspects of deal structures and the social return on investment they generate.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Maintain in-depth situational awareness of political, economic, and policy factors that may affect QTS' business and economic development activities.
• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with key stakeholders across Texas and the Southwest, including local and state government, policymakers, economic development organizations, customers, industry coalitions, and community and non-governmental organizations.
• Advocate for QTS' priorities on economic and community issues, and represent the company in relevant chambers, associations, and coalitions as a proponent of the data center industry.
• Articulate QTS' competitive advantages and differentiators to internal and external audiences, reinforcing the company's standing as an industry leader.
• Would need to be based in either Irving, TX / Austin, TX / Midland, TX
Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in economic development, public policy, government relations, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success negotiating economic development programs and community-benefit agreements and securing successful outcomes for complex projects.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to engage in broader strategic dialogue with the business while also rolling up his/her sleeves to drive projects to completion.
• The credibility and presence to represent the company effectively with external stakeholders, including senior government officials and community leaders.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, the data center industry and/or analogous capital-intensive sectors such as energy, or utilities is a strong plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to sell ideas and concepts to a range of internal and external stakeholders and constituents.
• The ability to manage fast-paced, frequently changing workstreams while remaining flexible and responsive to shifting priorities.
• Comfort with frequent travel (anticipated > 25%), including visits to QTS sites, state and local capitals, and regional meetings and hearings.
• A bachelor's degree is required; a postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, economics, business, planning, or law) is highly desirable. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential is a plus.
Other Key Skills: (KSAs)
• Policy acumen: experience with state and local legislative and regulatory processes, and the ability to analyze legislative and policy proposals and their implications for QTS.
• Intellect and insight, combined with strong subject-matter knowledge, situational awareness, and executive presence.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to report on key metrics and insights to leaders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, matrixed environment.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A self-starter who takes initiative and follows through on tasks to completion.
About QTS
It's exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history- and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today's dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers' most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure.
As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals.
At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we're achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
And we'd like to invite you to join us.
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
• Every employee is equity eligible and owners of the company
• 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 for primary and secondary caregivers
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
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 talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.