VP Public Policy & Government Affairs

About this role

Who are we? Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.  

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary The Leader, Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA)   is responsible for   shaping and advancing a global public policy, regulatory, and geopolitical strategy that enables the Company’s long ‑ term growth, resilience, and license to   operate . This role ensures a supportive legislative, regulatory, and community environment by engaging at the highest levels of government and influencing policy outcomes that directly affect the Company’s global business strategy.  

Operating as a senior enterprise leader and trusted advisor to the Board, CEO, Executive Team, and senior leadership, the PPGA Leader integrates geopolitical intelligence, regulatory foresight, and systems ‑ level thinking to anticipate threats and opportunities, and to develop coordinated offensive and defensive strategies that protect and advance the Company’s interests worldwide.  

Responsibilities  

Key Stakeholder Engagement 

• Serve as a regular   strategic advisor   to the Board of Directors, Executive Chair, CEO, Executive Team, and Senior Vice Presidents on public policy, regulatory, geopolitical, and government related risks and opportunities

• Proactively engage   Board members and executive leadership to shape enterprise level responses to government, regulatory, community, and geopolitical challenges   impacting   company strategy, investment decisions, and growth.   Partner closely with Regional Presidents, Managing Directors, Legal, Corporate Communications, Strategy, Sustainability, and other senior leaders to align   public policy and government engagement with business   objectives. 

• Represent the Company externally   as the senior voice on public policy and government affairs, strengthening credibility with governments, regulators, industry peers, and other key stakeholders

Strategy Development & Systems Thinking 

• Lead the   development of a coherent, multi‑year global PPGA strategy , in close partnership with a cross ‑ functional leadership team, ensuring alignment with the Company’s overall corporate and regional strategies • Apply   systems‑thinking   to understand complex interdependencies across geopolitics, regulation, infrastructure, energy, technology, capital investment, and community sentiment—and translate these insights into actionable processes and strategies • Establish   enterprise‑wide frameworks   that connect geopolitical trends, regulatory developments, and policy risk to business planning, site selection, capital allocation, and market entry decisions • Continuously   assess the external environment   to   identify   emerging threats and opportunities, adapting strategy to a rapidly shifting political, regulatory, and geopolitical landscape and an environment of uncertainty and change

Geopolitical & Regulatory Leadership 

• Anticipate and interpret   geopolitical, regulatory, and legislative developments   globally and assess their impact on the Company’s strategy, operations, supply chains, and growth plans

• Design and execute   offensive and defensive public policy and regulatory strategies   to mitigate risk, counter adverse policy developments, and proactively shape favourable outcomes

• Lead   coordinated engagement with governments   at the international, national, state, and local levels, including executive branches, legislatures, regulators, and utilities

• Guide the Company’s approach to   community engagement   and government relations to secure support for development, operations, and long ‑ term presence in key markets

PPGA Team Leadership & Execution 

• Build, develop, and lead a high ‑ performing global PPGA organization capable of executing against strategic priorities at scale

• Translate strategy into clear priorities, operating models, and execution plans, ensuring consistent implementation across regions while allowing for local nuance

• Act as a leader of leaders, empowering senior PPGA leaders to execute effectively while   maintaining   alignment with enterprise strategy

• Continuously evolve the PPGA organizational design, capabilities, and resource allocation to address the most material risks and opportunities facing the Company

• Cross ‑ Functional & Legal Partnership

• Lead the PPGA function within the Legal Department, working in close partnership with Legal leadership and cross ‑ functional teams to ensure cohesive execution and accountability

• Establish governance, processes, and metrics to track progress against strategic goals and ensure transparency with executive leadership

• Oversee PPGA ‑ related budgets and external spend, ensuring disciplined investment aligned with strategic priorities and risk mitigation   objectives

Thought Leadership 

• Build deep connections with legal and regulatory capabilities,   driv ing a commercially grounded, pragmatic approach   and interconnected approach   to   cross functional PPGA,   compliance, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement

• Serve as an internal and external thought leader on public policy, regulation, and geopolitics as they intersect with digital infrastructure, energy, sustainability, and technology

• Shape and articulate compelling policy positions that reflect the Company’s values, long ‑ term vision, and business needs  

• Provide clear, concise, and forward ‑ looking insights to senior leadership, enabling informed de

Similar jobs

• VP of Government Affairs — Picogrid · Washington, D.C.
• VP, Public Affairs — Clarios · Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy — Harvey · San Francisco
• Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy — Harvey · New York
• VP, State Government Affairs — Prizepicks · Remote
• Senior Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy — Data centers · Virginia, United States
• Senior Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy — Data centers · Remote
• Manager, Policy & Government Affairs — Altamed · Montebello, CA