About the role
The VP of Community and Sustainability will lead Riot’s community engagement, community investment, and sustainability efforts across our operating and development markets. This leader will build trusted local relationships, manage community investment budgets and programs, and partner with tenants and internal teams on shared community and sustainability priorities. We’re looking for someone who combines sound judgment and strong relationship skills with hands-on execution - turning strategy into programs that deliver measurable benefits for the communities where Riot operates.
This position will be based in Denver, CO. Relocation assistance is available for non-local candidates.
What you'll do
- Lead community relations and sustainability strategy across Riot’s operating and development markets, serving as the company’s primary community ambassador and accountable leader for program delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local officials, economic development organizations, tenants, and other external stakeholders. Partner with Riot’s public policy lead.
- Represent Riot in community meetings, public forums, and industry events, strengthening the company’s reputation and stakeholder trust. Anticipate and address sensitive community issues in coordination with site leadership, Communications, Legal, and Public Policy.
- Engage communities early and throughout the data center development lifecycle (site selection, entitlement, construction, and operations) to understand local priorities, anticipate concerns, and build local support.
- Build and lead the community and sustainability team, establishing clear responsibilities, annual plans, budgets, and accountability across markets.
- Serve as Riot’s senior counterpart to tenant community and sustainability teams, aligning on shared priorities, coordinating initiatives, and tracking agreed commitments with internal owners.
- Partner with development and operations leaders to establish achievable sustainability priorities at Riot’s data center campuses, including energy efficiency and water stewardship. Define goals, accountable owners, and measurement plans aligned with business needs and tenant requirements.
- Coordinate sustainability reporting and responses to tenant and other stakeholder requests, working with operational data owners, Legal, Finance, Investor Relations, and Communications to ensure accurate information and appropriately approved commitments.
- Assess community needs and sustainability priorities, benchmark relevant practices, and prepare executive and Board-level briefings on investment, results, risks, and recommendations.
- Design and lead community investment, giving, and employee volunteer programs in the markets where Riot operates. Own budget planning and allocation recommendations, partner evaluation, spending oversight, and impact measurement within approved authority.
- 30-40% travel expected for the role.
What you'll bring
- Significant leadership experience in community engagement, community investment, sustainability, or external affairs, with demonstrated ownership of strategy, teams, budgets, and execution.
- Strong preference for data center industry experience; relevant experience in energy, infrastructure, or other complex development environments will also be considered.
- Demonstrated success building trust with communities, managing sensitive stakeholder issues, and developing partnerships with measurable benefits. Experience managing substantial community investment or philanthropic budgets, including partner diligence and performance tracking.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and executive presence, with the credibility to engage senior tenant representatives, community leaders, and company executives. Demonstrated ability to build teams, negotiate shared priorities, and deliver programs across multiple locations. Practical experience translating sustainability priorities into achievable programs and reliable reporting.
- Proven ability to define, track, and report on community relations and ESG metrics, and to present results and recommendations to executive leadership.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Salary: $220,000 - $250,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant.
- Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work.
Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About Riot Platforms
Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s most trusted platform for powering and building digital infrastructure. Riot’s mission is to empower the future of digital infrastructure by positively impacting the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows us to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.
Who we are
At Riot, we’re building the future of digital infrastructure. Our team members have unparalleled opportunities to work on groundbreaking initiatives. Through technical excellence and strategic execution, Riot has positioned itself as a leader in the industry driving advancements that continue to set new benchmarks in digital infrastructure.
We are trailblazers. Problem solvers. People who thrive in fast paced environments, communicate clearly, and bring relentless focus to efficiency and execution.