Director of Government Relations, Europe (3411)
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
The International Director of Government Relations for Europe will lead Shield AI's government relations strategy across European markets, building and maintaining relationships with key government stakeholders, defense ministries, and regulatory bodies. This role is critical in expanding Shield AI's European footprint and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This role will report to the Head of Government Relations.
What you'll do:
Develop and execute Shield AI's government relations strategy across European marketsEstablish and maintain relationships with European defense ministries, procurement officials, regulatory bodies, and key decision-makersMonitor and analyze European defense policy developments, regulatory changes, and geopolitical trends affecting autonomous systems and AI in defenseRepresent Shield AI at high-level European defense forums, industry events, and government meetingsCollaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and secure contracts with European defense entitiesAdvise senior leadership on European market entry strategies and regulatory complianceLead cross-functional teams to navigate complex procurement processes in various European countriesCoordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to export controls and international regulationsBuild coalitions with industry partners and advocacy groups to shape favorable policy environmentsEnsure alignment of European messaging and policies with Shield AI strategic objectives Required Qualifications:
10+ years of experience in government relations, preferably in defense technology or aerospace sectorsExtensive knowledge of European defense procurement processes and regulatory frameworksEstablished relationships with European defense ministries and government officialsExperience navigating NATO-related defense initiatives and multinational defense programsDeep understanding of AI and autonomous systems regulatory landscape in EuropeExceptional diplomatic and negotiation skills with ability to engage effectively at senior government levelsDegree in International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or related field, advanced degrees are preferredFluency in English and proficiency in at least one other major European languagePrior experience managing external consultants is preferredWillingness to travel extensively throughout Europe (40-50%)Security clearance or ability to obtain appropriate clearances
Our international team members are employed through our PEO partner and receive a comprehensive international benefits package on top of base salary. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
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