Director of Government Relations, Europe (R3411)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, 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, YouTube 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 markets
• Establish and maintain relationships with European defense ministries, procurement officials, regulatory bodies, and key decision-makers
• Monitor and analyze European defense policy developments, regulatory changes, and geopolitical trends affecting autonomous systems and AI in defense
• Represent Shield AI at high-level European defense forums, industry events, and government meetings
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and secure contracts with European defense entities
• Advise senior leadership on European market entry strategies and regulatory compliance
• Lead cross-functional teams to navigate complex procurement processes in various European countries
• Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to export controls and international regulations
• Build coalitions with industry partners and advocacy groups to shape favorable policy environments
• Ensure 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 sectors
• Extensive knowledge of European defense procurement processes and regulatory frameworks
• Established relationships with European defense ministries and government officials
• Experience navigating NATO-related defense initiatives and multinational defense programs
• Deep understanding of AI and autonomous systems regulatory landscape in Europe
• Exceptional diplomatic and negotiation skills with ability to engage effectively at senior government levels
• Degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or related field, advanced degrees are preferred
• Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one other major European language
• Prior experience managing external consultants is preferred
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Europe (40-50%)
• Security clearance or ability to obtain appropriate clearances

Our international team members are employed through our Employer of Record (EOR) 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.