Director of Communications, Europe (R4496)

What you'll do

• Regional communications strategy. Develop and execute a Europe-wide external communications strategy aligned with Shield AI’s global narrative and tailored to diverse regional markets, regulatory environments, and stakeholder expectations. Translate global priorities into locally resonant messaging with speed and precision, balancing consistency with cultural and political nuance.
• Media, PR, and thought leadership. Secure frequent, high-impact media coverage (FT, BBC, Euronews, etc) across technology, business, policy, and trade press; manage reactive and issues-driven communications when required. Position Shield AI executives and subject-matter experts as credible voices on AI, autonomy, and complex technologies in high-stakes environments. Partner closely with Government Relations to ensure alignment between public messaging, policy engagement, and regulatory considerations.
• Analyst, think tank & ecosystem engagement. Own relationships with analysts, think tanks, and research institutions relevant to AI, emerging technology, security, and industrial policy. Design structured briefing programs and influence strategies that shape informed external understanding of Shield AI’s technology and approach.
• Customer references & proof points. Build and manage a European customer reference program, including case studies, testimonials, events, and reference engagements -while navigating confidentiality, operational sensitivity, and approval processes. Support business development teams with credible third-party validation that accelerates trust and decision-making.
• Team & capability building. Build, scale, and lead a high-performing European communications team (internal hires, agencies, and partners) across priority markets. Establish clear operating rhythms, performance metrics, and development pathways aligned with Shield AI’s leadership and people standards.
• Strategic counsel & risk management. Act as a senior advisor to regional leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk, and sensitive issues involving advanced technology, geopolitics, or regulation. Lead scenario planning and crisis-communications readiness in partnership with Legal, Government Relations, and Global Comms.

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in external communications, PR, or public affairs, with senior leadership responsibility at regional or global level.
• Proven experience in defense, national security, or aerospace communications, with deep understanding of the European defense landscape, government stakeholders, procurement environments, and geopolitical sensitivities.
• Proven success driving top tier media coverage and managing complex international narratives for high growth or mission-driven technology companies in nuanced regulatory, political, or societal environments.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling teams and programs across Europe, including multi-country coordination from a central hub.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, synthesize technical and policy inputs, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and make effective communications trade-offs when information is incomplete or stakes are high.
• Comfort partnering closely with engineers, product leaders, government relations, and technical experts to build trust and craft accurate, responsible external narratives aligned with regulatory and stakeholder strategies.…