At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional communications strategy and shape Shield AI's narrative across Europe.
- Company: Join a mission-driven tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Build a high-performing team and engage with top-tier media across diverse markets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the conversation around AI and autonomy in Europe.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Requirements:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in external communications, PR, or public affairs, with senior leadership responsibility at regional or global level.
- 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.
- Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills; confidence advising senior leaders.
- Fluency in English required; additional European languages are a strong plus.
What the job involves:
Shield AI is seeking a Director of Communications, Europe to lead our regional communications strategy from our London hub. Priority markets include the UK, Norway, the Netherlands and Benelux, Poland, and Ukraine, with expected scale out in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Sweden, and other markets.
You will shape how Shield AI’s mission - to protect service members and civilians through intelligent systems and enable sovereign autonomy - is understood across Europe, establishing the company as a consistent and credible presence in top-tier regional media. This role owns Shield AI’s European narrative and reputation end-to-end, from strategy through execution.
You will build and scale a high-impact regional communications function while remaining personally engaged in priority initiatives, moments, and issues. Working closely with Global Communications, Government Relations, executive leadership, business development, and technical experts, the role combines strategic storytelling, analytical judgment, execution excellence, and people leadership at the intersection of advanced technology, public policy, and national interests.
This role will define how Shield AI is perceived across Europe at a moment when AI and autonomy are central to security, industrial strategy, and public debate. It offers the opportunity to build a principled, high-impact communications capability from the ground up, and to shape the conversation around some of the most consequential technologies and issues of our time.
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.
Director of Communications (Europe) in London employer: Shield AI
Shield AI is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the communications strategy from our vibrant London hub. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we empower our team to shape impactful narratives around advanced technology and public policy. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company that values innovation, diversity, and the development of high-performing teams across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications (Europe) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their mission. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We need to nail those tough questions and showcase our storytelling skills, especially when discussing complex topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Let’s remind them why we’re the best choice for the role and keep the conversation going. Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications (Europe) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Communications role. Highlight your experience in external communications and PR, especially in high-growth tech environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:This role is all about crafting compelling narratives, so don’t hold back! Use your application to demonstrate your exceptional writing and storytelling abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed complex communications in the past, particularly in nuanced regulatory or political contexts.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone who can build and scale teams across Europe. In your application, be sure to mention any relevant leadership experience you have, especially in coordinating multi-country initiatives. Show us how you’ve developed high-performing teams and what strategies you used to achieve success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Shield AI!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Shield AI’s mission and the specific challenges facing the communications landscape in Europe. Brush up on current events related to AI, autonomy, and public policy, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past successes in driving media coverage and managing complex narratives. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to build and scale teams, especially in multi-country settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to navigate ambiguity or make tough communications trade-offs. This will highlight your analytical mindset and sound judgment under pressure.
✨Engage with Storytelling
Since exceptional writing and storytelling skills are key, prepare a brief narrative about a successful project or initiative you've led. This will not only show your communication prowess but also your ability to craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
