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 AI and autonomy.
- 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 Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the conversation around advanced technology and public policy.
- 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.
Europe Director of Communications — AI, Policy & Media 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, while providing access to high-profile media engagement and strategic partnerships across Europe. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company that values innovation, integrity, and the development of its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Europe Director of Communications — AI, Policy & Media 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 understand their goals and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We need to be confident in articulating our experiences and how they relate to the role we’re applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows we’re genuinely interested and keeps us on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Europe Director of Communications — AI, Policy & Media in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in external communications, PR, or public affairs. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Europe Director of Communications role.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:This role is all about crafting compelling narratives. Use your application to demonstrate your exceptional writing and storytelling abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.
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 roles you've held and how you’ve successfully managed teams or projects in multi-country settings.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Shield AI's mission and the nuances of AI, policy, and media. Research recent news articles and reports related to the company and its industry. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building and scaling teams, especially in a multi-country context. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, particularly in high-stakes environments. This will show that you can lead effectively under pressure.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since exceptional writing and storytelling skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your career journey as a compelling narrative. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making them engaging and memorable.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle complex communications scenarios or crises. Think through potential trade-offs and be ready to discuss your analytical approach to problem-solving. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and make sound judgments in ambiguous situations.
