Director of Communications, Europe

Shield AI is seeking a Director of Communications, Europe to lead our regional communications strategy from our London hub. 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 personally engaged in priority initiatives, moments, and issues.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Secure frequent, high-impact media coverage 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.
• Own relationships with analysts, think tanks, and research institutions relevant to AI, emerging technology, security, and industrial policy.
• Build and manage a European customer reference program, including case studies, testimonials, events, and reference engagements.
• Build, scale, and lead a high-performing European communications team across priority markets.
• Act as a senior advisor to regional leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk, and sensitive issues involving advanced technology, geopolitics, or regulation.

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.
• Fluency in English required; additional European languages are a strong plus