VP/SVP Public Affairs (Tech)

VP/SVP, Public Affairs (Technology), Belgium

Brussels

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

The Public Affairs Practice at Weber Shandwick creates world-class work and word’s got out. Our reputation for delivering engaging campaigns that strike up conversations between EU policy makers and companies means we're working with an enviable client list across a diverse range of sectors including; digital, energy, transport, sustainability, trade and financial services.

Our EU Public Affairs Practice is growing and we’re looking for a VP/SVP to join our Tech team in the Brussels office. This is a great opportunity to have an impact on high-profile clients across a diverse range of sectors and to grow your career at a global, award-winning agency.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The VP/SVP, Public Affairs Practice Lead (Tech) will lead and grow Weber Shandwick’s EU Technology Public Affairs and Policy Communications offering in Brussels. The role is responsible for setting the practice vision, driving commercial growth, ensuring excellence in strategic counsel and delivery, and developing high-performing teams.

This leader will be a senior advisor to clients navigating complex EU policy, political and reputational environments - bringing best-in-class capability across EU policy campaigning, government relations, stakeholder engagement, issues management, and integrated communications.

This role focusses on Tech public affairs, including digital and innovation policy; AI and data-related debates; platform, competition, and industrial policy linkages; cybersecurity and resilience narratives; and trust and license-to-operate issues.

Practice Leadership & Strategy

• Set the vision and strategic direction for the Brussels Technology Public Affairs practice.

• Build and evolve differentiated practice positioning, propositions, and go-to-market narratives aligned with Weber Shandwick’s integrated capabilities.

• Establish and embed best practices for EU policy campaigning—including campaign planning, message discipline, stakeholder activation, rapid response, and measurement.

Client Leadership & EU Policy Campaigning

• Serve as a senior counselor to C-suite, PA leadership, and in-house EU policy teams—guiding clients through EU policy dynamics and associated reputational risks.

• Lead the design and delivery of EU policy campaigns end-to-end, including:

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• policy, political and stakeholder diagnostics (barriers/opportunities and risk mapping);

• campaign objectives, theory of change, and target audiences/decision-makers;

• narrative, message architecture and proof points (including executive messaging);

• stakeholder mapping and engagement plans (EU institutions, member states, trade bodies, NGOs, think tanks, third parties);

• coalition building and third-party advocacy activation;

• integrated content, earned media and digital engagement to support policy outcomes;

• issues management, scenario planning and rapid response;

• measurement frameworks and impact reporting (outputs, outcomes, and learning loops).

• Lead key client relationships and ensure high client satisfaction, retention, and growth through exceptional counsel and delivery.

• Maintain deep understanding of the evolving EU tech policy environment and translate complexity into clear, actionable campaign strategy.

Growth & Business Development

• Own new business growth for Tech PA and EU policy campaigning: pipeline generation, qualification, pursuit strategy, pitch leadership, and conversion.

• Originate and shape campaign-led proposals that connect policy strategy to communications execution and measurable impact.

• Partner with Brussels leadership and EMEA/global teams to win multi-market and cross-discipline opportunities.

• Develop scalable offerings (campaign toolkits, rapid response models, stakeholder intelligence and engagement frameworks) that drive revenue and margin.

• Contribute to marketing and thought leadership to strengthen Weber Shandwick’s visibility in Brussels as a leading Tech PA and EU policy campaigning adviser.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of public affairs professionals; create a culture of campaign excellence, learning, and collaboration.

• Coach teams on EU policy campaigning craft: strategy, messaging, stakeholder engagement, content, and measurement.

• Provide performance management, feedback, and development planning; identify and develop next-generation leaders.

• Partner with HR and office leadership on hiring plans, team structure, and capability building aligned to growth goals.

• Model agency values and actively contribute to building diverse, inclusive teams and culture.

Operational Excellence & Financial Acumen

• Drive strong operational delivery across campaign accounts: clear scopes, staffing plans, timelines, and quality control.

• Manage account profitability in partnership with client leaders and finance—ensuring smart resourcing, appropriate pricing, and healthy margins.

• Support forecasting, business planning, and practice-level reporting; contribute to wider office performance objectives.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Significant experience in public affairs, government relations, political communications, or strategic communications (agency and/or in-house), with a strong Brussels/EU dimension.

• Demonstrated expertise in EU Tech public affairs and EU policy campaigning, with credibility advising senior stakeholders.

• Proven track record leading campaign-led advocacy programs with measurable results (stakeholder activation, coalition building, issues preparedness, integrated communications).

• Strong commercial acumen with experience winning and growing significant client accounts and leading pitches.

• Excellent strategic thinking, writing and editing skills; confident presenter with executive presence.

• People leadership experience: building teams, developing talent, and fostering a high-performance culture.

• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and geographies in an integrated agency environment.

• Fluency in English required; additional European languages (French/Dutch/German, etc.) are a strong advantage.

About Us

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses, and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

Weber Shandwick Brussels truly represents the heart of Europe. We’re lucky to attract some of the best minds in PA, PR & Comms. At Weber Shandwick, you can be yourself and own your impact. We encourage an inclusive work environment where being authentic, caring for each other, and being entrepreneurial is part of our core values. We foster a culture of growth and collaboration, we celebrate the hard work we do, and we care for each other’s wellbeing while doing it. Come work with us and be a part of shaping culture.

Note from the talent team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.