Communications Lead, European Public Policy

Introduction
At IBM work is more than a job – it’s a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better but to attempt things you’ve never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world’s most challenging problems? If so lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
Job Description

IBM seeks an experienced communications professional to work alongside our European Government and Regulatory Affairs (GRA) team in Brussels to drive policy thought leadership and advocacy communications for the company. This role requires partnership with European and global colleagues across the GRA and Communications functions to execute holistic communications campaigns around high-profile policy topics like AI quantum computing privacy workforce skills and more.

This position is in-person in the IBM Brussels office with the local GRA team and will require frequent remote interaction and partnership with communications colleagues in the U.S. and across Europe.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Partner with IBM GRA team members in Brussels and across Europe to develop deploy and measure impact of advocacy communications campaigns built around specific IBM policy priorities issues and/or technologies.
• Provide ongoing strategic counsel to shape and support long-term IBM advocacy efforts at the EU and member state levels.
• Support C-suite executives in media and public engagements on pressing EU tech policy issues.
• Increase depth and frequency of proactive engagement with key policy media based in Brussels and work with communications colleagues across Europe to expand engagement with tier-1 national media focused on relevant policy matters.
• Regularly develop and deploy a range of engaging policy-focused IBM content including but not limited to blog posts op-eds speeches presentations social media assets and policy statements.
• Create and manage events up to and including messaging media and amplification support for high-level executives.
• Manage reactive communications strategies around sensitive issues rooted in public policy working closely with IBM corporate communications.
• Develop new mechanisms for engaging policy audiences think tanks and industry associations in major IBM milestones and thought leadership initiatives.
• Expand and curate relationships with non-media policy influencers.
• Expand use of data-centric conversation tracking tools to better guide measure and refine IBM policy communications program.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• 8-10 years of communications/public relations/public affairs experience.
• 8-10 years of media relations & social/digital communications experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English other languages a definite plus
• Demonstrable passion for leveraging diverse communications channels and mediums to tell impactful stories.
• Proven ability to develop and lead successful multi-faceted communications programs.
• Strong history of successfully engaging policy-focused media in Brussels or other European capitals.
• Working familiarity with EU institutions and processes.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• 5-7 years of issues/reputation management experience.
• Must be a self-motivated team player with an ability to develop strong professional relationships that are critical to long-term programmatic success.
• Proven ability to drive progress independently while collaborating seamlessly with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Prior experience managing external agency support teams and budgets.
• Some public policy/political experience helpful but not required.