Account Director Public Affairs, Sustainability team

 

What’s Happening?

Weber Shandwick Brussels creates world-class work and word’s got out…Our reputation for delivering engaging campaigns that strike up conversations between policy makers and companies means we’re working with an enviable client list across a diverse range of sectors including; technology, healthcare, energy, sustainability, financial services and food and agriculture.

Our Sustainability team is looking for an Account Director, Public Affairs to join us in our Brussels office. This is a great opportunity to have an impact on high-profile clients and to grow in a global, award-winning agency.

 

What you’ll be doing

• Focusing predominantly on Sustainability policies, with close collaboration across our technology, services and health portfolios;
• Managing a client portfolio, being the client’s primary contact and ensuring quality and timeliness in the delivery of Public Affairs strategies and services against budget;
• Working alongside the team lead to grow the existing client portfolio, including identifying potential new clients and leading in the development of new business proposals;
• Managing accounts, leading on day-to-day client work, translating client needs into project plans, advising and supporting clients, ensuring that results are achieved and client’s overall objectives are met;
• Manage account resourcing and line managing 1 or 2 junior team members;
• Under the leadership of senior staff, planning and implementing thought leadership campaigns, outreach programmes and organisation of events;
• Contributing to marketing and business development efforts;
• Supporting in attracting and developing junior staff, including line management responsibilities.

 

What We’re Looking For

• 5-7 years of relevant working experience. Previous experience in other EU Public Affairs agencies or in EU institutions is a bonus
• An excellent understanding of the EU institutions and political dynamics surrounding sustainability policy
• Strong business acumen and appreciation of the commercial impact of policy decisions
• An entrepreneurial approach to client servicing and business development – with proven track record of business growth
• A good network in Brussels within Sustainability policy
• Capability as an advisor, including first class communication and writing skills
• Ability to solve problems and exercise excellent judgment with the ability to think ‘outside of the box’
• Understanding of agency financials and experience budgeting projects
• Dynamic team player and able to work in a high-performance environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to offer high-level advice on the spot

 

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. The Weber Shandwick Collective is part of the wider Interpublic Group.

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.

Manager – EU PUBLIC AFFAIRS – BELGIUM 

 

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 Manager 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? 

As a Manager, you will be a central pillar in our Tech & Services portfolio, responsible for translating policy developments into strategic client counsel and executing high-impact advocacy campaigns. Your role will be focused on three key areas: 

• Strategic Counsel & Client Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing proactive analysis of the EU policy landscape. You will lead the execution of tactical plans and manage integrated internal teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, impactful work. 

• Advocacy & Stakeholder Management: Design and manage political engagement programs and advocacy campaigns. This includes everything from mapping key policymakers and stakeholders to leading direct outreach, managing political events, and collaborating with think tanks and research organizations. 

• Content & Communication: Develop the core materials that shape policy debates. You will be responsible for drafting position papers, messaging, and detailed briefings for both clients and policymakers. 

In addition to your client-facing work, you will play a key role in our team’s growth by mentoring and training junior colleagues, and helping to expand our network of political abd business contacts. 

 

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? 

We are looking for a proactive and analytical professional who can cut through the noise and identify what truly matters to clients. You are a strong writer and communicator with the project management skills to turn strategy into reality.

• 4-5 years’ experience working in EU Public Affairs, either in an agency or in-house. Previous experience in European Institutions is a significant plus but not required. 

• Deep understanding of the EU policy-making process and key moments for impactful engagement  

• Knowledge of the EU digital and tech policy landscape, with awareness of topics such as AI, cybersecurity, privacy, semiconductors, data access, and governance. 

• Ability and interest in learning and developing expertise to work across different policy areas like sustainability and energy. 

• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to work self-sufficiently and manage projects effectively.  

• An interest in mentoring and desire to contribute to a collaborative team culture. 

 

Join our Public Affairs team in Brussels

 

About the job

Our Public Affairs (Technology and Sustainability practice) team is looking for great talent! Whether you are an experienced consultant, an emerging policy professional, or an independent expert seeking freelance opportunities, we would like to hear from you.

 

Who is Weber Shandwick?

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity.

Our talented team build brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses such as HSBC, Unilever, Ebay and IBM to name a few.

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, consumer tech, consumer health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for:

• Developing data driven insights and strategy to drive measurable impact
• Creating impactful campaigns that tap into culture
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

 

 

Interested?

If you are passionate about EU public affairs and want to be part of a growing team, we encourage you to apply or get in touch.