Executive Director, Innovation Policy – Brussels

Vanguard Europe; Brussel Hoofdstad; Hybrid; EUR 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Competitive remuneration package

Job summary

Vanguard Europe is seeking an Executive Director to build and lead a new European organisation from Brussels. Reporting directly to the Board, the Executive Director will be the public face, chief executive and strategic adviser, shaping the organisation’s direction and long-term sustainability.

This role drives policy discussions on innovation, IP, competitiveness and growth across Europe, leading a high-performing team and engaging with policymakers, industry and civil society.

Qualifications

• Extensive and progressively senior professional experience, typically more than 10 years, including substantial leadership responsibility within a trade association, public affairs consultancy, government institution, think tank, law firm, corporate policy function, regulatory authority, NGO or comparable organisation.
• Proven experience leading teams and engaging senior public- and private-sector stakeholders; and
• Proven experience working with budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, governance and operational oversight, reporting to the Board.
• Represent the organisation with EU institutions and national authorities; drive policy leadership and advocacy.
• Develop external affairs, stakeholder engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Oversee membership development, finance and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in law, economics or related field

Job description

Vanguard Europe is seeking an Executive Director to build and lead a new European organisation from Brussels. Reporting directly to the Board, the Executive Director will be the public face, chief executive and strategic adviser, shaping the organisation’s direction and long-term sustainability.

This role drives policy discussions on innovation, IP, competitiveness and growth across Europe, leading a high-performing team and engaging with policymakers, industry and civil society.