Policy Director

Position description

Founded in 2016, A4E represents the united voice of Europe’s leading airlines in Brussels. Our 17 airline group members represent over 80% of European air traffic and carried over 771 million passengers in 2024. Leading global aircraft manufacturers are also members of A4E. Airlines with cargo and mail activities transport more than 4 million tons of goods annually. For further information: www.a4e.eu.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

A4E is looking for a Policy Director to join our team in Brussels. The successful candidate will develop strategy, build industry positions and execute advocacy campaigns on key issues for A4E’s members. You will represent the interests of European airlines towards the EU institutions, national governments and authorities. You will report directly to A4E’s Managing Director. You will also work closely with A4E’s Communications Director to make the association’s voice heard in Brussels and beyond.

Qualifications

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• At least 10 years’ experience working in EU affairs, e.g. in industry, trade associations, the EU institutions, other government bodies, or public affairs consultancies. Prior experience in the aviation or transport policy is a plus.
• A track record of campaigning to influence relevant stakeholders on EU policy and legislation.
• An established network in Brussels in institutions, industry and other relevant organisations and excellent knowledge of the EU institutions, the political processes and legislative procedures.
• Experience of public speaking and liaising with the media.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English. Knowledge of an additional European language (e.g. French, German, or Spanish) is a plus.
• Good understanding of public policy issues related to transport/mobility and climate/sustainability. Knowledge of the aviation industry is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural team and a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. A flexible and hands-on mentality, with the ability to shift priorities and take on new tasks as needed.
• The ability to build consensus among companies or stakeholders with different perspectives and interests.

THE POLICY DIRECTOR WILL:

• Contribute to the shaping and delivery the A4E annual advocacy strategy and campaigns.
• Lead A4E’s work in specific policy domains.
• Chair and manage the work of A4E working groups or expert groups composed of airline members.
• Set priorities and identify risks or opportunities arising from political or legislative developments.
• Propose and develop industry positions on relevant issues in close cooperation with A4E members.
• Build and execute advocacy plans to achieve A4E’s key policy objectives. Manage and lead short or long-term campaigns.
• Engage with officials and legislators in the Council of the EU, European Commission and European Parliament in Brussels, and the same in the national capitals.
• Build coalitions and coordinate initiatives with other stakeholders that have shared interests.
• Represent A4E in policy forums, expert groups, public events and hearings.
• Plan and execute policy events in Brussels and individual EU countries if applicable.
• Contribute to A4E’s external visibility and promote industry positions in the media in cooperation with the Communications Director.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A unique opportunity to promote the political interests of a strategically important industry in the EU policy landscape, as part of a dynamic and international team at the heart of the EU quarter.
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself.
• This is a Brussels-based role, with occasional travel in Europe.

Application instructions

If you are interested in this position and match the profile, please apply by sending a CV and a cover letter outlining the campaigns you have managed in the past 5 years and the value you can bring to A4E members.

Please send to [email protected] and mention in the subject line “A4E Policy Director 2025”.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Wednesday 17 December 2025.

A4E is an equal opportunity employer.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

A4E is committed to the protection of your privacy and personal data. Our Privacy Policy can be consulted on our website. For any queries, please contact us at [email protected].

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