Jobs

Sr Dir, Policy and Government Affairs

Description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

FLEXWORK is an employee-centric reimagining of how we work. We built FLEXWORK based on employee feedback – it is about flexibility, trust, and choice whenever possible. It’s been a journey of disruption that has yielded the best of our values. We offer as much flexibility as possible, and choices that enable you to be most productive, including benefits that meet your needs and learning opportunities that you feel passionate about.

Our Approach to Work

At Palo Alto Networks, we believe in the power of collaboration and value in-person interactions. This is why our employees generally work from the office three days per week, leaving two days for choice and flexibility to work where you feel most effective. This setup fosters casual conversations, problem-solving, and trusted relationships. While details may evolve, our goal is to create an environment where innovation thrives, with office-based teams coming together three days a week to collaborate and thrive, together!

Your Career

The Sr. Director, EMEA Public Policy and Government Affairs will expand and manage the company’s EMEA policy practice. You will develop and execute a public affairs strategy that will help strengthen Palo Alto Networks’ engagement and relationship with EU / EMEA institutions and key EU / EMEA member states. You will engage in the development of strategic public policies, build/maintain  influential relationships and enable strategic business opportunities. The position will focus primarily on the institutions of the European Union (EU) in Brussels but will also support individual EU / EMEA countries as needed.

The role is based in Belgium and requires a considerable amount of travel to Brussels.

Your Impact

• Build upon existing relationships and identify new key EU / EMEA officials, organizations, and other stakeholders with whom Palo Alto Networks should engage to increase the visibility of the company in cybersecurity related and other key tech policy communities – Develop and execute a detailed plan for engagement
• Monitor and engage on current and emerging public policy issues impactful to the company and our customers, including on cybersecurity, AI, certifications, data localization, cloud, privacy and other policies in the EU / EMEA and priority countries, and develop and execute strategies to engage on these policies in the company’s interest
• Work with Palo Alto Networks’ public sector teams in EMEA and facilitate business conversations with senior government officials, cybersecurity stakeholders, and purchasing influencers of public sector organizations and EU institutions, including NATO and others
• Partner closely with the EMEA legal and policy team members, as well as with the U.S.-based Public Policy and Government Affairs colleagues, to ensure consistent approaches
• Liaise internally with other corporate functions and geographic business leadership to identify key areas of focus and provide timely public policy positions, insights, and written materials in relation to those identified areas, related business initiatives, and government regulatory activities
• Advise internal business leaders and work collaboratively with business units (including marketing, product management, sales, and others) to ensure that Palo Alto Networks has the information needed to make strategic decisions with critical impact on the company’s business goals
• Help Palo Alto Networks continue to build our brand as a strategic partner to EU / EMEA officials and as a thought leader committed to the EU’s cybersecurity agenda
• Present company’s policy positions via written position papers and comments with the support and/or in coordination with internal and external resources, in meetings, through briefings, technical exchanges, and via multiplier organizations (e.g. trade and industry associations) and present at conferences and related opportunities
• Support senior executives in their efforts to increase company name recognition and operational relationships
• Identify thought leadership opportunities and operational partnerships appropriate for the company’s EMEA CSOs, Unit 42 threat research team, and other internal experts
• Contribute to speeches and public facing materials for senior executives and sales teams
• Manage local representation (e.g. local lobbyists, trade and other business associations)
• Travel regionally and, to a lesser extent, to our corporate headquarters in Santa Clara, California, as needed

Your Experience

• 10+ years of relevant public policy and government affairs experience
• Track record supporting sales teams and passion for building strategic business relationships
• Strong background engaging on cybersecurity, AI, privacy, data flows, data localization, and related government policies in jurisdictions in the EU
• Extensive network of EU government, academic, and other and influencers
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships and consensus with a variety of constituencies both inside and outside an organization
• Experience in building and managing large, cross-functional, and globally dispersed teams, projects, and programs
• High degree of entrepreneurship, leadership, independent negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong experience in preparing and delivering presentations
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship management, team, and diplomatic skills
• Excellent business judgment, strategic thinking skills, superior work ethic, attention to detail and quality, able to manage numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Able to work across multiple time zones, countries, and cultures
• Degree in international relations, public policy, law, or related field preferred
• English fluency is required. French fluency is preferred
• Additional European languages are an asset

The Team

The Global Policy and Government Affairs team is part of the Global Legal team and works with governments, companies and organizations around the world to foster operational partnerships across industry and government, develop strategic relationships with key government officials, and advise governments on public policy and legislation.

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Learn more here

Job posted: 2023-09-05