Work as VP, European Government Affairs at one of the world's 'best companies to work for'.
American Express has been incredibly active in a new payments landscape by developing new opportunities for growth that transcend individual businesses and capitalise on technological trends, including partnerships with digital players such as Apple, Zynga, Facebook, Foursquare, and Twitter.
American Express is recognised throughout the world as a great place to work. Fortune magazine counts the organisation as one of “The Best Companies to Work For” and “The World’s Most Admired Companies.” The Times has also recognised American Express as a “Top 50 Employer for Women” in the UK, one of “The NAFE Top 60 Companies for Executive Women,” and listed American Express as a “Working Mother Top Company for Multicultural Women and Executive Women."
The Position
This position supports the London-based Vice President of International Government Affairs. He/she will assist the VP in developing and executing an effective government relations strategy in support of the Company’s businesses in Europe.
Key Responsibilities:
• Direct lobbying of officials and elected representatives of the three main E.U. legislative institutions, in Brussels and Strasbourg;
• Representing American Express in external policy forums, industry conferences, hearings and other events;
• Monitoring the activities of and liaising with relevant regulatory authorities and standards-setting bodies;
• Working in cooperation with and contributing to relevant industry associations and other relevant coalitions on key policy issues;
• Responsibility for the effective implementation of a communication plans in respect to European regulatory developments, including managing relationships and outreach to specialised and trade media and, as appropriate, serving as Company spokesperson with the media;
• Assisting with the preparation and deployment of briefings for senior management on important regulatory developments;
• Providing senior counsel to business leaders on relevant policy issues;
• Coordinating and preparing written submissions such as responses to regulatory consultations and enquiries, and other communications with the E.U. institutions;
• Participating in internal cross-functional teams to address specific issues. In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on crafting appropriate responses to a wide variety of stakeholders, including politicians, policymakers and industry associations.
Key Requirements:
• Experience at mid- to senior-level in a European government agency, lobbying/PR agency, or in a corporate government affairs position.
• Deep understanding of European politics and public policy formulation.
• Excellent understanding of the European Union and its principal institutions.
• Ability to relate public policy issues to core business objectives.
• Strong attention to detail combined with excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to deal effectively and confidently with the most senior levels of the Company and external stakeholders. • Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities against tight deadlines.
• Team player capable of working with a diverse group of colleagues and internal business clients.
• High ethical standards and experience of working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Language(s): English required. Knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage, though not essential.