DIRECTOR – EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

As the Director – European Government Operations, based in Munich/ Berlin, Germany, you will lead Rocket Lab’s government affairs strategy across Germany with targeted engagement in priority European markets as the company’s regional footprint evolves. You will play a critical role in advancing Rocket Lab’s business objectives by shaping policy environments, building strategic government relationships, and ensuring alignment between Government Affairs and Business Development. In this role, you will work at the intersection of aerospace innovation, national security, and European public-sector engagement. To be successful, you must be results‑oriented, proactive, politically astute, and deeply comfortable operating in complex, fast‑moving environments. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Develop and lead Rocket Lab’s government affairs strategy in Germany, with targeted engagement in priority European markets as this area of interest develops, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and business development objectives
• Engage with EU‑level institutions and programs relevant to space and defense, including EDF, EDIP, EUSPA, and the European Defense Agency (EDA), to advance Rocket Lab’s policy and program objectives.
• Establish and grow Rocket Lab’s presence with government entities and innovation ecosystems in Munich and other strategic European hubs
• Partner closely with the Business Development team to support market expansion, customer engagement, and pursuit of government‑funded programs
• Shape Rocket Lab’s positioning in active European policy debates - including launch sovereignty, the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP), dual‑use technology regulation, and the EU Space Program’s procurement frame works.
• Provide strategic guidance on developments directly relevant to Rocket Lab’s position as a non‑European supplier - including export control regimes (ITAR/EAR), European sovereign capability debates, and evolving defense procurement preferences under the Zeitenwende.
• Represent Rocket Lab in industry associations, working groups, and public‑sector forums to strengthen the company’s visibility and credibility
• Drive measurable business outcomes through targeted government engagement not only monitoring policy trends but actively shaping them
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on European political dynamics, defense priorities, and government procurement pathways

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, economics, engineering, or a related field
• 12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, defense, aerospace, or related strategic roles within Germany or Europe
• Professional fluency in German and English
• Demonstrated success building and managing relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, and public‑sector institutions
• Proven ability to drive business‑aligned outcomes through government engagement, not solely policy monitoring
• Strong understanding of European political structures, defense priorities, civil space programs, and procurement processes - including familiarity with ESA programs, EU space initiatives, and international exploration frameworks such as Artemis.
• Familiarity with NATO space and defense structures - including NATO DIANA, the NATO Space Centre at Ramstein, and national resilience frameworks under Article 3 obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, set strategy, and execute in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Background in space, aerospace, defense, or dual‑use technology sectors
• Experience working with or within institutions such as DLR, MOD, Bundestag committees, EU defense bodies, or national innovation agencies
• Prior roles in business development, defense industrial policy, or public‑sector consulting
• Experience working in Munich’s government, defense, or technology ecosystem

Meet the Team

The Communications team shapes how Fever is perceived both inside and outside the company. What people see and hear matters, and our role is to ensure every message is clear, consistent, and aligned with Fever’s vision.

Join us if you want to shape our global narrative, influence strategic perceptions, and ensure our vision resonates with audiences both inside and outside the company.

The Role

As Institutional Relationships & Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for advancing the company’s strategic interests by building and maintaining strong relationships with government bodies, regulatory institutions, public agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Your work will be key in supporting Fever’s access to public spaces, public funding, and public-sector business opportunities. Acting as both an internal advisor and external representative, you will help shape Fever’s institutional voice, identify relevant opportunities, and position the company as a trusted partner in cultural, tourism, and innovation ecosystems.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute institutional engagement strategies that support Fever’s business goals across public access, subsidies, and procurement
• Represent Fever before government authorities, public institutions, and relevant associations to ensure visibility, credibility, and alignment with public priorities
• Foster strategic partnerships with municipalities, ministries, cultural institutions, and public-sector entities to unlock access to public spaces and funding mechanisms
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that may impact the company’s operations, and advise internal stakeholders accordingly
• Build and maintain a strong institutional network at the local, regional, and national levels
• Support the leadership team by organizing and preparing for meetings with institutional stakeholders; act as spokesperson when required or coach others to do so
• Maintain ongoing communication with internal departments to understand their institutional needs and support them in aligning with external partners
• Ensure Fever is actively represented in key forums, public consultations, or sector-specific roundtables
• Identify and propose opportunities for public-private collaboration, co-branded initiatives, or strategic alliances with public impact
• Create briefings, policy position papers, and institutional decks tailored to each stakeholder group

Who You Are

• 5+ years of experience in public affairs, institutional relations, government relations, business development, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships with public sector stakeholders
• Deep knowledge of institutional and regulatory environments (local, regional, national)
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal
• Strategic mindset and ability to connect institutional influence with business opportunities
• High autonomy and diplomatic skills
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and aligning diverse internal and external agendas
• Fluency in German and English, other languages are a plus

Nice to have:

• Previous experience in sectors such as culture, tourism, events, tech, or innovation
• Experience working with public grants, cultural funding programs, or EU-level institutions
• Background in legal, political science, public policy, or international relations
• Familiarity with public procurement processes or licensing protocols

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Attractive compensation package and the potential to earn a significant bonus for top performance
• Opportunity to have a real impact in a high-growth global category leader
• 40% discount on all Fever events and experiences
• Work in the heart of the city, with possible travel across our markets
• Home office friendly
• Gympass membership
• Responsibility from day one, and professional and personal growth
• Great work environment with a young, international team of talented people to work with!

The impact you will make

As Manager Public & Regulatory Affairs, you will shape the political, regulatory and stakeholder environment that determines the future of fusion energy in Germany, Europe and beyond. Your work will directly influence key government decisions on policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and funding instruments, unlock pathways for demonstration and first-of-a-kind fusion projects. You will also be instrumental in strengthening Marvel Fusion as the global leader in laser fusion and positioning the company as a credible, trusted and forward-looking partner to policymakers, regulators and industry leaders. By anticipating political dynamics, securing strategic alliances and driving regulatory clarity, you will accelerate the commercialization of fusion, strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and help create the conditions for a new clean-energy industry. In this role, your contributions will have a tangible impact on national and EU strategic agendas — and on the speed at which fusion becomes a real-world energy solution.

This role will report into the Director Corporate Affairs and work closely with Marvel Fusion’s Leadership team as well as across different functions to ensure consistent messaging, policy alignment, and efficient knowledge sharing across Marvel Fusion’s business activities. This role can be based in either Berlin or Munich.

Your responsibilities

By connecting institutional intelligence with targeted advocacy, you will help shape policy outcomes, unlock funding opportunities and support the successful realization of demonstration and first-of-a-kind fusion projects in Europe. Your responsibilities will encompass the following activities in particular:

• Drive Marvel Fusion’s political and regulatory strategy across Germany and the EU
• Monitor, analyze and report on European and national policy developments, funding programs, and fusion energy-related initiatives relevant to Marvel Fusion’s roadmap
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers in key jurisdictions and manage engagement activities, including preparation of and follow up to meetings
• Prepare briefing materials, positions papers, talking points, presentations and ensure that Marvel Fusion’s priorities are reflected in political debates, consultations and legislative processes
• Manage, engage and represent Marvel Fusion in key industry and policy platforms

What you bring

• Academic background in law, economics, politics or a relevant discipline
• 3+ years of experience in the energy, climate or tech sector, preferably in an institutional, policy or consulting
• Proven experience in public affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs or business development
• Significant experience in policy areas relating to energy, innovation, tech/deep tech
• Strong understanding of the European and German institutional landscape and experience working with elected officials
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in both English & German
• Able to develop positive working relationships and engage confidently and diplomatically across different levels and functions (internally and externally)
• Able and comfortable working in a fast-paced, international and constantly changing environment, as well as handling multiple priorities while constantly meeting deadlines
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial attitude, ownership mindset and ability to manage ambiguity

What sets you apart

• MBA, strategy consulting, start-up/deep tech, or other relevant business/corporate experience
• Knowledge in nuclear/fusion policy and/or regulation
• Additional substantial language skills
• Previous exposure to top-level executives/decision makers

What we offer

Our mission is motivation enough for many. But we also support our team with benefits that foster wellbeing and growth: 

• Public transport reimbursement 
• EGYM Wellpass fitness club access 
• Complimentary health insurance 
• Professional development support 
• Healthy office snacks 

For more information on how we process your application data, please review our privacy notice.

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Our Internship Program

We are looking for individuals to join our training program in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich - Germany.

As an intern, you will gain real experience in corporate communications strategy by helping our clients navigate the interconnected financial, political, and social arenas of today. You will work directly on some of the most high-profile and sensitive issues facing the world at large, with clients ranging across industries and mandates. At Brunswick, we capitalize on our global footprint and diverse teams, always remaining one collaborative and cohesive firm.

You will be part of an international team and will experience a dynamic working environment working on diverse projects and new challenges every day. Experienced consultants will supervise you during the program and familiarize you with various aspects of our world.

The internship is remunerated at € 2,450 per month and we also provide an allowance for monthly public transport tickets. Part of the working time is regularly carried out remotely in all our teams. A large selection of snacks and drinks is of course available for you in our offices!

We recommend a minimum duration of three, ideally six months for this program.

Responsibilities

• Support in strategic communications and public affairs consulting
• Operational collaboration on client projects in the areas of corporate and crisis communications, reputation, capital market transactions, restructuring, investor relations and strategic positioning projects
• Research and analysis on economic and political topics
• Preparation of company fact sheets and briefings
• Assistance in the preparation of presentations
• Assistance in the preparation of press conferences, interviews, and background discussions
• Preparation of press reviews and media analyses

Your Profile

• You have already completed your bachelor's degree or your university studies with reference to economics, political science or communication science
• You have a very good command of written and spoken German and English, combined with excellent written and verbal communications skills
• You have a strong team spirit, a high level of initiative, the ability to work under pressure, flexibility, analytical thinking and a high level of commitment
• You are proficient in the use of MS Office programs
• You have already gained some professional experience through internships in the fields of journalism, politics or capital markets

If you have any questions about the job offer, please contact us by email: careersgermany@brunswickgroup.com.

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