Title:  Director Government Relations

Job Summary

NetApp is the expert in Intelligent Data Infrastructure, offering intelligent data management, storage and security solutions to customers around the world. NetApp is headquartered in Silicon Valley and Cork, Ireland, with other offices throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. NetApp has a very strong public sector business, especially in the United States where our federal government market share is number one. 

We are seeking a Director of EMEA Government Relations to lead our government relations activity within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Under the direction of the Vice President of Global Government Relations, the successful candidate will develop and implement strategies to advocate for favorable policies, ensure regulatory compliance and maintain the company’s positive image across diverse political landscapes in support of revenue generation for Public Sector sales in EMEA. This high-stakes role is ideal for a diplomatic, strategic thinker with deep knowledge of the EMEA region’s political and regulatory frameworks. The GR function is part of the NetApp legal department, and this position reports to NetApp’s Vice President of Global Government Relations. 

We offer a dynamic, collaborative and innovative work environment that has made the legal department recognized and awarded by several US and International organizations, and the newly formed government relations function aspires to the same level of excellence. If you love adding value, making a difference and having a corporate culture where it’s all about the people and results, NetApp is for you! 

Key Responsibilities:

• Government Relations Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive government relations strategies that support the company's business objectives in the EMEA region.
• Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Monitor and analyze regulatory proposals and political trends, advising company leadership on potential impacts. Advocate for policy positions beneficial to the organization and its stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and nurture relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, trade associations, and other key influencers in the EMEA political environment.
• Issue Management: Proactively identify issues that could impact the company and lead the response strategy to minimize risks. Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams such as Public Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Business Units to integrate government relations activities with broader company strategies.
• Influencer Network Development: Utilize and further build his/her existing network with other technology firms, non-governmental organizations, and thought leaders to shape public policy debates in line with the company's interests.
• Communications: Craft messaging and position statements on policy issues, preparing briefing materials for executive leadership and representing the company at public events as required.
• Crisis Management: Provide counsel on governmental matters during any reputational or regulatory crisis, ensuring swift and appropriate responses.

Job Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 10-15 years of related experience in government relations or public affairs, with a proven track record of success as a senior government relations professional in the EMEA region. Experience in the technology sector is highly regarded.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of EMEA governmental processes, regulatory environments, and geopolitical factors influencing public policy.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English; additional language proficiency in one or more other languages in the EMEA region is highly desirable.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex regulatory language and communicate convincingly to a variety of audiences; experience in public speaker in front of large audiences, senior executives and government officials.. 

Education

•     Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, International Relations, or related field. A JD and/or Master’s degree or higher is preferred.

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