Public Policy and Government Affairs Director EMEA

Proven years of experience in government relations or public policy positions; prior service in government legislative/regulatory bodies a plus

Bachelor’s degree; law or master’s degree a plus

Exposure to policy issues in the areas of:

Data Centres

Technology

Cybersecurity and resilience

Sovereignty and data privacy

Energy, environment, sustainability policies, principles and corporate frameworks

Government procurement policy; and

National and local Tax policy

Demonstrated high level of integrity, thoroughness, flexibility, initiative and teamwork

Demonstrated self-guided initiative

Excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal communication skills

Excellent judgment

Expectation for regular travel Brussels but also within the region to locations where Equinix has a presence

Position based in Amsterdam or London

The opportunity to leave your mark in a Company that is growing quickly whilst keeping a ground-breaking spirit

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

The One Legal team at Equinix is seeking a Director, Public Policy in our EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate to strengthen our public policy presence in the region and interact with political and policy leaders to explain our products and services and promote the growth of digital infrastructure.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide leadership in the following key areas:

External Engagement

Help manage day-to-day portfolio of the Company’s public policy agenda at various levels of government and in various regions where the Company maintains a physical presence and where the Company does business

Participate in, lead, and advocate for public policy coalitions and trade associations aligned with the Company’s public policy agenda.  Serve as a key point of contact for the Company’s participation and/or support the participation of Company senior executives in those organizations

Develop working relationships with key policy makers and regulators and their staffs to effectively advocate the Company’s public policy agenda. In addition to building relationships with policy makers at the institutions of the European Union, focus attention on building similar relationships with officials in EU member states and other countries across the region

Position top Company executives in productive working relationships with the region’s policy leaders and facilitate their participation in thought leadership opportunities to advance the Company’s messaging and interests

Participate in government public consultation exercises and work on public policy submissions (including those on regulatory initiatives and/or developments) directly with governments or via public policy coalitions and trade associations

Manage EMEA government affairs consulting firms to include ensuring they are coordinating with and supporting PPGA and Country Leadership  (MDs) and are coordinating and de conflicting with each-other

Internal engagement

Lead strategy development with the Company's leaders and coordinate internal cross-functional teams in EMEA to effectively respond to challenges and opportunities for the Company

Identify emerging public policy issues related to the Company’s mid- and long-term business plans and develop internal and external policy positions, strategies, and analysis to influence the external landscape and advance the Company’s business priorities

Participate in the development of the Company’s strategic public policy agenda through regular meetings and ongoing communications with the Company’s senior leadership, including our executive team, and the regional president

Develop strong working relationships with the Company’s country Managing Directors (MDs) across the region.  Engage, support, and lead the MDs on policy issue development, messaging, trade association and coalition relationships, and policy maker engagement.  Assure consistency of messaging and policy positioning across entire region

Develop strong working relationships with the Company’s global and regional functions on Sustainability, Legal Regulatory, Operations, Communications, Business Development and other key functions in order to assure cross-functional alignment and leverage

Contribute to internal processes for handling public policy matters that arise on an emergency or unexpected basis so that the Company is prepared to respond in such cases

Education and Training

Develop internal resources and independently lead efforts to educate employees about the Company’s public policy agenda

Work with the Company’s public relations team and others to develop a robust set of materials that:

Educate policymakers about the Company’s business objectives, its importance to the foundational operations of the Internet, and its plans for future growth

Position the Company as a thought leader on central issues of importance to the Company

Emphasize the positive economic and cultural benefits of the Company’s global growth

Promote the Company’s commitment to sustainability and advocate for the opportunities digital transformation and the move to cloud and colocation have for efficiency and sustainability progress

Promote the Company’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) to develop a diverse, empowered, and effective workforce in order to address the needs of our communities