EU remote
Lead European Institutions and French Public Affairs
About this role
Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity. The Lead – European Institutions & French Public Affairs is responsible for designing and executing the company’s public affairs strategy at EU and French levels , in close coordination with the Chief Government Officer In a fast-growing startup environment, this role combines strategic policy leadership , direct institutional engagement , and hands-on execution .
The position requires strong autonomy, political judgement, and the ability to translate complex regulatory developments into clear business and strategic implications for executive leadership. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Executive Advisory Co-define EU and French public affairs strategy with the CGO, aligned with the company’s growth, funding, and market-access objectives. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on political, regulatory, and institutional matters.
Identify policy-driven risks and opportunities (regulation, funding, industrial policy, sovereignty, public procurement). Anticipate regulatory roadmaps and translate them into actionable business recommendations. European Institutions Leadership Lead engagement with EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU) and key ecosystem stakeholders. Own priority EU policy files end-to-end: monitoring, analysis, positioning, and advocacy execution.
Draft and validate position papers, consultation responses, and strategic briefings for senior leadership. Represent the company in EU forums, industry coalitions, and strategic alliances. French Public Affairs Leadership Lead relationships with French ministries, Parliament, regulators, agencies, and institutional partners. Drive French public affairs actions in close alignment with EU-level strategy. Support CEO and CGO in high-level French institutional meetings, including preparation of messaging and briefings.
Hands-On Execution in a Startup Context Personally execute key public affairs actions (no large team or heavy hierarchy). Build lightweight but effective public affairs processes adapted to a startup environment. Contribute to funding-related policy work (EU programs, national schemes, public support mechanisms). Internal Alignment & Communication Work closely with future projects, legal, business development, and communications teams.