AVP, EU Government Affairs

ABOUT US

Royal Caribbean Group comprises five distinctive brands that share a vision anchored in excellence. We have a common passion for creative thinking, innovative engineering and outstanding guest service that drives continuous improvement in everything we do. The entire Royal Caribbean family is committed to the legacy of hospitality and culture of innovation that is at the core of our guest service, the protection of our natural environment and responsible citizenship in our global community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our Government Relations team in Europe is looking for an Associate Vice President to strengthen our advocacy efforts in the European Union. You will report to the VP Government Relations EMEA and manage our advocacy programs, including the EU’s “Green Deal” legislation. You will work closely with the EU institutions, and particularly with the incoming new European Parliament (2024-2029).  

You will involve yourself ethically in political processes on issues of importance to RCG to protect and propagate the company's good name and business interests. This includes representing and promoting the company’s strategic government relations objectives vis-a-vis elected politicians and appointed regulators, and in various public functions.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop working relationships with elected and appointed officials in Europe, primarily in EU / Brussels. 
• Analyze public policy issues and trends to determine potential impacts to the company, including highly technical and complex legislation and regulation. 
• Contribute to the development and support the execution of RCG’s government affairs campaigns  
• Collaborate with RCG’s government relations team in Europe and cruise industry trade associations  
• Effectively articulate and communicate company positions and goals to political leaders and decision makers on public issues.  
• Maintain positive, professional, and ethical relationships with political and appointed authorities in line with RCG’s core values and mission: to deliver the world’s best vacations responsibly. 
• Support the VP Government Relations EMEA in setting up, preparing, and participating in regular external meetings and events.  
• Work with company and industry colleagues on development of solutions to regulatory matters, including the implementation of the “Fit For 55” legislative package for the maritime sector 
• Assist the company in crisis management of issues that have may have governmental involvement implications. 
• Willingness to participate in internal virtual meetings outside the regular office hours (due to time difference with RCG’s head office in Miami). 
• Contribute to a positive work environment with a focus on teamwork and on levering the strengths of other team members.  
• Able to travel domestically as well as internationally. 
• Perform other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 12+ years of relevant work experience in government relations, corporate affairs, public policy and / or in government (public sector). 
• Excellent knowledge of EU Institutions and EU policy making. 
• Ability to work independently and to handle a broad range of complex issues simultaneously with a proactive approach. 
• Excellent analytical and written skills. Must be proficient in English. 
• High level of reading and comprehension skills, particularly as it relates to public documents such as EU directives, regulations, and reports.  
• Trustworthy, honest, and ethical behavior during all interactions with public policy makers is a must.  
• A progressive job history that demonstrates attainment of higher levels of responsibility in business management, government relations or public relations at the Manager level or above.  
• Master's degree in a related field preferred (e.g. law or political science). 
• Fluency in French and / or German preferred 
• EU law degree preferred. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills: a positive approach with a self-learning attitude. 
• Professional background in the EU institutions relating to relevant policy areas, such as sustainability, travel and tourism, green energy transition, maritime, or transport. 
• High level of reading and comprehension skills, particularly as it relates to public documents such as EU directives, regulations, and reports.  
• Attention to detail and focus on business objectives