Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: VP Corporate Communications / dotted line to SVP Government Affairs MSC Group
Job Purpose
This pivotal role is an integral part of the Cruise Division’s Corporate Communications team based in Geneva, contributing significantly to the company’s overall Communications Department. The primary focus is on shaping and aligning the Cruise Division’s external positioning across political, regulatory, environmental, and coastal community landscapes, while translating strategic priorities into impactful communication and engagement plans.
Collaborating closely with the VP Corporate Communications, the Head of External Affairs will spearhead the development and execution of the Cruise Division’s global communications strategy in partnership with MSC Group’s Government Affairs team. This role is vital in managing the company’s reputation, fostering relationships with external stakeholders—including media, industry associations, NGOs, and local communities—and positively influencing public perception through proactive communication and engagement efforts.
The Head of External Affairs will ensure that the Cruise Division’s strategic priorities are effectively communicated, aligning with both public and governmental expectations while predominantly focusing on non-governmental audiences and reputation management.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Translate the Government Affairs strategy into a comprehensive action plan for Corporate Communications, encompassing events, conferences, media interviews, ship visits, and stakeholder engagement.
- Play an active role in shaping the global Community Engagement Plan, ensuring alignment with corporate values and consideration of local sensitivities.
- Lead the Company's Strategic Alignment Group, coordinating Communications, Sustainability, Government Affairs, and Port Development teams to enhance alignment on key issues and deliver consistent messaging across departments.
Messaging, Monitoring, and Materials
- Regularly develop and update key messages that accurately represent the Cruise Division’s stance on critical regulatory and policy issues, providing these to senior leadership for key meetings, events, and media engagement.
- Ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across all activities, collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners.
- Monitor relevant political and regulatory developments across key markets in collaboration with Government Affairs to offer timely updates and strategic counsel.
- Support the preparation of briefing documents for leadership in key institutional or commercial meetings, working alongside Government Affairs and other internal stakeholders.
Events
- Coordinate the planning and execution of institutional and media ship visits, shore power events, and other initiatives to advance the Cruise Division’s business objectives and cultivate strong stakeholder relationships.
- In collaboration with Government Affairs, create a strategic plan for conferences and events that serve as platforms for advancing the Cruise Division’s agenda.
- Provide input for speaker selection, talking points, and representation levels.
- Assist in developing speeches, talking points, and presentations for various events.
- Identify sponsorship opportunities for key events.
Stakeholder & Team Coordination
- Represent the Cruise Division with key industry associations (such as CLIA, FCCA, WTTC) and participate in relevant committee meetings, sharing vital insights.
- Support the VP Corporate Communications and local market teams to ensure corporate communications align with Government Affairs and business priorities, utilizing effective messaging approaches.
- Collaborate with Government Affairs to provide regular updates and briefing documents on key issues for appropriate internal stakeholders, keeping them informed about significant developments.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 15 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or strategic communications, ideally within a regulated global industry.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience in speechwriting and policy communications.
- In-depth understanding of European and international political systems and institutions.
- Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Native-level proficiency in English; knowledge of additional European languages is a plus.
- Willingness to travel frequently for events, ship visits, and stakeholder meetings.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.