Head of External Affairs

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

This is an important role within the Cruise Division’s Corporate Communications team based in Geneva as part of the company’s Communications Department.

The role is pivotal in shaping and aligning the Cruise Division’s external positioning across political, regulatory, environmental and coastal community landscapes, and in translating the Cruise Division’s strategic priorities into impactful, actionable communications and engagement plans.

Working with VP Corporate Communications, the Head of External Affairs will lead the development and execution of the Cruise Division’s global communications strategy in collaboration with MSC Group’s Government Affairs team, which focuses on managing the company’s reputation, building relationships with external stakeholders (such as media, industry associations, NGOs and local communities), and shaping public perception through proactive communication and engagement.

This role ensures that the Cruise Division’s strategic priorities are translated into impactful plans that align with both public and governmental expectations, but with a primary emphasis on non-governmental audiences and reputation management.

Your Impact

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Translate the Government Affairs strategy into a comprehensive, actionable plan for the Corporate Communications encompassing events, conferences, media interviews, ship visits, and stakeholder engagement.
• Play an active role in helping to shape the global Community Engagement Plan, ensuring alignment with corporate values and local sensitivities and playing an active role in delivery of the plan.
• Lead the Company’s Strategic Alignment Group bringing Communications, Sustainability, Government Affairs, and Port Development, Port Operations and Shorex teams to ensure alignment on key issues, improve risk preparedness, and deliver consistent messaging across departments
• Messaging, Monitoring and Materials
• Develop and update regularly key messages that reflect the Cruise Division’s stance on critical regulatory and policy issues. Messages to be shared with senior leadership to support key meetings, events and media engagement.
• Ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all activities, working closely with internal teams and external partners.
• In collaboration with Government affairs monitor relevant political and regulatory developments across key markets and provide timely updates and strategic counsel to Government Affairs and Corporate Communications.
• Support the preparation of briefing documents for leadership for key institutional or commercial meetings or events working with Government Affairs and other key internal stakeholders.

Events

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of institutional and media ship visits, shore power events and other events as a platform for advancing the Cruise Division’s business objectives and to foster strong institutional, media and stakeholder relationships in key markets.
• In collaboration with Government Affairs, develop a strategic plan for conference and events that will serve as an important platform for the advancement of the Cruise Division’s agenda.
• Provide the necessary inputs into the choice of speakers, talking points and level of representation.
• Support on the development of speeches, talking points and presentations for these events.
• Identify sponsorship opportunities for key events.

Stakeholder & Team Coordination

• Represent the Cruise Division with key industry associations (CLIA, FCCA, WTTC) and attend relevant committee meetings sharing back information and insights.
• Support the VP Corporate Communications and local market teams to ensure corporate communications activities are aligned with Government Affairs and business priorities and equipped with the right messaging and approach.
• Work with Government Affairs to share and disseminate regular updates and briefing documents on key issues and topics with appropriate internal stakeholders to keep them updated on developments in important areas.

Your Journey so far

• Minimum 15 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or strategic communications, preferably in a regulated global industry.
• Deep understanding of European and international political systems and institutions.

Your Essentials

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience in speechwriting and policy communications.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Native-level English; additional European languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently for events, ship visits, and stakeholder meetings.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!