Head of Government Relations & Policy Campaigns, Italy

The Difference You Will Make

The Head of Government Relations and Policy Campaigns, Italy is responsible for developing and executing fully integrated Policy strategic engagement plans in the region and leading the local team, under the direction of the Director of Public Policy and Campaigns, EMEA. The successful candidate will use all available strategies, informed by data and insights, that aims to protect and further the legitimacy of Airbnb and our community.

A Typical Day

Leadership: Your primary responsibility is team leadership – line managing an energetic, passionate group of experts in Policy and Strategic Engagement who deliver complementary work to serve the overall strategy. You inspire others to get behind a common vision and you deploy first‑rate organisational skills to ensure that your strategy is executed, targets are set, and projects are delivered on time and on budget.

Team culture and performance management: You create and maintain an inclusive culture and ways of working for your team in line with Airbnb’s core values and are committed to embracing diversity and fostering belonging. You are accountable for performance management and feedback in line with the Company’s expectations, and also oversee recruitment and succession planning. You empower members of your team to work on local and regional projects that develop their professional, operational and strategic skills.

Strategy development and cross‑functional alignment: You determine an appropriate strategy for each priority geography in the region in close collaboration with the business leader in the territory. You define the ultimate policy goals and priorities, and develop operational plans that deliver measurable progress toward those goals in partnership with your local team. These plans and strategies are founded on high‑quality insights and data analysis and are well aligned with Airbnb’s global approach. You also develop these strategies together with colleagues across the wider EMEA team who have expertise in core campaign functions and a regional perspective on best practices and learnings.

Communication and accountability: You work with local Airbnb leadership (e.g., Country Manager, marketing lead, legal counsel, communications) to align government engagement, policy partnerships and campaign plans with critical business priorities and outcomes. You ensure that internal stakeholders understand the campaign strategy plans, decisions are made in a timely manner, and information flows smoothly to everyone with a “need to know.” You ensure progress is reported regularly, and roadblocks and successes are flagged appropriately. You communicate confidently with senior leaders about your campaign’s priorities, manage expectations when required and coordinate with other teams to achieve greater goals.

External advocacy: You represent Airbnb at the most senior political levels in your geography and with the media. You ensure that Airbnb builds and maintains relationships with the widest possible network of contacts in local, regional and national legislative, executive and administrative offices, and also with coalitions that can advance Airbnb’s advocacy initiatives.

Your Expertise

• At least 20 years of experience working with complex political or regulatory issues in a relevant business or non‑governmental organisation, or in a political, governmental or regulatory context, ideally in travel, urbanism or technology.
• Ability to navigate a complex political or regulatory environment and advanced knowledge of the political landscape and legislative processes in Italy, Greece and the EU, Israel a plus.
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on complex technical and regulatory issues and understand how these can be managed using a broad range of campaigning strategies.
• Senior leadership experience with a track record of managing, supporting and developing diverse multidisciplinary teams; proven ability in core management skills – effective delegation, empowerment, performance management, coaching and talent development.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, with the ability to multi‑task by prioritising work and coordinating required support across various functions to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Excellent strategist, creative thinker and expert communicator (spokesperson) with great interpersonal, writing and presentation skills.
• Self‑starter with a good sense of humour and the ability to thrive in a fast‑moving and sometimes stressful environment.
• Candidates must speak fluent Italian and English. An additional European language would be an asset. You must submit your application in English.
• This role is located in Rome but can involve working from home, with frequent travel to countries in SEE and Brussels, and also to our global headquarters in San Francisco.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively‑led people and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

How We’ll Take Care of You

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range shown below is annualised, is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.

Italy Annual Pay Range: €132,000 – €165,000 EUR