All Things Urban

Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world — online or from a mobile phone.

Airbnb’s public policy team aims to work closely with politicians, regulators, and legislators to introduce them to Airbnb and the “collaborative economy”, highlight the significant social and economic impact our business has on local areas, and showcase best practices from around the world. We want policy makers to understand the regulatory challenges that affect our host community and find models that are good for cities and our thriving local communities.

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), we are engaged in well over a hundred local conversations and negotiations with governments big and small, and at local, regional and national levels across the region in making the case for fair, progressive home sharing rules.

We are looking for a Public Policy Manager to support our campaigns across France and Belgium, based in Paris. This role is a key member of the multi-skilled campaign team, helping to define policy goals and positions and implement them, working alongside other functional experts. The Public Policy Manager will work especially closely with the campaign’s team of Community Organisers who are engaged with our community of hosts and guests across this region.

This role will report to the Campaign Manager for France and Belgium.

In this role you must be skilled in policy engagement with a wide variety of external stakeholders at national, regional and especially local level - working proactively with municipalities to help stakeholders understand the contribution of the collaborative economy to sustainable tourism.

You must also be skilled in project management, able to drive and coordinate internal stakeholders to implement policy solutions to the benefit of our community in France.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about Airbnb’s mission, and have proven experience in regulatory, tax and political work in a relevant business or non-governmental organisation, or in a political, governmental or regulatory context.

Frequent travel within France and Belgium should be expected, along with occasional travel within Europe and to our global headquarters in San Francisco.

• Support the Campaign Manager in developing strategies, determining policy objectives and design policy positions across the market.
• Establish new and maintain existing relationships with an extensive network of contacts in local and regional legislative, executive and administrative offices. This role will also support our national engagement strategy
• Act as Airbnb’s representative in meetings with government and political stakeholders, in coalitions and collaborations to advance Airbnb’s advocacy initiatives.
• Manage the operational implementation of policy proposals and legislative measures at the local level (housing regulations and tax), working with colleagues in our legal and product teams;
• Flag local policy issues that may have pan-regional implications, and work with colleagues elsewhere in Europe and in San Francisco to develop global solutions and approaches as required.

• At least ten years of direct experience in local or national politics, government, regulator, public affairs, political campaigning or the field of corporate public policy or non-governmental organisation at some level. Policy-expertise in tourism, housing, urban development or the digital economy would be a significant advantage.
• Detailed knowledge of the political landscape and legislative processes in France and Belgium, as well as knowledge of housing and/or tax legislation are mandatory.
• First-rate personal, political, analytical and organisational skills. Project Management skills are a must.
• Proven ability to establish networks within political stakeholder communities on local, regional and/or national level.
• An eye for detail - with an ability to very quickly get up to speed on complex regulatory issues.
• Excellent communicator with great interpersonal, writing and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently as well as a team player in a multi-task work environment while producing the highest calibre work product in a timely manner.
• Self-starter with a good sense of humour and the ability to thrive in a fast moving and sometimes stressful environment.
• Ability to travel across the markets.
• Candidate must speak fluent in French and English.

Airbnb is committed to working with the best and brightest people from the broadest talent pool possible. We believe a diversity of ideas fosters innovation and engagement, and allows us to attract the best people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. Qualified individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to apply.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.