Join us to make education accessible for all!
Strengthen our efforts to shape education policy and societal impact in full-time (40 hrs./week) as Director of Public Affairs (m/f/d) at one of our officelocations in Germany or remotely (germanwide).
This role focuses on leading IU’s public affairs strategy, fostering high-level political relationships, and shaping policy to support our mission in education and innovation.
Your tasks
* Strategic Direction > Leadership:
Define and execute IU’s long-term public affairs vision, aligned with our institutional goals, societal mission, and regulatory context.
* Government > Stakeholder Relations:
Build and sustain senior-level relationships with federal and state ministries, parliamentarians, regulatory bodies, associations (e.g. VPH), and think tanks.
* Policy Foresight > Risk Management:
Monitor and interpret political, legislative, and regulatory trends; assess impact on IU; and proactively shape the agenda.
* Advocacy > Messaging:
Develop and deliver IU’s policy positions with key stakeholders; ensure IU is viewed as a credible voice in education, workforce development, and innovation (esp. digital/AI).
* Organisational Stewardship:
Establish and lead an internal public affairs governance structure; coordinate external consultants/agencies; and embed PA processes across the organisation.
* Board > Leadership Advisory:
Regularly brief the CEO and Board; provide strategic counsel on reputational, legislative, or policy risks and opportunities.
Your Profile
* Professional Experience:
5+ years of senior-level experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advocacy or regulatory strategy, ideally with exposure to education, digital, or regulated sectors with a strong network within the German national government.
* Leadership Track Record:
Proven ability to influence complex stakeholder environments and to lead cross-functional or matrixed teams. Experience representing an organisation at the C-level or ministerial level is essential.
* Expertise > Perspective:
Deep understanding of German federal and state-level political institutions and policy-making processes. Educational policy exposure is a plus.
* Skills > Attributes:
Exceptional strategic thinking, political acumen, and communication skills. Strong capacity for stakeholder diplomacy, consensus-building, and fast-turnaround policy response.
* Education:
Advanced degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
* Languages:
Native or fluent German and professional English required.
We offer
* Executive Visibility: Direct collaboration with the CEO, Board, and top-tier leadership across Germany’s largest university.
* Influence with Purpose: A chance to shape education policy and be part of a fast-growing university with societal impact at its core.
* Work wherever you want...: Digitalization is part of our DNA. Decide for yourself which place sparks the most productivity in you. You love remote work? No problem! Would you like to work abroad for a while? Our WorkFlex Benefit makes it possible.
* ... and flexible in terms of time: It's your job; We trust you and give you the greatest possible freedom to organize yourself.
* Take your knowledge to a new level: Where else, if not with us? Enjoy free access to all our e-learning platforms. In addition, we will finance you a complete technology course of your choice.
* Make your journey sustainable: Whether it's a DeutschlandTicket subsidized down to less than 9 euros or a Jobrad (bike leasing) offer, enjoy the freedom of mobility for both work and personal activities, while also making an eco-friendly choice.
* 33 days to rest: Taking breaks is important! In addition to 30 flexible vacation days per year, we also give you an extra day off on your birthday, as well as days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
IU International University of Applied Science (IU) is Germany's largest university of applied science – and we are not just an excellent choice for studying, but also an outstanding Great Place to Work®! As an Edutech company, we rely on state-of-the-art technology and data-driven approaches. That's why AI-driven voice assistants and other GPT systems have long become part of our daily work routine, helping us to focus on exciting projects. Here at IU over 4,000 employees are dedicated to making a difference.
Sounds like the perfect job for you? Then apply now! Simple, fast and even without a cover letter. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Anna-Lena Obenhaus via anna-lena.obenhaus@iu.org
Please note that, for data protection reasons, we are not allowed to process email applications.
Actions speak louder than words: We cherish our "Culture of Everyone" and would like to take this opportunity to empathize that we do not tolerate discrimination towards any race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome you as you are and look forward to nurturing our diverse community at the IU!