Director, Global Affairs & Communications
Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar‑powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.
Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight‑time record is over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60 000+ ft, or 20 km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct‑to‑device connectivity and high‑resolution Earth observation.
AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most air traffic and low‑Earth orbit, Stratospace. Here high‑altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. AALTO can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.
Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly‑skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can unlock Stratospace.
Purpose
The Director, Global Affairs & Communications is responsible for protecting and enhancing AALTO’s reputation. This includes guiding the business’s external positioning, government relations & public affairs, and corporate communications (internal and external).
Reporting to the VP Sales, with a strong functional interface with the CEO, the role ensures coherent, credible, and high‑impact engagement with governments, executive‑level members of regulators, global media, and strategic stakeholders.
This is a senior level role required to shape AALTO’s external and internal narratives, secure its licence to operate, and support commercial and regulatory success.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead global government relations and public affairs strategy, focusing on securing regulatory approvals and sovereign access.
* Act as primary interface with governments, regulators, and political stakeholders across key markets (e.g., UK, Kenya, Australia).
* Define and execute AALTO’s external narrative aligned with business milestones (funding rounds, operational progress, commercial validation).
* Oversee all external and internal corporate communications, including media relations and executive messaging.
* Support CEO and CFO in investor communications and strategic positioning for fundraising.
* Enable market entry strategies through targeted political engagement, stakeholder mapping, and advocacy.
* Act as a senior spokesperson and prepare executive leadership for key external engagements.
* Act as a senior spokesperson and prepare executive leadership for key internal engagements (e.g., monthly all‑hands).
Key Competencies
* Strong experience in government relations, public affairs or corporate communications.
* Proven ability to engage and influence senior external stakeholders.
* Excellent communication and narrative‑building capability.
* Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial drivers.
* Ability to balance strategic storytelling with operational credibility.
* Leadership and team‑building capability.
* Proven track record in managing media and communications.
Success Measures
* Improved regulatory access and strengthened government relationships.
* Clear, credible, and consistent external narrative aligned with company progress.
* Increased investor confidence and support during funding cycles.
* Enhanced visibility and positioning of AALTO in priority markets.
* Successful support of market entry and commercial partnerships.
Benefits
At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well‑being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work‑life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
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