VP, Policy Development & GAC Relations

The Vice President, GAC Relations serves as ICANN’s primary strategic leader and relationship manager for the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). Operating within ICANN’s Policy Development Support function, this senior role ensures the GAC’s effective participation in policy and advice development, while aligning its work with ICANN’s Bylaws and operational procedures. The VP leads a global team and drives complex, cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen ICANN’s global policy ecosystem and community engagement.

• Act as the principal liaison and primary point of contact between ICANN and the GAC leadership.
• Guide policy agenda‑setting, strategic planning, and execution of the GAC’s work program.
• Facilitate collaboration and build consensus among diverse technical, political, and cultural stakeholders.
• Identify emerging risks, communicate impacts, and implement mitigation strategies to avoid adverse outcomes.
• Deliver high‑level written and verbal briefings to ICANN’s Board, CEO, and senior executives.
• Represent ICANN publicly, including presenting at global community and stakeholder events.

• Serve on the Policy Department leadership team, shaping organizational direction and participating in cross‑functional decision‑making.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a globally distributed team, ensuring strong performance and professional growth.
• Oversee a significant budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to support major programs and services.
• Create and manage initiatives that strengthen community groups’ efficiency and effectiveness in policy and advice development.
• Sponsor and lead large‑scale, complex, cross‑functional projects aligned with ICANN’s strategic objectives.

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of the Internet ecosystem, DNS, and ICANN’s policy structures.
• Diplomacy & Influence: Exceptional negotiation, mediation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with experience navigating high‑stakes, politically diverse environments.
• Leadership: Proven record of leading senior teams, guiding performance, and cultivating professional growth.
• Portfolio Management: Ability to manage a broad and complex portfolio of projects and services while maintaining strategic alignment and high‑quality delivery.
• Transparency & Accountability: Demonstrated success working in highly visible, procedurally transparent environments.
• Executive Communication: Strong capability in developing and delivering detailed reports, presentations, and speeches for international executive audiences.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments and global stakeholders.
• Judgment & Agility: Strong decision‑making skills with the adaptability needed to navigate ambiguity and evolving conditions.
• Compliance & Tools: Familiarity with organizational processes and proficiency with relevant collaboration and management tools.
• Innovation Mindset: Commitment to continuous improvement and thoughtful experimentation.

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in national or international policy development, implementation, or government relations, including at least 7 years of people and/or program management.
• Prior international professional experience is required.
• Significant exposure to executive leadership and board‑level engagement strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required;
  advanced degree (Public Policy, International Relations, or related field) is highly preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; proficiency in an additional United Nations official language strongly preferred.

• Work performed in an office or remote setting with typical environmental conditions.
• International travel required—approximately three multi‑day trips per year (7–10 days each), often across continents.
• Must be comfortable working across global time zones with occasional non‑standard hours.

Note:

The salary range provided here is a general estimation for the position at the time of posting based on the primary location. Salary ranges vary based upon geographic regions and countries. Final compensation packages take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to a candidate’s location, work experience, knowledge, skills and other compensable factors.