Listed on Orbital Diplomat 1 Aug 2026
ClearSpace is the world's leading active debris removal and in-orbit servicing company, contracted by ESA to deliver the world's first commercial debris removal mission. As space sustainability becomes a policy and regulatory priority across European institutions, national space agencies, and international bodies, ClearSpace is building the institutional business development function to grow its pipeline with public-sector and institutional customers. This Director of Business Development – Institutional focuses on public-sector and institutional customers including the European Commission, wider EU bodies, ESA, national space agencies across Europe and beyond, and multilateral organisations engaged in space sustainability governance. The postholder will develop and own ClearSpace's institutional pipeline, build senior-level relationships across the European space governance landscape, lead proposal and contracting strategies for ESA and EC-funded programmes, and contribute to ClearSpace's engagement with evolving regulatory frameworks for active debris removal and space traffic management. For space governance and policy professionals with deep institutional networks and experience navigating ESA, EU, or national agency procurement processes, this role offers a unique opportunity to translate ClearSpace's technical leadership in space sustainability into long-term institutional partnerships at the frontier of space governance implementation.
Significant experience in business development, institutional relations, or public affairs in the European space sector Deep understanding of ESA and EU institutional procurement processes including GSTP, ARTES, Horizon Europe, and European Defence Fund frameworks Established relationships with senior decision-makers across ESA, the European Commission, and European national space agencies Experience leading complex institutional proposals and managing relationships across multiple jurisdictions Strong understanding of the space sustainability governance landscape including active debris removal regulatory developments Excellent written and oral communication skills for institutional and government audiences Knowledge of French, German, or other European languages an asset