ABOUT EIT CULTURE & CREATIVITY
EIT Culture & Creativity is the institutional partnership dedicated to helping European cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI) to become more sustainable, resilient, and competitive.
Launched in 2023 by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, an EU body, we provide access to funding, knowledge, and tailored support. As part of the largest European innovation network, we build lasting connections between research, industry, academia, and cultural institutions.
- Our vision is to fundamentally strengthen the CCSI as a vital force for transformation—economically, socially, and environmentally.
- Our mission is to drive responsible growth in and beyond the CCSI through innovation, education, business creation and societal transformation.
Our first focus is on five key areas: architecture, gaming, fashion, cultural heritage, audio-visual and media. We support innovators every step of the way to scale their ideas, translate innovation into impact, and redefine what entrepreneurship means today.
We are present across 30 countries, with our HQ in Cologne, and Regional Hubs in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bologna, Helsinki, Košice, and Vienna — building a powerful ecosystem that transcends silos, sectors and localization.
We believe that culture and creativity are not luxuries, but constitute a critical infrastructure for resilience, renewal and economic growth. Whether you are a creative innovator, a company, a university, a research center, a cultural institution, an investor, a policymaker, a civic leader or someone on a learning journey, we invite you to join us in imaging desirable futures for Europe.
Find out more at www.eit-culture-creativity.eu.
Business Development Manager - South
1 FULL-TIME POSITION AT EIT CULTURE &CREATIVITY
ABOUT THE POSITION
The EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South is looking for a Business Development Manager who together with the Director is responsible for the EIT Culture & Creativity South region, managing the partnership community and wider ecosystem in the countries Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Israel, Turkey.
The primary objective of this role is to grow and strengthen the EIT Culture & Creativity ecosystem across Southern Europe through partner acquisition, account growth, stakeholder engagement and revenue generation.
In addition to developing new business opportunities, the role is strongly focused on managing and growing existing partnerships, ensuring high engagement, partner acquisition, retention, and expansion within the EIT Culture & Creativity ecosystem South.
The role also collaborates closely with a team of Business Development Managers across Europe to drive ecosystem growth, strengthen partner engagement, expand the reach of EIT Culture & Creativity, and contribute to revenue generation across the wider European network.
The successful candidate will:
- Act as a primary relationship manager for partners, startups, scaleups and institutional stakeholders;
- Drive account growth strategies (upselling, cross-selling, long-term partnerships, membership expansion);
- Ensure strong stakeholder satisfaction and continuous engagement across the region;
- Contribute to revenue generation and pipeline development, balancing new business acquisition with account development.
Furthermore, the selected candidate supports the Director in strategic planning, reporting, stakeholder engagement and regional ecosystem development.
ABOUT THE TASK & MISSION
As Business Development Manager you will:
Account Management & Growth
- Manage and grow a portfolio of key accounts (startups, corporates, institutions, partners).
- Identify and implement growth opportunities within existing accounts (upselling services, memberships, sponsorships).
- Identify, engage and onboard new strategic partners across the region.
- Build long-term, trust-based relationships with stakeholders across the region.
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Monitor partner engagement and satisfaction, ensuring retention and continuous value delivery.
Business Development
- Identify and develop new business opportunities and revenue streams.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects across the region.
- Generate leads and close strategic partnerships.
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Represent EIT Culture & Creativity at events to increase visibility and attract new partners/investors.
Ecosystem & Programmes Impact
- Support acceleration, innovation and education activities.
- Scout investors and partners for the Investment Network.
- Facilitate access to the EIT CC network for SMEs and stakeholders.
- Contribute to EU-funded projects and programme development.
THE REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in your role, you must have:
- Several years of experience in account management, business development, or growth roles.
- Proven track record in:
- Managing and growing client/partner portfolios;
- Developing leads and closing deals;
- Building long-term business relationships.
- Experience in stakeholder management within complex ecosystems (multi-stakeholder / EU environment preferred).
- Experience in project management and delivery of innovation/community initiatives.
- Strong commercial mindset with ability to identify growth opportunities.
- Strong network in the Cultural & Creative Sectors or a demonstrable ability to build and manage strategic stakeholder networks.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Italian and in English.
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Proactive orientation on solutions in complex processes, and iterative improvement mindset, e.g. design thinking, business model canvas, agile project management.
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Attention to and passion for detail and thoroughness, patience, and empathy in stressful situations.
Desirable Skills:
- Entrepreneurial or SME experience.
- Experience with EU funding programmes (Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, etc.).
- Experience in managing multi-country partnerships or consortia.
- Sector expertise in one of the priority industries (Fashion, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Audiovisual, Gaming).
WE OFFER
- A competitive base salary at around EUR 68,000 – 72,000 per year depending on experience, with benefits.
- An annual performance-based bonus opportunity of up to 10% of the annual gross salary, subject to individual and company performance.
- Participation in building a company with ambition to contribute to the future of Europe.
- Work with leading startups, universities, corporates and public institutions across Europe.
- Fast and flat processes, straight internal communication, low hierarchies, and freedom to operate.
- An organization with a dynamic and friendly team with modern and well-located office facilities and the option to work hybrid.
LOCATION
The position is based in the EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South Office at le Serre di Art-er in via Castiglione 136 in Bologna. The selected candidate is expected to work 2-3 days per week from the Bologna office. Remote work is possible according to company policy.
Regular travel across the South region is expected; however, the role is primarily office and relationship-management based.
By the closing date of this call candidates must have a work permit valid to work in the country of employment.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
EIT Culture & Creativity aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfil their potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our success, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EIT Culture & Creativity provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
SELECTION PROCESS
A Selection Committee of experts will be appointed to carry out the evaluation of applications submitted. Please note that the Selection Committee´s internal proceedings are strictly confidential for avoiding conflicts of interest. Shortlisted candidates are invited to virtual interviews in the first rounds and to a personal interview in the final round at EIT Culture & Creativity GmbH with the Selection Committee. Candidates may be asked to provide proof of qualifications, background, skills, and experience by providing relevant documents. Candidates can be also invited for interviews on other now or formerly open job vacancies of the EIT Culture & Creativity.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A complete application should consist of:
- A detailed CV demonstrating relevant experience
- A motivation letter describing briefly how you meet the criteria outlined and your vision for the role (no longer than 2 DIN-A4 pages).
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Please apply here by clicking on the position title:
Business Development Manager South
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Important: The application should be written in English. Only complete applications will be evaluated (full curriculum vitae and motivation letter, in two separate files). The job vacancy will be open until 1 August 2026 (18:00 CEST). For questions regarding the application process, please contact [email protected]. If you would like to learn more about the EIT Culture & Creativity, visit www.eit-culture-creativity.eu.
Take the lead in this exciting journey – send your application now!
DISCLAIMER
The document dated 8 June 2026 might be subject to change; all changes will be made visible in future versions.