ABOUT EIT CULTURE & CREATIVITY
EIT Innovation Communities are designed as pan-European partnerships that bring together business, research centers and universities with the aim to tackle global challenges Europe faces, e.g. in Climate, Raw Materials, Urban Mobility or Manufacturing. For more please visit www.eit.europa.eu. The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) launched 2023 the building of the Innovation Community for the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI), called EIT Culture & Creativity (EIT CC).
EIT Culture & Creativity’s mission is to support growth, jobs and competitiveness in CCSI to compete on global markets through providing interventions to CCSI and sector-specific challenges in education, innovation and business creation and foster interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. In this way, EIT Culture and Creativity unlocks the innovative potential of its fragmented ecosystem, contributing to Europe's triple transition and building a new understanding of competitive entrepreneurship. We will focus on the following priority areas, each having its unique challenges and a need for intervention while representing a significant share of the EU CCSI workforce and revenue: Architecture, Audiovisual, Cultural Heritage, Gaming and Fashion.
To represent the diversity of the CCSI stakeholders, from profit to non-for-profit organizations, EIT Culture & Creativity set up a two-strand governance under German law: A nonprofit association (EIT CCSI e.V.) and a Limited Company (EIT Culture & Creativity GmbH), both legally registered in Cologne.
EIT Culture and Creativity GmbH (EIT CC) is funded in the first years by grants of the EIT, while the EIT CCSI e.V. receives membership fees from its partners to provide, under German law tax exempt, services for the CCSI ecosystem. EIT Culture & Creativity aims to become financially sustainable and independent from public grants or membership fees over the course of 15 years. Starting from 2025, EIT CC will execute an investment portfolio approach holding equity in the start-ups and scale-ups that join its various Business Creation and Innovation programmes. In the long term, EIT Culture and Creativity aims to be financially sustainable by the returns from these investments and equity, effectively acting as an impact investor.
For more please visit our website.
EIT Culture & Creativity now invites applications for the position of:
CHIEF OUTREACH AND MARKETING OFFICER
1 FULL-TIME POSITION AT EIT CULTURE &CREATIVITY
ABOUT THE POSITION
Join Us as Our Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer (m/f/d)
Executive Leadership Role | Shaping Impact at the Highest Level
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for strategic communication, brand building, and ecosystem development? We are looking for an inspiring Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer (COMO) to take our outreach, marketing, and partnership strategy to the next level.
In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind our brand, voice, and presence — leading the development and execution of our outreach, marketing, branding, and partner engagement strategies. You will also shape our regional ecosystem approach to strengthen our impact and visibility across key markets.
As COMO, you will report directly to the CEO and serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team — playing a critical role in the organisation’s long-term growth, positioning, and mission delivery.
ABOUT THE TASK & MISSION
The COMO’s work spans 4 strategic pillars:
1. Partner Engagement
Cultivate and expand relationships with EIT Culture & Creativity's e.V. members and shareholders (including universities, industry leaders, and cultural institutions) across diverse CCSI (Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries) domains.
2. Outreach & Marketing
Drive the visibility, reputation, and positioning of EIT Culture & Creativity through targeted campaigns, branding, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Regional Network Management
Lead and support the regional innovation network by managing the CLC (Co-Location Centre) Directors. Oversee regional operations with responsibility for budgets and performance, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Agenda and Business Plan.
4. EU & Global Representation
Represent EIT Culture & Creativity in Brussels and work closely with EIT Headquarters in Budapest. Build strong relationships with international partners and global networks across media, technology, and the creative industries.
THE TASKS
This senior position requires a unique combination of strategic vision, operational leadership, and global outreach experience. As COMO, you will not only lead key organisational functions but also serve as a publicfacing ambassador for EIT Culture & Creativity.
You will represent the organisation at international events and high-level meetings, building strong relationships with senior figures across industry, policymaking, and academia.
Your key accountabilities include:
Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive outreach, branding, and marketing strategy aligned with the organisation’s mission, KPIs, and long-term financial sustainability.
- Provide strategic leadership on communication with EU institutions, national governments, international bodies, industry associations, investors, and CCSI stakeholders.
Partnership & Ecosystem Development
- Manage partner engagement across the EIT Culture & Creativity ecosystem, ensuring active involvement of e.V. members who are shareholders of the GmbH.
- Establish and nurture long-term partnerships across the audiovisual, gaming, fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, performing arts, design, and media sectors.
Regional Network Oversight
- Manage the CLC (Co-Location Centre) Directors, with responsibility for regional budgets, staff performance, and operational outcomes.
- Ensure regional activities contribute to ecosystem development and local stakeholder engagement, in full alignment with the Strategic Agenda and Business Plan.
EU and International Representation
- Coordinate closely with EIT Headquarters in Budapest to align communications and stakeholder engagement with EIT strategic priorities.
- Represent EIT Culture & Creativity on the international stage, building relationships and visibility with stakeholders across Europe and globally.
Branding & Communications
- Oversee the design and implementation of integrated, multi-channel campaigns (digital, social, media relations, events) that drive awareness and engagement.
- Ensure consistent and compelling branding and messaging across all platforms, including the Digital Hub, partner channels, and public events.
Public Representation & Thought Leadership
- Act as a spokesperson and moderator at high-profile international events, positioning EIT Culture & Creativity as a leader in innovation, partnerships, and the creative economy.
Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Lead and mentor a cross-functional team spanning marketing, communications, public affairs, CLCs, and Regional Hubs.
- Drive a collaborative and high-performance culture, fostering creativity, accountability, and knowledge sharing.
Impact Measurement & Optimisation
- Monitor and evaluate the performance and ROI of communication, outreach, and engagement activities, using data to inform continuous improvement.
THE REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in your role, you must have
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. marketing, communications, public affairs, international relations, cultural management, or equivalent).
- Minimum of 15 years of senior-level professional experience in international marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement, or public affairs. •
- Proven global track record in building and managing strategic partnerships across multiple countries.
- Demonstrated success working within the audiovisual/media, technology, digital platforms, fashion, gaming, architecture, cultural heritage, or other creative sectors.
- Established international network of senior leaders in media, entertainment, and/or creative industries.
- Experience in line management, including responsibility for staff supervision, budget oversight, and performance management.
- Excellent command of English (spoken and written); proficiency in German or another EU language is considered a strong asset.
- Solid understanding of EU institutions, funding instruments, and international innovation ecosystems.
- High level of proficiency in digital marketing tools, analytics, and collaborative IT platforms.
Desirable (Nice to Have)
- Experience in international business development and organisational scaling across multiple countries.
- Familiarity with EU-funded programmes (e.g. EIT, Horizon Europe, Creative Europe).
- Recognised public speaking or moderation experience at high-level events in innovation, creative industries, or digital transformation.
- Experience working in public-private partnerships or member-based organisations (e.g. e.V., associations, or foundations).
WE OFFER
This is a unique opportunity to join a growing European innovation community and contribute to shaping the future of culture and creativity across Europe and beyond. As COMO, you will benefit from:
- A senior leadership role with pan-European and global impact, within one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
- The opportunity to shape the organisation’s visibility, partnerships, regional outreach, and international positioning.
- A collaborative, international team culture with a start-up mindset, flat hierarchies, and the freedom to innovate.
- Modern office space in Cologne, a presence in Brussels, and access to regional hubs across Europe.
- A competitive and attractive compensation package, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role.
LOCATION
This position is preferably based in Germany, with remote work flexibility, ideally in the Cologne area. Other locations may be considered, provided the candidate lives in or is willing to relocate to one of the countries where EIT Culture & Creativity has established legal entities (Co-Location Centre, please see “Regional Hubs”). The candidate should be flexible to attend regular on-site meetings in Cologne and, occasionally, to travel to other EIT Culture & Creativity sites across Europe. Candidates should be willing and available for frequent international travel.
By the closing date of this call candidates must have a working 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 rounds at EIT Culture & Creativity (either HQ or a Hub) 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:
I. Europass Curriculum Vitae, Europass CV https://europass.europa.eu/en/create-europass-cv.
II. A motivation letter describing briefly how you meet the criteria outlined and your vision for the role (no longer than 2 DIN-A4 pages).
Please apply here by clicking on the position title: Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer
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 23 November 2025 at 18:00pm (CET). 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 us your application now!