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.
Director Regional Hub South-East & Alps (SEA)
1 FULL-TIME POSITION AT EIT CULTURE &CREATIVITY
ABOUT THE POSITION
EIT Culture & Creativity is seeking an experienced and internationally connected leader for the position of the Director Regional Hub South-East & Alps (SEA).
The Director will lead the strategic development, operational management, ecosystem engagement, and regional growth of SEA. The role requires a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial profile with strong experience in cultural and creative ecosystems, international stakeholder management, innovation initiatives, fundraising, and organisational development.
The successful candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on implementation capabilities and is able to position the Regional Hub SEA as a key innovation and partnership platform across the region
ABOUT THE TASK & MISSION
Strategic Leadership & Ecosystem Development
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Lead the strategic development and positioning of the Regional Hub SEA within the EIT Culture & Creativity ecosystem.
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Build and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems across the Cultural & Creative Sectors and Industries.
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Develop long-term partnerships with cultural institutions, media organisations, public authorities, universities, innovation actors, startups, and industry stakeholders.
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Support the implementation of EIT Culture & Creativity’s Strategic Agenda and Business Plan at regional level.
Partnership & Stakeholder Management
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Manage and expand a strong network of regional and international partners.
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Foster collaboration across public and private sectors and facilitate cross-sector innovation initiatives.
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Represent EIT Culture & Creativity at international conferences, policy discussions, ecosystem events, and stakeholder meetings.
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Act as key contact point for regional stakeholders and institutional partners.
Innovation, Business Development & Fundraising
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Identify strategic opportunities for innovation programmes, collaborative initiatives, and ecosystem growth.
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Support startup, scale-up, and innovation activities across the region.
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Contribute to fundraising and co-financing activities, including European, national, and regional funding opportunities.
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Develop sustainable partnership and engagement models.
Operational & Organisational Management
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Provide disciplinary and functional leadership for the Regional Hub SEA team and drive the further development and expansion of the regional organisational structure.
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Hold overall budget responsibility for the Regional Hub SEA, including financial planning, resource allocation, budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.
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Ensure effective implementation of activities, programmes, and events.
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Contribute to the development of scalable organisational structures and collaborative working models.
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Lead and coordinate regional teams, experts, and external contributors.
THE REQUIREMENTS
The position is particularly suited for senior professionals with demonstrated experience in working with broadcasters, cultural institutions, European networks, innovation platforms, startup initiatives, and international partnerships in the SEA region.
EDUCATION
- University degree in business, management, arts, culture, media, innovation, or related disciplines.
experience:
- Extensive experience in leadership roles within cultural, creative, media, innovation, or international organisations.
- Strong expertise in stakeholder and membership management across international environments.
- Proven experience in partnership development and ecosystem building.
- Experience in fundraising, financial oversight, and management of European or international projects/programmes.
- Strong understanding of innovation, digital transformation, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic and operational capabilities.
- Excellent communication, representation, and networking skills.
- Experience working across international and multicultural environments.
- Strong affinity with the mission and societal impact goals of EIT Culture & Creativity.
Additional assets include:
- Experience in startup ecosystems or innovation-driven ventures.
- Experience in media, digital platforms, or creative technology initiatives.
- Existing European and international networks within the cultural and creative sectors.
ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and German required; additional European languages are considered an asset.
WE OFFER
- Opportunity to shape one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems for culture and creativity.
- Dynamic international working environment with strong European visibility.
- High-level stakeholder engagement across policy, industry, culture, innovation, and academia.
- Opportunity to contribute to systemic transformation through culture, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- The gross annual base salary for this position ranges between EUR 100,000 and EUR 120,000 (full-time), depending on qualifications, professional experience, and demonstrated track record.
- The position is also eligible to participate in EIT Culture & Creativity's annual performance bonus scheme with a target bonus opportunity of up to 10% of the annual base salary, subject to the applicable bonus plan and performance criteria.
LOCATION
This position is based in our Regional Hub South-East & Alps in Vienna, Austria.
For more insights: Regional Hub South-East/Alps | EIT Culture & Creativity
Candidates must live in or be willing to move to Austria.
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.
DISCLAIMER
The document dated 8 June 2026 might be subject to change; all changes will be made visible in future versions.