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.
JUNIOR PROJECT MANAGER
2 FULL-TIME POSITIONS AT EIT CULTURE &CREATIVITY UNTIL 31.12.2028
ABOUT THE POSITION
The EIT Higher Education Initiative (EIT HEI) Junior Project Managers will support the efficient and successful implementation of EIT Culture & Creativity’s cross-KIC education activities and will particularly contribute to manage the lifecycle of publicly funded projects under the prestigious EIT Higher Education Initiative.
The selected candidates will support the management of EIT HEI-funded project consortia and act as a key contact point for beneficiaries under the guidance of senior project management staff.
ABOUT THE TASK & MISSION
As EIT Higher Education Initiative Junior Project Manager you will:
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Support the management and monitoring of a portfolio of EIT Higher Education Initiative funded projects under the guidance of senior project management staff. This involves comprehensive planning, day-to-day management, and close monitoring of project activities, milestones, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure they are on track. It further includes the monitoring and collection of best practices and success stories.
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Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including project consortia members (universities, research institutions, businesses), the EIT Higher Education Initiative Coordination Team and the EIT Higher Education Initiative’s cross-KIC Project Management Team.
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Participate in regular team and status meetings, with the opportunity to attend EIT Higher Education Initiative in-person team meetings and flagship events.
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Contribute to the planning of and participate in online and offline EIT Higher Education Initiative events.
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Contribute to the ideation and development of initiative-level tools, templates and guidelines.
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Prepare analytical reports, synthesis reports, and presentations on project progress and impact for internal management.
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Support the identification of project risks (timeline, budget, scope) and contribute to the implementation of mitigation measures and corrective actions.
THE REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in your role, you must have:
Education
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A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Project Management, European Affairs, International Affairs, Higher Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Arts and Cultural Management, Creative Industries, Innovation Management, or a related field.
Experience
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Ideally initial professional experience in project coordination, project administration, project support, or a similar role. Experience with EU-funded programmes (e.g. Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, EIT), higher education projects, international projects, or grant-funded initiatives is considered an asset. Recent graduates with relevant internships, student assistant experience, or demonstrable project management experience are encouraged to apply.
Organisational skills
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Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work in a structured manner and monitor deadlines, deliverables, and project documentation. Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
Technical skills
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Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Experience with project management and collaboration tools is an advantage.
Language skills
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Excellent command of written and spoken English. Additional European languages are an asset.
Commitment
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Interest in European innovation, entrepreneurship, higher education, and the cultural and creative sectors. Motivation to contribute to the mission and growth of EIT Culture & Creativity.
Additional Assets
- The following would be considered advantageous but are not mandatory: Knowledge of EU institutions, policies, and funding programmes. Experience with higher education institutions, innovation ecosystems, or entrepreneurship programmes. Familiarity with reporting, monitoring, and impact assessment activities. Experience in international or multicultural working environments
WE OFFER
- Fixed-term employment contract until 31 December 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and organizational needs.
- Gross annual salary between EUR 40,000 and EUR 50,000, depending on experience, qualifications and country of employment.
- 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.
- Fast and flat processes, direct 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 flexibility to work remotely.
- Opportunity to work with leading European universities, innovators and entrepreneurs.
- Exposure to one of Europe's largest innovation ecosystems.
- Professional development and learning opportunities in EU-funded project management.
- International and multicultural working environment.
LOCATION
This position is primarily remote with periodic in-person engagements and some travel.
Please note that employment is only possible in Germany, Spain, or Italy. Applicants must be legally entitled to work and reside in one of these countries at the start of employment. EIT Culture & Creativity cannot offer employment contracts outside Germany, Spain, or Italy for this position (please see “About us”).
Candidates who do not currently reside in Germany, Spain, or Italy must be willing and able to relocate to one of these countries before commencing employment.
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 10 June 2026 might be subject to change; all changes will be made visible in future versions.