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.

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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.

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- 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.

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:





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- 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

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- 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.

Monitor partner engagement and satisfaction, ensuring retention and continuous value delivery.

Business Development

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- 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.

Represent EIT CC at events to increase visibility and attract new partners and investors.

Ecosystem & Programmes Impact

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- 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

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- Several years of experience in account management, business development, or growth roles.

- Proven track record in:

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- 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.

- Proactive orientation on solutions in complex processes, and iterative improvement mindset, e.g. design thinking, business model canvas, agile project management.

- Attention to and passion for detail and thoroughness, patience, and empathy in stressful situations.

- 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

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- A competitive base salary at around EUR 68,000 – 72,000 per year depending on experience, with benefits.

- An annual performance-based premio 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.

PREFERRED STARTING DATE

The starting date of the vacancy is as soon as possible.

REPORTING

The Business Development Manager will report to the Director of the EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South.

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. xysqume We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

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📌 Business Development Manager Hub South (Bologna)
🏢 EIT Culture & Creativity
📍 Bologna