Communication & Partnership Manager

📍 Brussels | 🕒 Permanent contract – Full-time | 📅 Starting: as soon as possible

StartLab Brussels is looking for a Communication & Partnerships Manager to develop our strategic partnerships, drive our communication and marketing strategy and strengthen the visibility of our actions among young people and the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About StartLab.Brussels

Startlab.Brussels is a (pre)incubator for ambitious, innovative startups wishing to have a positive economic, environmental and/or societal impact. We help young entrepreneurs reach their full potential and develop the skills they need to launch and sustain their start-up!

Each year we support around 250 projects through an offer composed of structured programs, individual and group coaching, a large network of experts and coaches, a coworking space and a multitude of events to connect them to the community and the ecosystem!

StartLab.Brussels operates on a non-commercial model and benefits from the support of the ULB, the VUB, the Brussels-Capital Region, European funds, foundations and private sponsors. We are currently based in a Maison de Maître near Montgomery, with a central team of 7 FTEs.

More info on http://startlab.brussels

The rol

As a Communication & Partnerships Manager, you will have a key role to:

1. Develop and manage our partnerships (30%) 🤝

   • Be the first point of contact with our partners and the ecosystem (incubators, organizations, universities, institutions,...).

   • Identify, convince and retain sponsors and strategic partners.

   • Understand their needs and co-create high-value collaboration proposals.

   • Develop "non-financial" partnerships (e.g. freebies, promo codes, in-kind services).

   • Be an ambassador for the StartLab at external events, conferences and round tables, in collaboration with the management

   • Develop and maintain press relations, write and distribute press releases, identify media opportunities.

   • Increase the StartLab's notoriety and strengthen its presence with public, private and institutional actors.

2. Manage the communication and marketing strategy (30%) 📣

   • Translate the Lab's global reflections into a clear marketing strategy aligned with our objectives.

   • Co-define the positioning, visibility and awareness strategy of the StartLab, with the support of our Marketing & Communication officer.

   • Manage and optimize communication/marketing budgets.

   • Supervise the implementation by the Marketing & Communication Officer (content, social networks, SEO, campaigns).

   • Supervise the Marketing & Communication Officer: management, prioritization, feedback, annual evaluation,...

   • Coordinate one-off print & digital campaigns (e.g. awareness raising in universities, recruitment campaigns).

3. Design and manage our flagship events (30%) 🎉

   • Define the "why, how and with whom" of our major events (XXL Pitch, partner events, open days, aperitif pitches etc.).

   • Take the lead on the organization and ensure coordination between each party involved.

   • Working hand in hand with the team to have a maximum impact and transform these events into levers of visibility and partnerships.

   • Strengthen the presence of the StartLab with universities (ULB, VUB, Dutch-speaking universities) and their student networks (workshops, career fairs, awareness-raising).

4. Contribute to the overall strategy of the StartLab (10%) 🚀

   • To be a source of proposals to attract new projects and strengthen our reputation.

   • Actively participate in strategic thinking with the rest of the team and management.

   • Set up regular reporting (events, communication, awareness, partnerships) and ensure qualitative and quantitative monitoring.

• You have a master's degree and proven experience (medior/senior) – minimum 2-3 years of experience, in public relations, partnerships, business development, communication or marketing (or in a relevant field). 🎓

• You know how to take a step back, analyze issues and translate them into concrete strategy and action plan.

• You are comfortable managing external relationships and negotiating with partners. 🤝

• You are very well organized, able to manage several projects simultaneously; A first experience in project management is an asset.

• You are proactive· Solution-oriented, able to take initiatives and carry them out.

• You know how to communicate professionally with executives in the private sector and public sector players.

• You are trilingual (FR/NL/EN). A perfect command of Dutch is a must (oral and written). Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

• You have a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation ; Personal entrepreneurial experience is an asset.

• You are proficient in Word and Excel and are comfortable learning new computer tools on your own. 💻

• You are autonomous, smiling, with good listening skills and team spirit.

• Online application: Submit your CV and cover letter.

• Introductory interview (15 min, by phone): Short exchange to get to know each other and present your interest in the position.

• Physical maintenance: In-depth interview with the marketing team and management.

• Possible second interview & case: Depending on the first interview, a second exchange can be organized, including a practical case to assess your skills.

📌 Deadline to apply : Sunday, September 14