Communications & External Relations Manager

Permanent contract (Full-time - from April)

StartLab.Brussels is looking for a Communications and External Relations Manager (ENG/NL/FR) to lead our strategic communication and marketing efforts, strengthen our visibility and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, sponsors, coaches and external collaborators. You will play a central role in the positioning of StartLab.Bruxelles and in amplifying our impact within the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Your mission

As Head of Communication and External Relations, you will lead StartLab's external positioning, communication strategy and strategic partnerships. You will design and deliver a consistent approach to communication and marketing, manage budgets and be the main point of contact for external relations.

1. Lead strategic communications and marketing (40%)

Operational execution is carried out by the content and communications manager.

• Develop a clear and concrete communication and marketing strategy, aligned with StartLab's mission and objectives.

• Define positioning, key messages, visibility objectives, and outreach priorities across all channels.

• Manage and optimize the communication and marketing budget.

• Provide strategic direction and supervise the Content and Communications Manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operational tasks of communication (content creation, social media, newsletters, visuals, etc.).

• Oversee and ensure the quality, consistency, and alignment of all communication outputs.

• Coordinate and guide the creation and deployment of targeted marketing and awareness campaigns (universities, recruitment, visibility of the ecosystem).

• Ensure consistency in tone of voice, imagery, messaging, and brand identity across all communication mediums and channels.

2. Develop and manage external relationships and strategic partnerships (40%)

With an additional focus on clear communication strategies for external relations and partner engagement.

• Act as the main point of contact for external stakeholders: universities, incubators, institutions, organizations, sponsors and coaches.

• Identify, attract and secure new strategic partners – including sponsors – in collaboration with the StartLab Director (pitch presentations, proposals, tenders).

• Build strong relationships and co-create high-value collaborations, tailored to partner needs.

• Strengthen StartLab's visibility with public, private and institutional players through strategic communication efforts.

• Represent StartLab at ecosystem events, conferences and gatherings.

• Cultivate media relationships, write press releases, and identify media opportunities that strengthen our positioning.

• Manage StartLab's LinkedIn account

3. Overseeing key strategic events (15%)

• Define the objective, design, target audience and partnerships for StartLab's flagship events (XXL Pitch, open days, partner events, etc.).

• Coordinate planning, budgeting, logistics, and communication to ensure maximum visibility and impact.

• Strengthen the presence of StartLab within the ULB, the VUBI and other university networks (workshops, job fairs, awareness-raising activities).

4. Contribute to the overall strategic development of StartLab (5%)

• Actively participate in internal and management discussions on organizational strategy.

• Suggest initiatives to attract new entrepreneurial projects and increase brand visibility.

• Produce regular reports on communication, events, outreach initiatives and partnerships.

Your profile

• Holder of a master's degree with at least 4 to 5 years of proven experience in communication, external relations, partnerships, public relations, business development or marketing.

• A strong strategic thinker, able to translate complex challenges into clear strategies and action plans.

• Competent communicator, confident in managing high-level external relations (public, private and institutional stakeholders).

• Excellent organizational and project management skills; Able to effectively manage multiple priorities.

• A strong and practical mind, eager to roll up his sleeves and actively contribute in the field, in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

• Proactive, solution-oriented and able to drive initiatives autonomously.

• Language skills: English is the main working language at StartLab.Bruxelles. Given our bilingual team and ecosystem, a good command of Dutch is mandatory – French is a plus.

• A strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation; Personal entrepreneurial experience is an asset.

• A team player with strong listening skills and a positive, collaborative attitude.

• Good command of Adobe Creative Suite or Canva and Excel.

The selection process will include two rounds of interviews:

• Application deadline: March 4

• Interviews: March 12–24

  • First step: interview to assess motivation, experience and alignment with StartLab's mission and ways of working

  • Second round: interview including a practical case related to communication and external relations

• Final Decision: Candidate selected by March 27

The selected candidate is expected to start around April 6.