Communications Manager - EU Projects

Job Location: Leuven, Belgium, Madrid, Spain, Munich, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Warsaw, Poland, Zamudio, Spain ABOUT EIT FOOD At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future‑fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions‑led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work. Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation. Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System. EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries. The Communications unit engages a wide range of stakeholders on behalf of the organisation, advancing its mission and reinforcing EIT Food's position as Europe's largest and most dynamic food innovation ecosystem. It plays a pivotal role in building brand value, strengthening reputation, and expanding our network. This is achieved through the development and delivery of integrated communication and marketing strategies aligned with EIT Food's overall strategy. The remit spans media relations, digital and online channels, public and community relations, events, sponsorship, internal communications, brand and issues management, and marketing. The Communications Manager – EU Projects role is part of the Brand & Communications team, which plays a pivotal role in building brand value, strengthening reputation, and expanding our network. The team’s remit spans media relations, digital and online channels, as well as brand and issues management. Working in a project‑based way and supporting bid writing and delivery, the role supports funded initiatives and organisational priorities, making a tangible impact for EIT Food by driving high‑quality communication and dissemination. You will play a coordination role in future funding opportunities with a communications requirement; support bid writing; drive engagement on communication projects with various departments and partners; coordinate urgent tasks; seek out opportunities for improvement; and maintain oversight of assigned project priorities and communication work packages. This role will also serve as an adviser to new funding opportunities and help design and execute work packages for future projects funded by EIT, public (mainly EU), philanthropic, or private sources. The Communications Manager – EU Projects needs to thrive in a dynamic environment by being flexible, hands‑on, and equally comfortable shifting between strategic thinking and tactical execution. This role requires the ability to collaborate seamlessly with senior executives and external partners while also engaging deeply with subject matter experts across the organisation. A strategic mindset, adaptability, and a strong sense of ownership are essential to drive impactful results in this fast‑paced, cross‑functional setting. You will work as part of our motivated Brand & Communications team, reporting to the Director of Brand & Communications and working closely with EIT Food teams and project consortia to deliver important content to our EIT Food network, partners, and influential food system stakeholders. RESPONSIBILITIES Coordinate the high‑quality delivery of externally funded (primarily EU) communications work packages. This includes developing the best approach to deliver successful bids across the team, as well as contributing to proposal writing and planning alongside cross‑functional teams. Develop and implement integrated communication plans for assigned projects. Implementation tasks can range from social media management; creating visuals (Canva); drafting press releases; managing websites; conducting interviews; organising events and creating video content. Manage budgets, reporting, timely delivery, and stakeholder management of assigned communications work packages, including representing EIT Food at consortia meetings (online and/or on‑site). Procure required communication or design services for assigned work packages in line with EIT Food’s guidelines. Ensure consistency by supporting the colleagues across the communication unit (e.g. quality and reporting of communications‑focused work packages for new funding opportunities) Contribute to the delivery of strategic content (e.g., success stories, videos) for assigned projects, working closely with the Channel and Content Manager and the editorial team to ensure content creation efficiency and visibility of project outcomes. Develop EIT & EIT Governing Board targeted communications and campaigns that showcase our successes and highlight our achievements, including Governing Board Rapporteur activity. Subject to capacity planning, the role may contribute to the broader work of the EIT Food communications unit, supporting the delivery of communication and dissemination activities across the organisation. The scope of responsibilities may vary over time depending on EIT Food’s strategic priorities, emerging needs, and team capacity, so we expect that you will have had in‑depth experience across the majority of these responsibilities. These may include: Business Development (Third‑Party Funded Work) Media Relations & Reputation Management Brand Leadership & Governance Event Support EIT Community Communications Support EXPERIENCE & SKILLS At least 7 years ’ experience in management‑focused communications roles or equivalent—ideally in a complex or matrixed environment. At least 3 years of experience working as a communications expert in a multi‑country Horizon Europe (or H2020)‑funded project in a leading role (work package lead). Understanding of GDPR rules and EU visual identity/acknowledgement rules for funded projects. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; additional European languages (e.g., Polish or French) are an asset. To contribute effectively to both your core responsibilities and, where capacity allows, to the broader work of the EIT Food Brand & Communications team, we expect this communications generalist to bring demonstrable experience across the following areas: Core Communication Expertise Content Creation: Developing engaging, audience‑specific content across formats and platforms. Exceptional writing and editing skills: able to adapt tone and structure to fit distinct audiences while maintaining a clear brand narrative. Strategic Communication: Understanding how to align communications activities and projects with organisational goals. Strategic experience leading or evolving brand identity and storytelling across multiple platforms, audiences, and organisational contexts. Demonstrable expertise in developing and applying brand guidelines, tone‑of‑voice frameworks, and cross‑channel messaging systems. Campaigns, Events & Operational Support Event Support: Assisting with planning, logistics, and communications for events. Channels, PR & Content Delivery Channel Management: Operating and optimising communication channels, including digital and internal platforms. Public Relations: Media relations, press release writing, and reputation management. Strong understanding of digital content platforms and analytical tools to assess and optimise performance. Experience managing long‑term content calendars, planning structures, and approval workflows across teams. Collaboration & Ways of Working Collaboration and Project Management: Working effectively within a team and across departments to deliver integrated communications to plan. Excellent planning, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to coach and influence colleagues towards higher‑quality communication. Comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy on highly visible or cross‑organisational content activities. Experience managing designers, communications contractors, and/ or media/PR agencies (although this will be limited, as the majority of communications activities will be delivered in‑house and carefully planned based on team capacity). Experience & Context Solid experience of hands‑on communications delivery within mission‑led, international, or public sector/EU settings. Experience in the agrifood industry is a plus. Mindset & Future Orientation Proactive, curious, and strategically minded: able to take the lead on identifying opportunities and shaping new editorial approaches. Willingness to embrace an AI‑first approach to communications. Above all, you care about EIT Food’s mission and want to use your skills to help build a healthier, fairer, more sustainable food system. WHAT WE OFFER Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Together, we’re making a real impact on the food industry and we’re looking for talented individuals like you to join us. As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and benefits package. CONTRACT TYPE Full‑time position. LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY This role can be based in any of our six locations: Belgium, UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain or Poland. To be eligible, you must be based in one of these locations and have the legal right to work there. Within your chosen location, we offer flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, depending on local policies and requirements. Occasional travel within Europe. APPLICATION We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. EIT Food always reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. #J-18808-Ljbffr