Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Communication Section

at European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

🏢 About European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is a unique EU body that drives innovation across Europe by connecting education, research, and business. Working at EIT means contributing to Europe's innovation ecosystem and collaborating with a diverse community of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) focused on pressing global challenges. This role offers the opportunity to shape the narrative of European innovation while working remotely with occasional presence at the Budapest seat.

About This Role

As Head of Communication Section, you'll lead external communications to boost awareness of the EIT Community's achievements, managing everything from strategic planning to content creation and financial oversight. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence how Europe's innovation successes are perceived by stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. You'll also develop internal processes and manage procurement/grants, making this both a strategic and operational leadership position.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with KIC communication teams to align messaging, reviewing content for external channels, managing procurement processes for communication services, and developing strategies to showcase innovation achievements. You'd balance strategic planning with operational oversight while ensuring all communications meet EU standards and effectively tell the EIT Community's story.

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🎯 Who European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Is Looking For

  • Experienced EU institution communicator who understands how to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and EU communication protocols
  • Strategic thinker with proven ability to develop and evaluate communication strategies for multi-faceted organizations like the EIT Community
  • Operational leader comfortable managing budgets, procurement processes, and grant procedures within EU regulatory frameworks
  • Content creator who can translate complex innovation achievements into engaging narratives for diverse audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

1

Explicitly address your experience with EU temporary staff (TA) procedures and reserve list processes, as this is specifically mentioned in the call

2

Highlight any Budapest or remote EU institution experience, as the role is remote but requires connection to the Budapest seat

3

Demonstrate understanding of the EIT's unique structure by mentioning specific KICs (Knowledge and Innovation Communities) you're familiar with

4

Include concrete examples of managing communication for complex, multi-stakeholder organizations similar to the EIT Community

5

Show how you've previously strengthened awareness and visibility for innovation-focused organizations, not just general communications

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with EU institution communication strategies and temporary staff procedures', 'Specific examples of managing external communications for innovation or research organizations', "How you've previously increased visibility and understanding of complex organizational achievements", 'Your approach to developing internal processes for communication section efficiency']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The specific Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) under the EIT and their recent achievements
  • → EIT's current communication channels and recent campaigns to understand their existing approach
  • → EU communication protocols and how they apply to EU bodies like EIT
  • → The EIT's Strategic Innovation Agenda and how communication supports its implementation

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a communication strategy to increase awareness of the EIT Community's specific achievements?
2 Describe your experience managing procurement and grant procedures within EU regulatory frameworks
3 How would you create engaging content about technical innovation achievements for non-expert audiences?
4 What internal processes would you implement to improve the Communication Section's efficiency?
5 How would you coordinate communication across the diverse EIT Community (multiple KICs with different focus areas)?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic corporate communication experience without EU/institutional context
  • Failing to address the operational/financial management aspects of the role
  • Not demonstrating understanding of the EIT's unique community structure and innovation focus

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)!

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