Are you passionate about building innovation ecosystems, connecting startups with industry leaders, and driving real impact in one of Europe’s most exciting tech hubs? CIC Berlin is looking for a visionary leader to join us as Director of Innovation and Ecosystem Services. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping Berlin’s innovation landscape—developing strategic partnerships, leading high-impact programs, and driving growth for CIC’s ecosystem services at both the local and global level.

CIC builds and operates a global network of innovation campuses where startups, scale-ups, corporations and public entities connect, work, and grow. Founded in 1999, CIC manages more than 111,000 square meters of innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, CIC develops innovation-related programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and provides world-class innovation consulting.

CIC opened our newest location in Berlin in April 2024. The location became the third CIC Innovation Campus in Europe, serving as a strategic addition to our campuses in Warsaw and Rotterdam, and an integral part of our global expansion plan.

The campus spans 13,500 square meters and features a combination of large, medium, and small private offices and shared workspace, event space, and a range of shared amenities. CIC intends to build on the location’s deep commitment to innovation and bring our distinct approach to enabling startups, scale-ups, corporations, and public entities to thrive.

Learn more about us here.

As the Director of Innovation and Ecosystem Services, you will lead the strategy, business development, and delivery of CIC Berlin’s innovation and ecosystem engagement services. You will serve as a senior representative of CIC in the Berlin innovation community, building partnerships and delivering value to clients through customized ecosystem programs, community partnerships, and strategic advisory services.

Potential responsibilities will include:

•Lead the development and execution of CIC Berlin’s Ecosystem Services strategy in alignment with global CIC objectives.

•Represent CIC Berlin in the broader innovation ecosystem, strengthening CIC’s position as a key player in Berlin, Germany, and Europe.

•Collaborate with CIC’s global network to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing across locations.

•Design and deliver high-impact innovation programs, including corporate-startup engagement initiatives, advisory services, and community development programs.

•Develop strategic partnerships with corporates, governments, research institutions, and ecosystem actors to grow CIC’s impact and client portfolio. 

•Lead end-to-end consulting and ecosystem service engagements, ensuring high-quality service delivery.

•Build strong relationships with clients and partners, acting as their trusted advisor on innovation and ecosystem strategies.

•Oversee the preparation of research, reports, and recommendations for client engagements.

•Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective clients and partners.

•Lead proposal development, pitching, and contract negotiation for new projects.

•Achieve growth and revenue targets for innovation ecosystem services.

•Manage and mentor team members involved in program and service delivery.

•Collaborate closely with CIC Berlin’s General Manager and other department leads to ensure strategic alignment.

We are looking for a highly motivated leader who is passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem building. You are a strategic thinker and effective communicator with a strong network in Berlin’s innovation community.

•Proven track record in ecosystem building, innovation management, or consulting.

•+7 years of experience designing and delivering innovation programs or ecosystem services.

•Strong business development and client management experience.

•Excellent project management and organizational skills.

•Fluency in English and German (required).

•Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Hubspot), project management tools, and Google Workspace.

• Employment contract.

• Commuting / Transportation allowance.

• Gym card.

• Allocated budget for training (customized to specific requirements of the role and organization's objectives).