Location: Berlin, Germany (EIT RawMaterials Headquarters)

Contract Type: Full-time, Senior Management Level

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Company Description

EIT RawMaterials, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), is the world’s largest innovation community in the raw materials sector. Our mission is to secure Europe’s sustainable raw materials supply by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship along the entire raw materials value chain — from exploration, mining, processing, recycling, and substitution to circular economy solutions.

Through its Education Pillar, including the European Raw Materials Academy and the Advanced Materials Academy, EIT RawMaterials empowers learners and professionals across Europe to develop skills and capabilities covering the entire minerals and metals industry, supporting the green and digital transition. The portfolio also includes key initiatives such as the Higher Education Initiative (HEI), Girls Go STEM, and the Cross-Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), KIC collaboration, all fostering innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurial talent development.

About the Role

EIT RawMaterials seeks an exceptional and visionary Director of Education & Skills to shape the strategic direction, excellence, and impact of its education portfolio. This senior leadership role will oversee the design, delivery, and commercialization of innovative education programs while ensuring strong alignment with EIT RM’s strategic priorities and the long-term sustainability of the Education Pillar.

The Director will also oversee EIT RawMaterials’ contribution to cross-KIC education collaboration, positioning the organization as a driver of shared learning, knowledge transfer, and talent development across Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to influence European skills and education policy, strengthen partnerships across academia and industry, and inspire a new generation of innovators and professionals in the raw materials sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and execute the Education and Skills strategy in line with EIT RawMaterials’ Strategic Agenda and the broader EIT and EU frameworks.
• Position the Education Pillar as a financially sustainable, innovation-driven, and market-oriented component of the organization.
• Anticipate future skills needs in the raw materials sector, leading the creation of agile, high-impact learning ecosystems.

Commercialization and Funding Development:

• Design and implement innovative business and funding models for educational products, services, and partnerships.
• Secure new funding instruments, industry partnerships, and revenue streams, enhancing the long-term financial sustainability of the education portfolio.
• Strengthen strategic relationships with higher education institutions, research organizations, industry partners, and policymakers.

Program Oversight: and Quality Assurance:

• Oversee the development and delivery of the full education portfolio, including the RawMaterials Academy, Advanced Materials Academy, EIT Higher Education Initiative, Girls Go STEM, and other programs.
• Ensure quality, scalability, and impact measurement across all programs and activities.
• Integrate digital learning technologies, micro-credential systems, and lifelong learning models.

Team Leadership and Culture:

• Lead and inspire a diverse, high-performing team of professionals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.
• Promote continuous learning and knowledge exchange across teams and projects.

Stakeholder and Project Management:

• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder EU-funded projects with a focus on compliance, performance, and measurable outcomes.
• Build productive relationships with the EIT, other KICs, academic networks, and industry consortia.
• Represent EIT RawMaterials at key events, panels, and conferences, positioning it as a thought leader in education innovation.

Impact, Reporting, and Governance:

• Ensure alignment with EIT Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), EU reporting requirements, and internal business targets.
• Report on performance, outcomes, and strategic impact to EIT, the European Commission, and EIT RawMaterials governance bodies.
• Contribute as a core member of the EIT RawMaterials Management Team to cross-functional strategy and organizational development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Education, Business Administration, Innovation Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in education management, innovation ecosystems, or EU-funded programme leadership.
• Proven track record in commercialising education offerings and developing financially sustainable business models.
• Strong understanding of EU funding instruments, especially within the EIT and Horizon Europe frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing multicultural & remote teams and complex project portfolios.
• Experience and successful implementation of digital platforms and learning formats for education initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in pan-European and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• Strong professional network and visibility within European higher education and innovation ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to conribute to policy, education strategy, and skills development frameworks.

Languages

Fluent in English and German (both written and spoken). Additional European languages are a strong asset.

What We Offer

• A leadership position at the heart of Europe’s innovation ecosystem in raw materials.
• The opportunity to shape the future of skills, talent, and education in Europe’s green and digital transitions.
• A highly international, dynamic, and mission-driven working environment.
• Competitive compensation package aligned with senior management responsibility.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and motivation letter in English, outlining their relevant experience and vision for the commercialisation and sustainability of EIT RawMaterials’ Education portfolio.

The selection process will include at least three interview rounds (remote and in person), involving senior management, functional peers, and if needed external stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and transparent evaluation.

We embrace diversity in our team and value all types of backgrounds and perspectives.