Communications & External Relations Manager
Solliciteren
Plaats
Brussel1000
Brussel
België
Contract
Vooltijds, Onbepaalde duurDatum gepubliceerd
2026-02-17Online to:
2026-04-18EUR 15.00 HOUR
Communications & External Relations Manager
- StartLabls
- Brussel
- 16 uren geleden
Communications & External Relations Manager - Apply via only
Permanent Contract (Full time - starting April)
StartLab.Brussels is looking for a Communications & External Relations Manager (ENG/NL/FR) to lead our strategic communication and marketing efforts, enhance our visibility, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, sponsors, coaches, and external collaborators. You will play a central role in positioning StartLab.Brussels and amplifying our impact within the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About StartLab.Brussels
StartLab.Brussels is a (pre-)incubator supporting ambitious and impact-driven first-time entrepreneurs and academic researchers. We help early-stage founders unlock their potential through structured programs, individual and group coaching, a broad network of experts, a coworking space, and a wide range of community-building events.
Each year, we support around 250 entrepreneurial projects. StartLab.Brussels operates as a non-profit initiative supported by ULB, VUB, the Brussels-Capital Region, European funds, foundations, and private sponsors.
Your Mission
As Communications & External Relations Manager, you will lead StartLab's external positioning, communication strategy, and strategic partnerships. You will design and deliver a coherent communication and marketing approach, manage budgets, and serve as the primary contact point for external relations.
Lead Strategic Communication & Marketing (40%)
With the operational execution carried out by the Content & Communications Officer.
Develop a clear and actionable communication and marketing strategy aligned with StartLab's mission and objectives.
Define positioning, key messages, visibility goals, and awareness priorities across all channels.
Manage and optimize the communication and marketing budget.
Provide strategic direction and supervise the Content & Communications Officer, who is responsible for day-to-day operational communication tasks (content creation, social media, newsletters, visuals, etc.).
Oversee and ensure the quality, coherence, and alignment of all communication outputs.
Coordinate and steer the creation and rollout of targeted marketing and awareness campaigns (universities, recruitment, ecosystem visibility).
Guarantee consistency in tone of voice, visuals, messaging, and brand identity across all communication materials and channels.
Develop & Manage External Relations & Strategic Partnerships (40%)
With 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, organisations, sponsors, and coaches.
Identify, attract, and secure new strategic partners—including sponsors—together with the StartLab Director (pitch decks, proposals, tenders).
Build strong relationships and co-create high-value collaborations tailored to partner needs.
Strengthen StartLab's visibility among public, private, and institutional actors through strategic communication efforts.
Represent StartLab at events, conferences, and ecosystem gatherings.
Cultivate media relationships, draft press releases, and identify media opportunities that reinforce our positioning.
Manage StartLab's LinkedIn account
Oversee Key Strategic Events (15%)
Define the purpose, design, target audience, and partnerships for StartLab's flagship events (Pitch XXL, Open Days, Partner Events, etc.).
Coordinate planning, budget, logistics, and communication to ensure maximum visibility and impact.
Strengthen StartLab's presence within ULB, VUB, and other university networks (workshops, career fairs, awareness activities).
Contribute to StartLab's Overall Strategic Development (5%)
Actively participate in internal and management discussions on organisational strategy.
Suggest initiatives to attract new entrepreneurial projects and increase brand visibility.
Produce regular reporting on communication, events, awareness initiatives, and partnerships.
Your Profile
Master's degree with at least 4–5 years of proven experience in communication, external relations, partnerships, public relations, business development, or marketing.
Strong strategic thinker, able to translate complex challenges into clear strategies and action plans.
Skilled communicator, confident in managing high-level external relationships (public, private, and institutional stakeholders.)
Excellent organisational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong hands-on mindset, eager to roll up sleeves and actively contribute on the ground, in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of driving initiatives independently.
Language skills: English is the primary working language at StartLab.Brussels. Given our bilingual team and ecosystem, strong command of Dutch is mandatory - French is a plus.
Strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation; personal entrepreneurial experience is a plus.
Team player with strong listening skills and a positive, collaborative attitude.
Good command of Adobe Creative Suite or Canva and Excel.
What We Offer
A full-time permanent contract.
A strategic and versatile role with substantial autonomy and responsibility.
The opportunity to work at the heart of the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A dynamic and supportive small team where your ideas truly matter.
An inspiring workplace near Montgomery.
Attractive benefits: meal vouchers, flexible teleworking, more than 30 days of annual leave, and office closure between Christmas and New Year.
The selection process will include two rounds of interviews:
Application deadline: March 4. Apply via only
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.
Permanent Contract (Full time - starting April)
StartLab.Brussels is looking for a Communications & External Relations Manager (ENG/NL/FR) to lead our strategic communication and marketing efforts, enhance our visibility, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, sponsors, coaches, and external collaborators. You will play a central role in positioning StartLab.Brussels and amplifying our impact within the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About StartLab.Brussels
StartLab.Brussels is a (pre-)incubator supporting ambitious and impact-driven first-time entrepreneurs and academic researchers. We help early-stage founders unlock their potential through structured programs, individual and group coaching, a broad network of experts, a coworking space, and a wide range of community-building events.
Each year, we support around 250 entrepreneurial projects. StartLab.Brussels operates as a non-profit initiative supported by ULB, VUB, the Brussels-Capital Region, European funds, foundations, and private sponsors.
Your Mission
As Communications & External Relations Manager, you will lead StartLab's external positioning, communication strategy, and strategic partnerships. You will design and deliver a coherent communication and marketing approach, manage budgets, and serve as the primary contact point for external relations.
Lead Strategic Communication & Marketing (40%)
With the operational execution carried out by the Content & Communications Officer.
Develop a clear and actionable communication and marketing strategy aligned with StartLab's mission and objectives.
Define positioning, key messages, visibility goals, and awareness priorities across all channels.
Manage and optimize the communication and marketing budget.
Provide strategic direction and supervise the Content & Communications Officer, who is responsible for day-to-day operational communication tasks (content creation, social media, newsletters, visuals, etc.).
Oversee and ensure the quality, coherence, and alignment of all communication outputs.
Coordinate and steer the creation and rollout of targeted marketing and awareness campaigns (universities, recruitment, ecosystem visibility).
Guarantee consistency in tone of voice, visuals, messaging, and brand identity across all communication materials and channels.
Develop & Manage External Relations & Strategic Partnerships (40%)
With 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, organisations, sponsors, and coaches.
Identify, attract, and secure new strategic partners—including sponsors—together with the StartLab Director (pitch decks, proposals, tenders).
Build strong relationships and co-create high-value collaborations tailored to partner needs.
Strengthen StartLab's visibility among public, private, and institutional actors through strategic communication efforts.
Represent StartLab at events, conferences, and ecosystem gatherings.
Cultivate media relationships, draft press releases, and identify media opportunities that reinforce our positioning.
Manage StartLab's LinkedIn account
Oversee Key Strategic Events (15%)
Define the purpose, design, target audience, and partnerships for StartLab's flagship events (Pitch XXL, Open Days, Partner Events, etc.).
Coordinate planning, budget, logistics, and communication to ensure maximum visibility and impact.
Strengthen StartLab's presence within ULB, VUB, and other university networks (workshops, career fairs, awareness activities).
Contribute to StartLab's Overall Strategic Development (5%)
Actively participate in internal and management discussions on organisational strategy.
Suggest initiatives to attract new entrepreneurial projects and increase brand visibility.
Produce regular reporting on communication, events, awareness initiatives, and partnerships.
Your Profile
Master's degree with at least 4–5 years of proven experience in communication, external relations, partnerships, public relations, business development, or marketing.
Strong strategic thinker, able to translate complex challenges into clear strategies and action plans.
Skilled communicator, confident in managing high-level external relationships (public, private, and institutional stakeholders.)
Excellent organisational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong hands-on mindset, eager to roll up sleeves and actively contribute on the ground, in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of driving initiatives independently.
Language skills: English is the primary working language at StartLab.Brussels. Given our bilingual team and ecosystem, strong command of Dutch is mandatory - French is a plus.
Strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation; personal entrepreneurial experience is a plus.
Team player with strong listening skills and a positive, collaborative attitude.
Good command of Adobe Creative Suite or Canva and Excel.
What We Offer
A full-time permanent contract.
A strategic and versatile role with substantial autonomy and responsibility.
The opportunity to work at the heart of the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A dynamic and supportive small team where your ideas truly matter.
An inspiring workplace near Montgomery.
Attractive benefits: meal vouchers, flexible teleworking, more than 30 days of annual leave, and office closure between Christmas and New Year.
The selection process will include two rounds of interviews:
Application deadline: March 4. Apply via only
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.