Chief of Staff

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

. Lead the Executive Office as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeBerlin • GermanyLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, project management, and communication within an international research environment. Proficient in managing executive priorities, coordinating high-level engagements, and navigating the German and European research funding landscape.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Doctorate (Dr. / PhD) in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, EconomicsScience Management ExperienceResearch Strategy DevelopmentProject Management SkillsBusiness-Fluent German and English (C1 or Higher)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic PlanningData AnalysisReporting ToolsProject ManagementCorporate CommunicationEvent ManagementFunding Program KnowledgePolicy MonitoringInternational Relations CoordinationQuality Control of Institutional Data

Soft Skills

Outstanding Organizational SkillsExcellent Written and Verbal CommunicationIntercultural CompetenceDiscretion and LoyaltyAbility to Prioritize Under Time Pressure

Industry Keywords

German Research SystemEuropean Research SystemPublic Funding ProgramsInternational Science LandscapeEmerging Technology TrendsMarket TrendsPolicy TrendsHigh-Level Visits CoordinationPartnership AgreementsInstitutional Data Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Executive Office as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director
Support development and review of the institute’s strategy and research portfolio
Prepare strategy processes, leadership retreats and position papers
Monitor emerging technology, market and policy trends and brief leadership
Prepare and follow up executive leadership meetings, including agendas, briefing papers, decision templates, minutes and action tracking
Manage the Director’s short- and long-term priorities and run special projects
Integrate the Director, department heads and administration
Coordinate international relations, partnership agreements, delegation travel and the Director’s international agenda
Plan and orchestrate high-level visits by ministers, members of parliament, industry executives, international delegations and governing bodies
Coordinate corporate communication across press, web, social media and publications
Develop a common editorial and event calendar, consistent messaging and approval workflows
Coordinate presence at international exhibitions and conferences including MWC, IBC, NAB, OFC and ECOC
Monitor German federal, state and EU funding calls and policy developments
Assess funding relevance, track deadlines and support positioning toward ministries and funding agencies
Collect, consolidate and quality-check institutional data including finances, personnel, projects, publications, patents, industry revenue and KPIs
Maintain the institute’s fact base and management dashboard
Prepare reports, briefings, speaking notes and presentations for the Director, governing bodies, funders and partners
Represent the Director where required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Completed doctorate (Dr. / PhD) in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, economics or a related discipline; doctorate is mandatory
Several years of professional experience in science management, research strategy, management consulting, a ministry or funding agency, or a comparable position
Experience in an international research environment is an advantage
Sound knowledge of the German and European research and innovation system, including public funding programs
Good understanding of the international science and technology landscape
Outstanding organizational and project-management skills
Strong analytical and data skills; confident handling of reporting and analysis tools
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience in corporate, science or political communication, exhibitions or large-event management is a plus
International outlook and intercultural competence
Willingness to travel to partners, exhibitions and conferences worldwide
Discretion and loyalty, political sensitivity, confident yet service-oriented manner with senior stakeholders
Ability to prioritize and act independently under time pressure
Business-fluent German and English (C1 or higher in both)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Attractive public-sector compensation and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Wide range of professional development opportunities
Regular participation in major international exhibitions and conferences
Direct reporting line to the Executive Director and visibility across the institute and its international network
Opportunity to build a new Executive Office from the ground up