Project Manager (m/w/d) - ZIM-Innovationsnetzwerke & Forschungsförderung

That's us
BIFI – THE Berlin Institute for Innovation Research – specializes in user and consumer research, product strategies, science-based innovation projects, and application-oriented funding advice.

We accompany companies, start-ups, and research institutions on the path from idea to implementation – with a deep methodological understanding, scientific excellence, and a strong sense of economic potential.

As Project Manager (m/w/d) for our ZIM-Innovationsnetzwerke, you are part of an agile team that initiates, networks, and accompanies strategic innovation partnerships. You shape the future of German small and medium-sized enterprises with – in close coordination with companies, research partners, and funding institutions.

Aufgaben

That's your tasks
As Project Manager (m/w/d) in the ZIM-Innovationsnetzwerke area, you take responsibility for the operational, strategic, and administrative implementation of publicly funded network projects. Your tasks include:

• Project management & funding logic: You steer ZIM networks along the guidelines of the BMWE – from network planning to project development to formal closure according to the directive.
• Care and further development of the network: You shape actively the structure, themes, and dynamics of the network with – through matching, contact maintenance, and targeted partner development.
• Identification & coordination of FuE projects: You support network partners in developing innovative project ideas and accompany the funding application – conceptually, administratively, and strategically.
• Communication with funding authorities & stakeholders: You are the first point of contact for the project sponsor and are responsible for transparent, structured, and goal-oriented communication.
• Strategic theme development: You work on establishing and revising the technological and market-oriented goals of the network – scientifically founded and application-oriented.
• Event management & network maintenance: You plan and moderate network meetings, innovation workshops, and matching formats – online and in person – with a view to structure, dynamics, and impact.
• Administrative project work: You create offers, final reports, and usage statements, maintain project documentation, and coordinate project timelines, budgets, and milestones.
• Participation in further BIFI projects: You bring your expertise also to innovation research studies, transfer projects or interdisciplinary project developments.

Qualifikation

That's what you bring

• Completed university degree – e.g. in economics, project or innovation management, engineering, business psychology, or comparable fields with interdisciplinary or application-oriented focus
• First professional experience in the field of project management, innovation funding, research management, transfer or network work – ideally within publicly funded projects
• Fundamental knowledge of conceiving, planning, and steering innovation projects
• Outstanding communication skills and empathy in dealing with very different actors from business, science, and administration
• Analytical and conceptual thinking as well as structured, self-motivated work style
• Presentation and professional demeanor, as well as a high degree of personal responsibility and result-oriented approach
• Teamwork ability, agile mindset, high self-motivation, and pleasure in interdisciplinary cooperation
• Safe handling of common tools (e.g. MS Office, online collaboration tools, ggf. CRM systems)
• Very good German and English skills in writing and speaking

Benefits

This is our offer

Space for design & co-responsibility:
You shape actively innovation networks with societal relevance – and develop project ideas together with partners that have a future.

Working with meaning:
Your contribution makes real impact – for companies, research partners, and the German innovation landscape.

Scholarship & practice:
You work in the tension field between strategic research funding, innovation policy relevance, and concrete project development.

Professional environment with attitude:
You can expect a diverse, ambitious team with high expectations for quality, cooperation, and impact.

Culture & camaraderie:
We work openly, supportingly, and appreciatively. We celebrate clever ideas, share successes, and stand together even in turbulent times.

Please note: Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications by email. Please use one of the common job portals like JOIN, LinkedIn or StepStone to send us your documents. Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to your application!

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