Communication Manager- Brand, Content, Growth (m/f/d)

About Zukunft.Gründen

Entrepreneurship is changing because the world is. It needs a new model.
Not a copy of Silicon Valley—but a European, people- and planet-centered alternative.

Zukunft.Gründen exists to redefine how entrepreneurship is built, supported, and scaled. We believe that future-proof companies are not created by chance—but through intentional design and innovation, courageous founders, and ecosystems that enable real impact.

We are a fast-growing venture studio and acceleration platform based our of Nürtingen (Stuttgart) working with startups, SMEs, universities, investors, and public institutions to shape future-proof entrepreneurship in Germany and beyond.

Over the past 2 years, Zukunft.Gründen has grown rapidly and is increasingly resonating as a new, credible national brand in the innovation ecosystem—one that challenges outdated growth narratives and sets new standards for how companies are built, financed, and scaled.

We have grown from a regional initiative into a high-paced venture studio and accelerator platform, working at the intersection of startups, SMEs, universities, investors, and public institutions. We support founders and organizations tackling the most pressing challenges of our time—social, economic, and environmental—across sectors such as:

• Agriculture & food systems
• Construction & the built environment
• Mobility & Automotive
• Education & future skills
• Labor markets & the future of work
• Climate, circularity, and regional transformation

Following recent investments, we are entering a new phase: scaling our flagship programs, expanding nationally, and intentionally building a strong, distinctive brand.

To make this visible, tangible, and widely understood, communication and brand matter more than ever.

‍

Your Role

We are looking for a bold, creative, and highly skilled Communication Manager who wants to actively build and shape the Zukunft.Gründen brand.

This role goes far beyond content production. You will work closely with our Director of Growth & Operations as well as the team with the mission to:

• Turn our vision into a clear, recognizable, and differentiated brand.
• Shape a narrative that challenges old paradigms and proposes credible alternatives.
• Use communication as a strategic lever for growth, positioning, and ecosystem building.

You will operate in a high-paced venture studio environment, where experimentation, creativity, and going the extra mile are encouraged. We are looking for someone who is not afraid to try new formats, channels, and tones, and who is fluent across modern communication platforms.

What You Will Do

Brand & Narrative Building (Core Mission)

• Build and strengthen the Zukunft.Gründen brand as a reference for future-proof entrepreneurship.
• Develop a bold, consistent narrative that clearly differentiates us from traditional startup and accelerator models.
• Translate complex ideas (impact, systems change, innovation, public-private collaboration) into powerful, accessible storytelling.

Creative Communication & Channels

• Own and actively shape our presence across key platforms (from social media -especially Instagram, LinkedIn- to website, newsletters, program communication).
• Experiment with formats: long-form content, founder stories, video, campaigns, thought leadership pieces.
• Ensure strong coherence between brand, tone of voice, visuals, and messaging.
• Design powerful event platforms together with our team.
• Build powerful PR campaigns

Programs, Campaigns & Visibility

• Communicate major milestones: accelerator launches, calls for applications, demo days, events, partnerships, impact results.
• Work closely with Program Managers to turn programs into compelling stories—not just announcements.
• Support communication for fundraising, public funding projects, and strategic partnerships.

Thought Leadership & Ecosystem Positioning

• Position Zukunft.Gründen as a thought leader advocating for new models of entrepreneurship.
• Amplify voices from our ecosystem: founders, partners, universities, and communities.
• Support employer branding and help attract top talents who resonate with our mission.

What You Bring

• A background in communication, branding, marketing, media, journalism, or a related field.
• Proven experience in brand building and strategic communication, ideally in startups, innovation ecosystems, media, or impact-driven organizations.
• Strong creative instinct and excellent writing skills—especially in German (native or fluent) and English.
• High literacy across modern communication platforms and formats (social media management, visual and video content creation, organic and performance marketing campaigns, digital storytelling).
• A bold mindset: you are not afraid to challenge conventions, test new ideas, and go beyond the obvious.
• A strong personal motivation to contribute to a new paradigm of entrepreneurship that puts people, planet, and society first.

What We Offer

• A key, visible role in a fast-growing venture studio that is actively shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
• The opportunity to build a brand almost from the inside out—at a critical moment of growth.
• High creative freedom, real ownership, and direct collaboration with leadership.
• A steep learning curve in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and purpose-driven environment.
• Competitive full-time position with long-term growth opportunities.

Next Steps – How to Apply

1. Apply online
   Submit a short video (English or German – German is preferred) answering the questions here and upload your CV here :
   https://www.videoask.com/fsxeln6xu
2. Interview process
   If you pass the first screening, you will be invited to:
   1. Interview 1: Conversation with Maria Ida Palmieri, Director of Growth & Operations
   2. Short case study: A small, creative communication challenge
   3. Interview 2: Final interview with our CEO, Mujib Bazhwal

If you want to help prove that a new model of entrepreneurship is not only possible, but necessary, and if you are excited to build a bold brand that stands for it—we look forward to hearing from you.

‍