We are seeking for
We are looking for an entrepreneurial and hands-on Interim Head of KLU SPARK to lead the platform during a parental leave period of approximately one year and drive its ongoing development and strengthen its impact .
This is not a caretaker role. You will strengthen existing programmes, develop new initiatives, build strategic partnerships and create a connected community for students, founders, alumni, researchers and corporate partners. You will have the opportunity to make visible progress within one year and create structures, relationships and programmes with lasting value for KLU.
Connect ideas. Build ventures. Create impact.
KLU SPARK is the entrepreneurship, innovation and impact platform of Kühne Logistics University. We connect students, founders, researchers, companies and changemakers to turn ideas into ventures, innovation initiatives and meaningful impact.
At the intersection of entrepreneurship, logistics, supply chain innovation, digitalisation and responsible leadership, KLU SPARK creates opportunities for people and organisations to explore new possibilities and turn them into action. Our work connects the university with Hamburg’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and with partners nationally and internationally .
Your Responsibilities
The Interim Head of KLU SPARK reports directly to the Director of Executive Education & Business Solutions. You will work closely with the other heads and teams within the unit and collaborate across KLU with faculty, university leadership, programme teams, central services, students, alumni and external partners.
You will lead KLU SPARK's activities and coordinate the people, programmes and partnerships needed to deliver its priorities.
You will: Lead and further develop KLU SPARK’s programme portfolio across student entrepreneurship, founder support, incubation, corporate innovation and impact
Build strategic relationships with companies, founders, investors, universities, public institutions and entrepreneurship organisations in Hamburg and beyond
Turn ideas and relationships into concrete programmes, partnerships, pilots, learning formats and innovation projects
Further develop KLU SPARK’s incubation activities in close collaboration with the Program Manager Incubation
Lead flagship initiatives and external engagement formats, including Beyond Now
Develop partnership, sponsorship and funding opportunities that create value for KLU SPARK and its stakeholders
Strengthen a community in which students, alumni, founders, mentors, researchers and corporate partners exchange ideas and create opportunities together
Represent KLU SPARK confidently to internal and external stakeholders
Build alignment across KLU and coordinate people and teams without relying solely on formal authority
Set priorities, manage resources and monitor progress to ensure the effective delivery of KLU SPARK's programmes and initiatives
Ensure continuity, knowledge transfer and a structured handover at the end of the interim assignment
Your qualifications
You combine entrepreneurial drive with strong relationship-building and programme development skills. You enjoy working across boundaries and know how to create value for people with different perspectives and interests.
You are likely to bring:
Experience building and delivering programmes, partnerships, communities or initiatives from the ground up and developing existing activities further
Experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups, business development, consulting, venture building, incubation or a related field
The ability to build trust with founders, students, academics, corporate leaders and public or ecosystem stakeholders
Strong project management skills and the ability to turn ideas into action
Confidence representing an organisation externally and engaging with senior stakeholders
The ability to create alignment and commitment across a complex organisation
A hands-on approach, sound judgement and the resilience to work…