Team Leader Academic Partnership and Support

About the role

The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for a Team Leader to head the Academic Partnership function within the ESA Academy. Reporting to the Head of the ESA Academy, you will shape the strategic development of training programmes and build structured collaborations with universities across Europe.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Academic Partnership and Support domain, covering both training and academic collaborations at strategic and operational levels.
• Manage teams responsible for training delivery and academic partnerships, ensuring coherent planning, quality, and performance.
• Define and evolve the ESA Academy training strategy and portfolio (onsite, online, hybrid) in line with ESA priorities and future skills needs.
• Oversee end‑to‑end design, delivery, quality assurance and continuous improvement of training programmes.
• Develop and maintain structured frameworks such as scholarships, co‑developed courses, joint initiatives, and student competitions.
• Act as the focal point for long‑term institutional cooperation with universities and academic networks across Europe.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of educational content and support inclusive learning opportunities for ESA Member States and Associate Members.

Required profile

• Proven experience in leading training, education or academic partnership programmes, preferably in a research or space‑related environment.
• Strong understanding of higher‑education ecosystems and collaborative project management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills with universities, research institutes and internal ESA units.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and translate them into operational actions.

Required skills