Team Leader Academic Partnership and Support

About the role

The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking a Team Leader to head the Academic Partnership and Support function within the ESA Academy. Reporting to the Head of the ESA Academy, you will shape strategic collaborations with universities across Europe and oversee the delivery of training programmes at the European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC).

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Academic Partnership and Support domain, covering both training and academic partnerships at strategic and operational levels.
• Manage and guide teams responsible for training and academic partnerships, ensuring coherent planning, quality delivery, and strong performance.
• Define and evolve the ESA Academy training strategy and portfolio (onsite, online and 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 steer the Academic Partnership framework, building and maintaining strategic relationships with higher‑education institutions across Europe.
• Contribute to coordinated initiatives linked to future‑oriented skills, visibility, mobility and educational projects.

Required profile

• Proven experience in leading academic partnership or training programmes, preferably within a research or space‑related environment.
• Strong leadership and team‑management capabilities.
• Ability to develop strategic frameworks and align them with organisational priorities.
• Excellent communication skills for building relationships with universities and stakeholders.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape Europe’s space education ecosystem.
• Work within a leading international space agency.
• Collaborative environment with access to cutting‑edge projects and research.