Help shape the future of innovation in Copenhagen!

University of Copenhagen is searching for two experienced consultants within building transformation and ecosystem development as part of its engagement in Innovation District Copenhagen

In the heart of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen and 20 partners are building an ambitious long-term initiative that brings together world-class research, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, investors and industry to accelerate innovation and societal impact in a public-private partnership.

To help drive the University’s engagement in this partnership, we are recruiting two experienced senior consultants to join the University’s dedicated Innovation District Copenhagen program team:

Profile 1: Senior Strategic Consultant, Ecosystem Development Drive strategic collaborations and engagement across researchers, students, entrepreneurs, companies and public-sector partners.

Profile 2: Senior Strategic Consultant, Fundraising Develop partnerships and funding strategies that can realize major campus, infrastructure and ecosystem-development ambitions.

Both positions offer a unique opportunity to influence one of Denmark's most ambitious innovation initiatives and will work closely with senior leaders across academia, government, industry, foundations and the public sector. See the vision plan for Innovation District Copenhagen here: Vision Plan – Innovation District Copenhagen

About the positions As Senior Consultants in the UCPH Innovation District Copenhagen program, you will help translate the University of Copenhagen's ambitions into concrete initiatives, partnerships and investments.

Profile 1: Strategic Consultant - Ecosystem Development

You will mobilize and connect researchers, students, innovation environments and external stakeholders around new opportunities for research collaboration, talent development and innovation.

You will

• Build strategic partnerships across academia, industry and the public sector.
• Support engagement across faculties, departments and leadership teams.
• Translate university priorities into concrete ecosystem-building activities.
• Develop and facilitate collaborative initiatives and innovation programs.
• Identify opportunities for new projects, communities and partnerships.

Profile 2: Strategic Consultant - Fundraising

You will help create the financial foundation required to realize major campus, infrastructure and ecosystem-development ambitions.

You will

• Develop fundraising and financing strategies.
• Build relationships with foundations, investors and strategic partners.
• Lead the development of major funding proposals and investment cases.
• Position IDC initiatives for philanthropic and institutional support.
• Support university leadership in strategic funding dialogues.

Both positions will become part of a multidisciplinary program team anchored within the Department for Innovation & External Partnerships (KU INNO) at the University of Copenhagen and work closely with colleagues from KU INNO, the building department, faculties, departments and external partners. The program reports directly to the Vice Director responsible for the University's Innovation District Copenhagen efforts.

Key responsibilities Your primary responsibilities will include

• Contribute to the development and implementation of University of Copenhagen’s strategic ambitions within Innovation District Copenhagen.
• Identify user needs, opportunities, and requirements that can inform the development of future research and innovation infrastructure.
• Lead cross-functional development processes and coordinate collaboration across the University's academic environments, industry, foundations and the public sector
• Facilitate workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and co-creation processes to gather insights and build alignment across a broad group of stakeholders.
• Prepare decision-making materials, business and investment cases, funding strategies, and major grant applications.
• Representing the University of Copenhagen in relevant networks, partnerships, and development forums.
• Building a cross-functional project pipeline in close collaboration with faculties and research departments in coordination with university leadership, and external partners (Profile 1)
• Build a sustainable financial foundation for the university’s building and infrastructure projects that are part of the vision plan for Innovation District Copenhagen in collaboration with the building department, strategic partners and stakeholders (Profile 2)

Your profile We are looking for collaborative and strategically minded professionals who enjoy working in dynamic and complex environments and turning ideas into action.

Ideally, as a Ecosystem Developer – Profile 1, you will bring

• 8–10+ years of relevant experience in scientific project management, innovation, or strategic development.
• Experience working across academia, industry, start-ups, and/or the public sector.
• Deep understanding of the research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem, e.g. with experience as a researcher in the R&D area.
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to turn complex ideas into actionable strategies and results.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to execution.
• Scientific master's degree and PhD
• Fluency in English; Danish is an advantage.

Ideally, as a Fundraiser – Profile 2, you will bring

• 8–10+ years of experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships, business development, foundation engagement, or a related field.
• Proven ability to secure major grants and funding for complex projects e.g. from collaboration with Real Dania, A.P. Møller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Villum Foundation or similar.
• Strong knowledge of the Danish foundation landscape and experience working with major philanthropic and corporate foundations.
• Experience developing major campus, urban development, or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to translate strategic ambitions into fundable projects and initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience navigating complex organizational environments.
• Excellent relationship-building, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Relevant master's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Fluency in English; Danish is an advantage.

The positions offer a high degree of responsibility, visibility, and influence, as well as the opportunity to work with leading stakeholders from academia, public institutions, foundations, venture environments, and industry. Both positions will involve close collaboration with the independent IDC organisation, cf. description below.

Salery and Employment Terms The employment is a 3,5-year, full-time position and depending on qualifications will take place as a special or chief consultant in accordance with the applicable collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and academics in the state (the AC collective agreement). There will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements based on qualifications.

You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish).

The University of Copenhagen has established a new shared administrative structure, which is still being implemented. This entails ongoing changes and development of, among other things, work processes and areas of collaboration.

Preferred starting date is January 4, 2027.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026 First interview will be held in week 47. Second interview will be held in week 48.

Contact For further information, please contact Sanne Møller Knudsen, Head of Program at +45 31652276 or [email protected] or Andreas Blohm Graversen, Vice Director of KU INNO at +45 93565269 or [email protected]

About Innovation District Copenhagen Both an innovation district and a strategic partnership of 21 leading organisations across government, research, education, healthcare, industry, foundations and investors. Together, the partnership is building one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems, where knowledge, talent, capital, and companies come together to drive growth and societal impact.

The district brings together more than 40,000 researchers, students, and staff alongside 500 innovative companies in a unique environment for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

A new independent IDC organisation serves as the district’s strategic orchestrator, coordinating joint priorities and investments while ensuring the long-term vision is realised. Its mission is to accelerate the translation of research and ideas into solutions, businesses, and jobs with global impact. Read more here: Innovation District Copenhagen