Operations Manager

[IMPORTANT: Please read the full description below for how to apply.]

Operations Manager (with growth opportunity)

Location: Brussels, with flexibility for remote work and travel across Europe.

Contract: A permanent contract under Belgian law.

About Us

Founded in 2021 by the Berlin-based think tank Dezernat Zukunft, the European Macro Policy Network (EMPN) connects economic think tanks, research institutions, and experts from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Austria, and Finland. This cross-European network combines policy experience – often at ministerial level – with academic expertise to address fiscal, monetary, and economic challenges, developing innovative policy proposals for a more sustainable, prosperous, and sovereign Europe.  

Your Role

As Operations Manager, you will support the Managing Director in shaping EMPN’s Brussels office into a credible and influential policy voice. This position offers significant growth potential, with evolving responsibilities and opportunities as the organisation expands.. Key responsibilities include:

• Finance and administration: Oversee accounting, manage donation funds, regranting, and support budget planning in coordination with the Managing Director. Handle daily administration, including payroll, expense reimbursements, and budget tracking. Liaise with payroll services, tax advisors, and banks as needed.

• Legal: Draft, review, and manage contracts, address legal matters related to EMPN’s operations, and ensure the organisation meets its legal obligations, with external support as needed (e.g., finance consultant, legal advisors).

• Development and outreach: Support the development of EMPN Brussels office and outreach activities (website, publications, events, etc.).            

As the EMPN HQ in Brussels expands over the coming years, this role will offer increasing opportunities for leadership and strategic involvement.

Your Profile

We value the right attitude and know that skills can be learned. If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity and meet some of the criteria below, don’t hesitate to apply.

• You bring strong organisational skills and a solutions-focused mindset. Flexible and constructive in your approach to challenges, you have strong attention to detail, a process-oriented outlook, and an interest in organisation building. You do not need to have a specific professional background, but should be able to demonstrate a track record in organisational tasks related to the job description.

• You are willing to take ownership of your projects. You work independently and thoroughly and are determined to get to the bottom of things, even if that means going an extra mile or two. The teams in Brussels and Berlin, as well as external service providers, support you whenever necessary or helpful.

• You speak fluent English and French, and ideally German; other European languages are a plus.

• Ideally, you have significant experience. You bring 3-5 years of relevant experience in similar roles, e.g. in think tanks, NGOs, public administration, or SMEs. We also welcome candidates from other sectors.         
• You bring entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. You have a drive to establish EMPN as a leading institution for innovative economic and political ideas.

Why Us?

This is what we offer:

• Contract: A permanent contract under Belgian law. 100%, or part-time negotiable.

• Meaningful work: A chance to support the coordination of a network of think tanks with national influence and a history of policy impact, helping it become more than the sum of its parts and maximising its impact in Brussels.

• A growth opportunity: As EMPN’s Brussels headquarters expands, this role will offer increasing responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

• Competitive salary depending on experience and skills, plus a benefits package. Salary will be in line with our internal grid and commensurate with experience.

• Personal and professional development: Gain skills, expand your network, and take on increasing responsibilities in a dynamic, supportive environment.

• Flexible work environment: Primarily based in Brussels with options for remote work.

• Inspiring colleagues: Last but not least, you’ll join a fantastic team at our parent organisation, Dezernat Zukunft, in Berlin, and work alongside inspiring partners across Europe’s capitals — Paris, The Hague, Rome, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Vienna. Expect meaningful work, exciting challenges, and plenty of fun along the way.         

Equal Employment Opportunity

The EMPN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. We strongly encourage female applicants, as we aim to build a balanced leadership team. Selection will be in accordance with objective and job-related criteria. The appointment will be on the basis of applicants’ merits and abilities.          

Application Process

If you’re ready to join a dynamic team at the forefront of European policy change, we’d love to hear from you.

• Send your CV and a 1-page motivation letter to jobs@empn.eu  
• Include the subject line: “Application EMPN Operations Manager”
• Application deadline: The position remains open until filled

Not sure if this role is for you? We welcome candidates with varied backgrounds and encourage you to highlight how your unique skills align with our needs. We are open to candidates who might excel more in one area but are enthusiastic about growing in the other.