Location: Swissnex in San Francisco
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Start Date: January 1st, 2027
Duration: 12 months
Reports to: Head of Programs, with day-to-day direction from Program Managers

Do you want to join the global Swissnex network and build meaningful connections across startups, science, education, the arts, and innovation in both Silicon Valley and Switzerland? This is your chance!

In your role as Programs Associate, you support the design, coordination, and execution of Swissnex programs focused on innovation in AI, tech foresight, and the creative industries. You help bring to life programs, conferences, events and other initiatives – ensuring each program reflects Swissnex’s mission and meets the needs of our partners and participants. As a core member of a small, collaborative team, you work closely with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, bringing a spirit of initiative, adaptability, and professionalism to everything you do.

You will start your internship working closely with the Creative Industries Program Manager and the AI & Tech Foresight Program Manager to plan and execute events, ongoing programs, and to conduct research and support the development of programmatic outputs. As the internship progresses, you may also support other program areas and Program Managers based on evolving priorities and planning. You also collaborate with the wider Swissnex team in engaging our alumni and expanding the Swissnex community across different verticals, including corporates, academia, and the creative industries.

This position offers unique exposure to international experts, and thought leaders, as well as the chance to learn about program design, event planning, and project management. You will have the opportunity to shape impactful initiatives, gain firsthand experience in global innovation, and grow your professional network within the Silicon Valley.

• Program Operations & Implementation (60%)
• Alumni and Mentor Community Support (20%)
• Operational support, special projects, and other duties (20%)

• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
• Strong organizational skills and a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset; thrives on planning, coordinating, and seeing projects through to completion
• Some experience with event organisation or project management, and interest in writing about programs and events
• Demonstrated interest in science, art, innovation, and creative industries
• Comfort using and exploring new digital tools and technologies
• Some experience engaging with innovation and/or creative ecosystems in Switzerland or the US. This can include participation at events and/or student organizations
• Commitment to supporting a collaborative team environment
• Team player with a creative, curious, and solution-oriented mindset
• A person who identifies with terms like problem-solver, proactive, independent, self-motivated, collaborative, energetic, and detail-oriented
• Flexibility to work evening hours as needed for events
• Comfortable standing for extended periods during events and able to lift up to 25 pounds as needed

• You are a Swiss citizen or have a valid Swiss work permit for the duration of the internship. Unfortunately, since we are based in the U.S., applicants with B permits that were issued for academic study are not eligible, regardless whether or not your permit says it is valid for work in Switzerland
• You have already received your Bachelor’s degree or will receive it within the first four months of the internship; OR you are currently enrolled in a university or university of applied sciences working towards a Master’s degree. In either case, your most recently completed degree (Bachelor/Master) is not older than one year at the beginning of the internship
• You have not gained professional experience in the field of your studies
• You have not had a previous internship within the Swiss Confederation

• 20 days of vacation, 10+ annual holidays, sick leave
• Opportunities for professional development
• Gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs, expand your professional network across Switzerland and Silicon Valley, and develop event management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Compensation: USD 3’600/month

Swissnex in San Francisco connects the dots between Switzerland and the U.S. West Coast in education, research, innovation, and the arts. We foster international collaboration and empower next generation innovators to create futures in which the planet and society thrives. In service of this goal, our dynamic and international team produces academic, corporate and creative industry programs, startup bootcamps, events and much more.

As an employer, we established a collaborative and purpose-driven team culture and care about an environment that encourages innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a brief, original cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position. We read every cover letter and appreciate the time you spend writing one. Please see the instructions on the application page before writing your letter.

Deadline to apply: October 25, 2026
We follow up with every applicant

Title: Innovation Manager
Location: New York City, USA (in person)
Starting date: as soon as possible
Status: full-time (40 hrs/week)
Deadline to Apply: October 21st, 2026 (applications considered on a rolling basis)

Swissnex in Boston and New York connects the dots between Switzerland and the US East Coast in education, research, innovation, and the arts. Our mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas, and talent. In service of this goal, our dynamic and international team produces academic, corporate and creative industry programs, startup bootcamps, events, and much more.

We strive for a collaborative and purpose-driven culture and encourage innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

Learn more about Swissnex in Boston and New York.

The Innovation Manager develops and manages Swissnex’s entrepreneurship and innovation programs in New York City, building meaningful partnerships across startup, corporate and investor ecosystems. Reporting to the Deputy CEO / Head of Programs, the Innovation Manager designs and delivers high-impact initiatives in the United States, that inspire and enable Swiss innovation stakeholders to get to their next level. Our ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, business development, or program management, is an excellent networker, and enjoys managing projects from concept to execution in a fast-paced and creative international environment.

• Manages the planning, development, and execution of entrepreneurship and innovation programs in New York City, including startup camps, corporate innovation programs, workshops, study tours, and networking events.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with startups, investors, corporations, government agencies, incubators, accelerators, and other innovation ecosystem partners across Switzerland, New York City and beyond.
• Advises and supports Swiss startups and innovation stakeholders as they explore and enter the US market, providing strategic guidance, introductions, and ecosystem insights.
• Identifies new partnership opportunities in Switzerland and the US, initiating collaborative projects that advance Swissnex’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Serves as the primary relationship manager for assigned partners, ensuring high-quality program delivery, communication, reporting, and long-term engagement.
• Develops project budgets, manages program finances, and ensures accurate reporting, evaluation, and administrative documentation.
• Collaborates closely with the Boston-based Innovation Manager, Startup Manager, Communications, and Operations teams to seize opportunities across both locations.
• Represents Swissnex at conferences, networking events, and meetings, strengthening Swissnex’s visibility within the New York innovation ecosystem.
• Contributes to the development of Swissnex’s overall innovation strategy and supports cross-functional initiatives across entrepreneurship, science, education, art, and innovation.
• Helps maintain and expand Swissnex’s network through proactive outreach, relationship building, and thought stewardship.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, innovation, entrepreneurship, science, engineering, international affairs, or a related field; a master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, startup support, ecosystem development, business development, or program management.
• Strong understanding of the startup and innovation ecosystem in either Switzerland or the US; knowing both is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and build trusted relationships with stakeholders from diverse sectors and backgrounds.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in organizing events, workshops, delegations, or innovation programs from planning through execution.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with curiosity, initiative, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural, international, and interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of a Swiss national language (German, French, or Italian) is a plus.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings for events and partner engagements.

These requirements represent an ideal candidate, and those who meet most, but not all of the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Due to our consular status, all applicants must be either Swiss citizens, or US permanent residents or citizens. We are only able to sponsor visas for Swiss nationals, and are unable to provide any other sponsorship.

• Starting salary of $78-85k yearly, depending on experience. This salary is for employees authorized to work in the US. For Swiss employees, whose salaries are not subject to US income taxes, the salary is adjusted downward to reflect the tax benefit.
• Four weeks’ vacation per year and select Swiss and US holidays
• Competitive benefits package including: Employer-matched 401(K), employer-subsidized medical and dental plans, and opportunities for continuing education
• A multicultural, creative, inspiring, stimulating, and team-oriented work environment
• A vibrant co-working space in the heart of New York City

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please apply via the link below by October 21st, 2026 for full consideration. Include both your resume (CV) and a tailored cover letter that details your qualifications and interest in this position.

Starting from: December 1, 2026 or upon agreement

Contract duration: 2 years with expectation of extension

Workload: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Location: 22F, Building A, Far East International Plaza, 319 Xianxia Road, Shanghai, China

Swissnex in China is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to join our academic and innovation engagement and programs team.

The role is suited to a professional who enjoys taking ownership of programs, leading teams and delivering outcomes across the education, research and innovation landscape connecting Switzerland and China.

You will work with Swiss universities, researchers, startups and companies to better understand China’s rapidly evolving ecosystem, identify trends and opportunities, and support a wide range of exchanges and collaborations between Swiss stakeholders and Chinese partners.

The role is hands-on and dynamic, covering strategic programs, innovation scouting, startup camps, academic and innovation sabbaticals, delegation visits and other mandates. It combines program management, research and stakeholder-centric engagement.

Program Execution & Management

• Lead assigned Swissnex programs across innovation and academic engagement, including startup camps, innovation scouting, academic collaborations, immersion programs, delegation visits, and thematic projects.
• Take end-to-end ownership of assigned projects, from concept development and planning through implementation, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives, timelines, budgets, and impact indicators.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of activities, tailored delegation visits, and exchanges between Swiss stakeholders and Chinese partners, ensuring a high level of quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Coordinate internal teams, external partners and service providers, ensuring clear roles, effective communication, and timely delivery of project activities and milestones.

Research, Ecosystem Mapping & Partner Identification

• Build and maintain relationships with partners in academia, industry, government, and startups, serving as the primary contact for all program-related communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct focused and high-value research in China on emerging trends, relevant sectors and innovation developments, translating insights into concrete opportunities and useful outputs for Swiss stakeholders.
• Identify and map suitable companies, startups, universities, research institutes and other partners in China.
• Support Swiss stakeholders in areas such as health and medtech, biotech, green technologies, robotics and automation.

Communication & Outreach

• Organize events, workshops and delegation visits, including agendas, speakers and logistics.
• Participate and host meetings and external events and collaborate across our teams in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

• Swiss citizenship and excellent English; knowledge of another Swiss official language beyond your native one is an advantage.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, with 5+ years of experience in innovation, startups, academia, consulting, venture building, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of Switzerland’s education, research, and innovation landscape; an existing ERI network is an advantage.
• Interest in China’s education, research, and innovation ecosystem, particularly in health, biotech, green technologies, robotics, and automation.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to work across sectors and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Proven team leadership experience, including working with locally hired teams in a non-European context.
• Proactive, reliable, detail-oriented, and able to take ownership while working collaboratively in an international, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic, adaptable, and motivated to take initiative, grow with the role, and advance Switzerland–China collaborations.

• A dynamic role within an international diplomatic network focused on science, technology, education, and innovation.
• Opportunities for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge topics and international collaboration.
• 20 days of paid annual leave and up to 13 Chinese and Swiss public holidays.
• An initial two-year contract with the expectation of extension.

Please submit:

• Resume / CV
• Motivation letter
• Reference letters

Application Deadline: 15th of October 2026, Midnight (CST)