Status: Full-time
Start Date: December 1, 2024
Reports to: Head of Programs

Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation. Our impact is centered around empowering next generation innovators to become changemakers by connecting talents and expertise from Switzerland, North America and the world. The Swissnex global network consists of six locations and outposts established in the world’s most innovative hubs. We contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot. 

Our work space is shared with corporate innovators, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs, and is connected to an event space and our digital community. We work collaboratively and in a complementary manner with our neighbors at Pier17, the Consulate General, the Swiss Business Hub USA and Switzerland Tourism. 

For almost a decade, Swissnex has partnered with the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia to feature the most promising Swiss game studios at the yearly Game Developers’ Conference in San Francisco. Beyond hosting the Swiss Games booth, Swissnex connects the studios with relevant industry experts and potential business partners, and provides visibility for Swiss game design. We further expanded the Creative Industries activities, launching the Multimedia Lab for Journalists, an immersive 2-week program designed to support established and emerging talents in journalism and multimedia storytelling. As a key member of the program team, the Program Manager will also have the opportunity to actively shape and contribute to other Swissnex programs.

We are looking for a Creative Industry Program Manager to manage and reimagine existing programs, and to be our in-house expert on all things related to the creative industry. The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, design and innovation, forward-thinking, impact-oriented, entrepreneurial and a solid networker, having experience working for/with the creative industry and the Swiss and SF Bay Area ecosystems.

CREATIVE INDUSTRY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (60%)

• Lead project management and successful implementation of creative industry programs
• Liaise and lead coordination with key partners and funders such as Pro Helvetia and higher education arts and design schools in Switzerland and the US
• Liaise with subject matter experts and Silicon Valley network to arrange sessions and visits during programs and increase visibility for programs and events 
• Scope trends and new developments in the creative industry to inform the work Swissnex does and the insights we provide to our stakeholders 
• Main point of contact for all creative industry related inquiries
• Ensure high quality of support services and track feedback and success of alumni of creative industry programs
• Support design of new programs and continuous improvement of existing ones
• Manage multi-stakeholder budgets for various creative industry programs 

CREATIVE INDUSTRY PROGRAM OPS/ADMIN/COMMS SUPPORT (20%)

• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting about creative industry programs 
• Steer program communication and marketing efforts in coordination with our communications team
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure smooth communication and execution of creative industry programs (lead for content and format)
• Push and propose continuous improvement of these processes
• Connect with suppliers and third parties that will play a growing importance in implementing the logistical aspects of the programs (i.e. booth-presence at GDC, etc.)

NETWORK DEVELOPMENT & GENERAL SUPPORT (20%)

• Proactively expand your relevant network (through engagement with the Swiss and US creative industry ecosystems) and for all of Swissnex’s activities 
• Proactively contribute to the Swissnex Mentors community 
• Support the programs team with implementation of all Swissnex programs (startup bootcamps, university collaborations etc.) 
• Support in building a global innovation community

Our ideal candidate 

• 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally working within creative industries such as art, design or gaming
• Brings a solid network within the Bay Area creative industry (design, gaming, intersection of technology and art)
• Experience leading projects and using project management tools
• Experience with basic marketing, content development, and event planning is a plus
• Experience in building and maintaining a community is a plus
• Demonstrates excellent English language proficiency in both written and verbal communication.
• Displays a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration, coupled with a growth mindset and a positive attitude
• Passionate about innovation and creativity, the impact it can create and connecting people
• Willingness to experiment and go the extra mile 
• Reliable “doer” with the ability to follow processes where necessary
• Ability to deal with uncertainty and thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and fluid work environment
• Bonus: experience working with Swiss stakeholders and navigating differences in mindset

• Collaborate with interesting internal and external partners in the fields of science, education, art and innovation in both the SF Bay Area and Switzerland
• Opportunity for professional growth, both lateral and vertical
• Attend regular free events and programs, weekly community lunches, and optional workout sessions and have access to professional development opportunities
• The chance to work with an experimental, engaged, and strengths-based team that is guided by the following principles: We are curious. We value people. We take action. 
• Emphasis on work-life balance: We prioritize your personal time, fostering a supportive environment that values both productivity at work and well-deserved time off.
• Nonprofit compensation range depends on level of experience and country of residence for tax purposes. Benefits include: 4 weeks’ vacation, 12+ annual holidays, sick leave, medical insurance. 
  • Salary Range $88K – $93K (for US applicants subject to US taxes); Since Swiss applicants are not subject to taxes, their salary range will be lower to reflect this tax-exempt status.

To be considered, you must apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position. Please see the instructions regarding your cover letter on the application page.  

Very important: due to our legal status as an annex of the Swiss Consulate, we can only hire candidates who are already legally authorized to work in either the U. S. or Switzerland. There can be no exceptions.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals. 

Click HERE to apply. Deadline to apply is September 29, 2024.

Location: Swissnex in San Francisco
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Start Date: January 1, 2025
Duration: 12 months
Reports to: Community & Events Manager

Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation. The Swissnex global network consists of six  locations and outposts established in the world’s most innovative hubs. We contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot. 

Located at Pier 17, Swissnex in San Francisco connects the dots between Switzerland and the West Coast of the USA 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 and corporate programs, startup bootcamps, events and much more. Our work space is shared with corporate innovators, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs, and is connected to an event space and our digital community. We work collaboratively and in a complementary manner with our neighbors at Pier17, the Consulate General, the Swiss Business Hub USA and Switzerland Tourism. 

A rare opportunity to join the team as Events & Operations Associate (EOA) is available for a people-oriented, open-minded, creative and self-motivated individual.

The Events & Operations Associate will be responsible for coordinating the successful production of events taking place onsite at Swissnex’s community space at Pier 17 in San Francisco, at external locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, and on Swissnex’s digital platforms.

In addition to working on events, the EOA will learn and support with responsibilities related to Swissnex operations, administration, and Pier 17 facility concerns. The ideal candidate is a team-player with a high sense of responsibility, curiosity and interest for a wide range of fields.

As our Events & Operations Associate, you should be a self-starter, willing to roll up your sleeves, and take on new and challenging responsibilities, sometimes under high time-pressure in multitasking mode. As part of a small team with a bottom-up, informal culture, you can shape projects and outcomes, and learn with and from colleagues, partners and stakeholders, and build your own professional network within Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem.

• Event Management (50%): Produce and coordinate events; logistical and technical setup; support with physical set-up, A/V, and tear down; coordinate with vendors and partners, and supervise event staffing where needed, together with the Community & Events Manager at Swissnex and our partners. Support with calendar management and planning. Contribute creative ideas to enhance the event experience for attendees and participants. Work some evening hours to accommodate a wide variety of Swissnex events and programs.
• Operations, Admin & Facility (30%): Support the operations team with responsibilities related to facilities, office management, and administration. Assist with basic accounting tasks, organization of the office and storage areas, mail handling, ordering supplies, CRM maintenance, and various other operational and administrative responsibilities.
• Community and general duties (20%): Warmly welcome our community and guests to our space. Organize community-related events, communications, or other activities. Further tasks to be determined according to organizational needs and, where possible, the candidate’s interests and abilities.

• Passionate about bringing people together and designing unique experiences
• Experience in event production and hospitality a plus and/or has gained relevant transferable experience in related roles in the hospitality industry
• Is an organizational talent and a doer. This role is primarily about organizing, executing and getting things done, along with some outcome-oriented research and concept work
• Has excellent communication skills, including command of written and spoken English, is fluent in at least one Swiss language and comfortable with people in a very international environment
• Is an excellent problem-solver and team player, as well as proactive, independent, self-motivated, collaborative, energetic and detail-oriented. Flexibility and adaptability is crucial
• Is willing to work evening hours as needed for events, and is comfortable with and able to take on the physical work required for in-person event production (e.g. lifting chairs, stage elements, etc.)
• Able to work in a timely fashion and capable of identifying priorities, managing their own workload, and executing with conscientious attention to customer/user satisfaction
• Brings attention to detail, with a hands-on and pragmatic attitude
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time during events and must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

• Gain work experience in an innovation-driven and fast-paced environment in one of the most dynamic regions of the world and collaborate with interesting partners in the fields of science, education, art and innovation in both Silicon Valley and Switzerland
• Be part of a creative, fun team, curating and producing programs and events
• Team environment that jointly creates interdisciplinary events to inspire and excite a variety of audiences
• Develop networking and project management skills and extend your personal network
• Internship compensation is CHF 3’200 / month, in compliance with guidelines of the Swiss Federal Government, and is paid locally each month in USD* (*Exact amount will be confirmed during the contracting process)

• Candidate is a Swiss citizen or has a valid Swiss work permit for the duration of the internship
• Candidate currently studies in a university or university of applied sciences in Switzerland towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree OR the last university degree (Bachelor/Master) is not older than one year at the beginning of the internship (no exceptions are possible)
• Candidate has not gained professional experience in the field of his/her studies
• The total period of internships (“Hochschulpraktikum”/ “Stage académique”, including this one) within the Swiss confederation does not exceed 6 months for candidates who have not yet obtained their Bachelor’s degree or 12 months for those with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

To be considered for the Events & Operations Associate internship, you must apply through the link below and include your resume (CV and please do not include a photo of yourself) and a detailed cover letter not exceeding one page that answers:
1. why you are interested in this specific position at Swissnex,
2. why you should be chosen to join our team – including the experiences, personal qualities or strengths that make you well-suited for the position and
3. tell us very briefly about one topic that you are passionate about that is connected to our work.

Any other documents that may support your candidacy are welcomed and can be attached via the application platform linked below.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

Click HERE to apply. Deadline to apply is Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Full Time | Swissnex in Boston and New York

Location: Cambridge, MA
Work Experience: 5+ years

Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. Our mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas, and talents. We thereby contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot. Swissnex is an initiative of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and is part of the Swiss Confederation’s network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The Swissnex HQ is located at SERI in Bern. The activities of Swissnex are based on a collaborative approach, relying on public and private partnerships and funding.

The Global Communications Lead is a new hybrid role that combines responsibilities for the entire Swissnex network with work that is specific to Swissnex in Boston and New York. This key member of the Swissnex network will manage and execute global communication, marketing, and public relations strategies, in collaboration with our headquarters in Switzerland and other Swissnex locations around the world. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the communication and marketing channels of Swissnex in Boston and New York, working closely with its entire team of permanent staff and interns. The Global Communications Lead will report to both the CEO of Swissnex in Boston and New York and the Swissnex Head of Unit at SERI.

Global Communications

• Coordinate global communication and marketing and efforts with HQ and other Swissnex locations.
• Manage and update the global section of the Swissnex website, including blog posts, news articles, and event pages.
• Develop and distribute the global Swissnex newsletter.
• Oversee and manage Swissnex’s social media presence.
• Help produce Swissnex’s Annual Report.
• Maintain and update branding guidelines, templates, and collateral, ensuring consistency with Swissnex’s brand and message.
• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns.
• Develop and implement global templates and software tools to streamline communication processes.
• Manage relationships with third parties (vendors, designers, communication agencies, consultants, developers).

Public Relations in Switzerland

• Coordinate and manage public relations efforts in Switzerland in close collaboration with HQ.
• Liaise with Swiss media outlets and journalists.
• Manage relationships with external PR agencies to ensure effective communication and outreach.
• Draft press releases and handle media inquiries, in close collaboration with the SERI communications team.
• Organize activities and briefings in Switzerland to promote Swissnex’s activities in collaboration with the Swissnex Project Manager.

Communications for Boston and New York

• Adapt and implement global communication strategies to suit the needs of Swissnex in Boston and New York.
• Develop and execute local communication plans and marketing campaigns.
• Foster relationships with local media and manage press relations.
• Organize and promote local events and initiatives, ensuring alignment with Swissnex’s global approach and strategy.
• Create and maintain location-specific content for the website and social media.

Visual Content

• Select and Produce high-quality visual content, including videos and graphic designs, to support global and local communication efforts.
• Collaborate with the global network to ensure visual content is consistent with Swissnex’s branding and messaging.
• Develop innovative and engaging visual materials to promote Swissnex’s initiatives and events.

General Swissnex Tasks

• Contribute to general Swissnex tasks and initiatives as needed.
• Support the Swissnex team in Boston and New York with various administrative and operational tasks.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and events to represent Swissnex and contribute to its overall mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in German is required, and French is a plus.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media, and public relations.
• Proficiency in content management systems, social media management tools, and analytics software.
• Experience in graphic design and video production.
• Good understanding of and experience in the Swiss media landscape and other outreach and marketing opportunities in Switzerland.
• A strong network of Swiss journalists is a plus.
• Good understanding of the Swiss education, research, and innovation landscape.
• Extremely detail-oriented, as the role involves being the last person to review material before publication.
• Good political sense and diplomatic skills to navigate a complex multi-stakeholder, partnerships-based environment.
• Ability to travel occasionally to Switzerland and other Swissnex locations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a global team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

What We Offer

• A full-time position (40 hours per week).
• Four weeks of vacation yearly and a mix of 12+ US and Swiss holidays.
• Competitive benefits package including: Employer-matched 401(K), and 65%, 80%, or 85% employer-paid medical and dental plans (depending on the options).
• Continuing education possibilities and a platform to grow your skills, professional experience, and network.
• Financial assistance is not available for those required to relocate.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

Due to our consular status, applicants must either be Swiss citizens, US citizens, or US permanent residents.

Interested candidates should attach a resume, cover letter, and portfolio showcasing relevant work.

As the first Consulate in Japan with a focus on science diplomacy, Swissnex in Japan connects Switzerland and Japan in education, research, and innovation. In operation since 2022, the new Consulate is looking for a fearless Startup & Innovation Manager for its Startup and Innovation team.

• Starting date: October 1, 2024 (preferably)
• Location: Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka, Swissnex in Japan
• Full-time position

• Manage, coordinate and organize startup, innovation, and high-tech-related activities and events, including mandates, projects, fundraising, and logistics.
• Conduct research on innovation-related topics and identify new trends and developments in the fields of innovation and high-tech such as AI, robotics, quantum, spacetech, etc.
• Foster networks and relationships between Swiss and Japanese innovation ecosystems and actively support Swiss deeptech startups interested in Japan.
• Smartly drive communication between partners, sponsors, and other project stakeholders.
• Proactive collaboration within the Swissnex team and Team Switzerland in Japan.

• Bachelor’s Degree / Master’s Degree
• Passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation and deeptech
• Excellent command of business English and Japanese.
• Familiarity with Swiss and Japanese deeptech startups and innovation networks. Existing network in the Kansai region a plus.
• Experience in project management.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, passionate.
• Responsible, curious, flexible, pragmatic, forward-thinking, self-starting team-player.
• Professional appearance and demeanor suitable for outreach to and contact with C-level individuals and executives.
• Compatible with a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment and willing to work outside office hours, for events or visiting groups.
• Computer literacy (Mac OS, MS Office, Google Suite, Zoho, Zoom, SNS, etc.).
• Interest in Switzerland and Japan.

• 20-day vacation, 12+ national holidays, and sick leave
• Competitive benefit package including Social Insurance
• Continuing education possibilities

• Must be a Swiss citizen, a Japanese citizen, or a legal resident of Japan
• Local employment conditions. Relocation & accommodation will not be covered by the employer.

Did we raise your interest? Then we look forward to hearing more about you!

Please send your full application, including:

• CV with cover letter (letter of motivation)
• Copies of letters of reference, work certificates and university diplomas, including transcript of records