The Academic Engagement and Arts Program Manager is part of the programs team at Swissnex in Boston and New York and supports the internationalization of Swiss stakeholders in academia and creative industries on the US East Coast. Typical tasks include ideation, planning, execution, and stewardship of new programs and initiatives that serve Swissnex’s mission, as well as executing, managing and developing existing activities and relationships. 

Our ideal candidate will be a creative, intellectually curious, highly responsible project manager and event organizer, with a positive can-do and hands-on attitude. An ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience in working with the academic and/or arts sector or in event management.

Responsibilities:

• Support and plan activities, projects, and events with academic partners in Switzerland and the US. Manage both local and Swiss stakeholders and initiate and respond to related outreach.

• Event ideation, planning and execution in coordination with and under the overall supervision of the Head of Programs.

• Support the Head of Creative Industries in activities and programs at the intersection of science and art in the Boston area.

• Manage existing programming and partnerships under the supervision of the Head of Programs.

• Network cultivation: maintain and expand existing relationships with Swiss and Boston-area stakeholders in the fields of higher education, research, and creative industries.

• Administrative tasks related to budgeting for programs, management of cloud and server-based materials, and documentation for knowledge transfers.

• Support other teams at Swissnex (Innovation, Communications, and Operations) on a project basis as needed.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in any subject or equivalent experience gained through work

• Prior professional experience with any of the following organizations: higher education, diplomatic representations, nonprofit organizations, art, science and design, government, or small mission-driven organizations

• Experience with networking and event management, hospitality or logistics management

Languages:

• Excellent communication and writing skills in English

• Some fluency in German or French a bonus for this role

Organizational Skills:

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a proactive, hands-on, and can-do attitude. Very strong attention to detail

• Able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

• Able to respond quickly and professionally to the unexpected

Technical Skills:

• At ease with basic IT and other office technology management. Strong computer skills (Google Suite, MS Office, etc.)

• Proven experience working with teams and managing projects

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 70,000-75,000 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 Cambridge, Massachusetts location near Harvard Square 

Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world 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. We thereby contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hot spot. 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 activities of Swissnex are based on a collaborative approach, relying on public and private partnerships and funding.

The deadline to apply is November 21, 2025. Please apply via the link below, and include both your resume (CV) and a cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position.

We are looking for a young professional with strong research skills, and excellent Chinese and English command, ready to support Swissnex in China with reporting and innovation scouting.

As Junior Project Manager you will conduct research and innovation scouting and take a deep dive into emerging trends while gaining real-world experience at an official representation of Switzerland. We are looking for a bright, self-driven and ambitious team player with exceptional research, writing, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate can work across disciplines, can embrace change, and is ready to help us bring Swiss excellence to the next level. You will join a dynamic and supportive team and work in an international, creative, and collaborative environment at our Shanghai office.

• Scouting and Research: Under the supervision of the innovation lead, conduct market research and ecosystem mapping to facilitate Swiss startups’ validation and entry in China. Contribute to our diverse mandates and agreements by identifying trends and key players in various science and technology fields, by conducting research, innovation and academic scouting, and by writing and editing reports for our partners and stakeholders. Act as point of contact for external partners.
• Event and Project Management: Assist in the planning, execution, and follow-up of science, technology and innovation-related events (tech fairs, webinars, conferences, study trips, workshops, etc.), including helping manage project logistics and documentation.
• Startup Relations: Assist the startup manager and colleagues with the promotion of our startup programs and building rapport and follow-up with Swiss startups and entrepreneurs. Identify and engage with relevant partners, clients, and stakeholders in China and support the coordination of meetings and visits.
• Communications: In collaboration with the communications team, assist with content for social media posts as well as tech-related articles.
• Outreach and Networking: Identify and engage with relevant partners, clients, and stakeholders in China and support the coordination of meetings and visits. Proactively cultivate and develop a network of partners and stakeholders. Attend relevant events and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Chinese citizenship, with legal eligibility for full-time employment in China under the terms of the PRC labor law.
• Strong command of English (spoken and written) is required.
• Ideal for young professionals or recent graduates with 1–2 years of experience, particularly those with stakeholder engagement skills—such as supporting outreach to Chinese partners—or familiarity with industry networks, preferably in cleantech or healthcare.
• Strong research skills with a willingness to immerse yourself in various tech- and innovation-related topics.
• Interest in startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem as well as in science, technology, and innovation.
• Fast-thinking, organized, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

• Cover letter (letter of motivation) and CV
• Copies of university diplomas, transcript of records, work certificates, and letters of reference if available