Overview

Position Overview

Title: Head of Strategic Communication

Location: San Francisco

Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Start Date: January 1, 2023

About Swissnex

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.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Head of Strategic Communication responsible for developing and overseeing a creative, strategic, and impactful multi-channel communication and content strategy that supports Swissnex in San Francisco to reach its objectives and intended impact. The communication strategy will support the organization’s objectives of empowering the next generation of innovators in science, education, innovation and the arts through specialized programs for diverse target groups: entrepreneurs, students and researchers, artists and designers, policy-makers and corporate innovators.

The role will:

  • Develop and implement Swissnex in SF’s communication strategy with a multi-channel approach
  • Provide strategic advice to internal Swissnex in SF staff and external partners
  • Support the development of all partnership and fundraising proposals
  • Collaborate with and provide strategic advice to the Swissnex Network Communication staff

Key Responsibilities

Impact, Content, and Storytelling for Swissnex in SF (60%)

  • Develop a creative and innovative communication and content strategy that supports Swissnex in SF’s organizational structure, vision, and focus incorporating a variety of media, including videos, podcasts, website/blog, publications, newsletters, impact report, design, photography, media/journalism, and social media, produced both internally and externally
  • Design and implement effective, targeted marketing strategies for new programs and offerings
  • Provide visibility to program participants and partners through innovative formats of communication to be developed both in-house and with external service providers
  • Lead all design and content development in collaboration with internal team members and external providers if produced externally
  • Ensure all Swissnex in SF’s communication channels are kept active and up-to-date with relevant and timely content
  • Be the main point of contact for media and pitch to press on relevant projects/topics
  • Develop the team’s communication skills
  • Stay abreast of strategic trends emerging in Switzerland and the Bay Area

Collaboration with the global Swissnex Network (20%)

  • Provide strategic advice for Network-wide objectives, projects and campaigns
  • Be a leading voice for the Network and share best practices
  • Coordinate content for Swissnex in SF’s contribution to the Swissnex Annual Report and other major publications (ie annual impact report)

Team, Learning and Leadership (20%)

  • Lead the Swissnex in SF communication team (currently 1 FTE and 1 Intern) and manage all external communication relations with service providers and partners
  • Support and provide strategic organizational communication advice to Swissnex in SF leadership
  • Advise on all strategic communication activities and collaborate with internal staff throughout the life-cycle of a project from ideation to implementation and reporting
  • Be a leader and key player in the Swissnex in SF management team and in the Swissnex Network

Requirements

  • 5-7 years’ relevant professional experience working in communications and marketing
  • Has a solid network within the Bay Area and/or Switzerland particularly in the media, science and/or innovation communities
  • Proven experience designing and implementing a communications strategy; non-profit / impact-focused experience is a plus
  • Strong background supporting organizations working in science, innovation and/or the arts, ideally at a global level
  • Ability to translate trends/news into precise and actionable insights/recommendations for the organization
  • Proven track record in content marketing and development
  • Excellent language and communications skills
  • Experience in building and maintaining a community is a plus
  • Proactive problem solver and team player with a growth mindset, positive attitude and excellent co-creation and collaboration skills
  • Passionate about innovation and creativity, the impact it can create and connecting people across borders and cultures
  • Passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting next generation innovators
  • Willingness to experiment and go the extra mile
  • Reliable “doer” with excellent organizational skills, yet the ability to adjust and respond to change
  • Ability to deal with uncertainty and thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and fluid work environment

What We Offer

  • Collaborate with interesting internal and external partners in the fields of science, education, art and innovation in both the SF Bay Area and Switzerland, as well as with our peers from the global Swissnex Network
  • 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.
  • Benefits include: 4 weeks’ vacation, 10 annual holidays, sick leave, medical insurance, retirement contribution.

Compensation commensurate with experience and responsibilities in a non-profit setting, dependent on country of residence for tax purpose, starting at:

  • Swiss applicants: $74K – $80K (Swiss citizens and residents won’t be subject to US taxes; the salary range reflects this tax-exempt status. Swiss employees receive a Foreign Official A2 visa and continue to pay into the Swiss benefits system.)
  • US applicants: $93K – $100K (will be subject to US taxes)

To Apply

Deadline to apply is October 1, 2022. Interested candidates please submit your resume and a cover letter tailored to this position. This position was posted on September 1, 2022.

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