About this role
About E4S
Launched in 2020, Enterprise for Society (E4S) is a joint initiative of EPFL , UNIL , and IMD , dedicated to bringing together the diverse strengths, expertise, and networks of the three institutions and to empowering society to overcome the major global challenges of our era (e.g., sustainable transition, disruptive technological change, geopolitical movements). By combining cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and active engagement with industry and society, E4S aims to shape responsible leadership and impactful solutions to today’s global challenges.
Position Overview
E4S is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director (100%, CDI) to lead its strategic and operational development. Reporting to the Academic Directors from the three partner institutions, the Executive Director will work in close collaboration with them and play a central role in refining and implementing the center’s strategy and ensuring its long-term success and impact.
While E4S is a joint center shared equally by the three partner institutions, the position of Executive Director is administratively based at EPFL , where the center is hosted. The Executive Director will work at EPFL’s campus in Lausanne.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic L eadership
Execute and operationalise the strategic plan defined by the Academic Directors
- Drive the execution of the strategic roadmap and ensure alignment across the three institutions
- Operational Management
Lead and inspire a dedicated, multidisciplinary team
- Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure efficient delivery of programs and initiatives
- Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships within EPFL , UNIL , and IMD
- Develop and maintain partnerships with external stakeholders (corporate partners, foundations, public institutions)
- Lead fundraising efforts and identify new collaboration opportunities
- Steer and oversee internal events and external engagements, in line with the priorities set by the Academic Directors
- Education
Coordinate the evolution of the Master’s in Sustainable Management and Technology (SMT)
- Coordinate the promotion of the SMT and increase its visibility
- Financial Oversight
Oversee the center’s budget and financial planning
- Ensure sustainable resource allocation and reporting, in particular the annual activity report and annual financial statements to the E4S Supervisory Board
- Event Leadership
Oversee the design and execution of E4S’s annual flagship event, the Showcase
- Strategically decide on which events to engage
- Ensure high visibility, strong participation, and alignment of any event with E4S’s mission
Profile and Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in a senior management or executive role
- Strong strategic thinking combined with operational excellence
- Experience working across multiple stakeholders and institutions, including within multi-institutional governance structures, ideally in academic, public, or non-profit environments
- Familiarity with the Swiss higher-education landscape
- Understanding of higher-education settings, including the design and delivery of educational programmes (e.g., master’s programs)
- Demonstrated success in partnership development and fundraising
- Solid financial management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
- Familiarity with topics such as sustainability, disruptive technological changes and geopolitics is a strong asset
- A master’s degree (or equivalent) or a PhD
What We offer
- A unique leadership opportunity at the intersection of academia, business, and society
- A highly stimulating, international environment across three leading institutions
- The chance to shape a high-impact initiative addressing major global challenges
Informations
Contract Start Date : 01/15/2027
Activity Rate : 100.00
Contract Type: CDI
Reference: 2593
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a CV and cover letter.