Director of office – Zürich (F/D/M)

Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
Starting date: 7 January 2025
Application deadline: 15 September 2024

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a European humanitarian organization committed to saving lives in distress in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2016, we have saved more than 40,000 lives. As a key humanitarian actor at sea, we are seeking to strengthen our presence in the German-speaking part of Switzerland by opening a leadership position in Zurich.

The Office Manager in Zurich will play a crucial role in the strategic development of our activities in German-speaking Switzerland. The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing the visibility of the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, developing strong relationships with local partners, and leading the national fundraising strategy. This position requires a strategic leader capable of representing SOS MEDITERRANEE to the media and the public while managing a dynamic local team.

• Development Strategy: Propose and implement a development strategy to increase the visibility and impact of SOS MEDITERRANEE in German-speaking Switzerland. This includes identifying partnership opportunities and launching local or national campaigns.
• Networking: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and cultivate a support network for SOS MEDITERRANEE’s operations.
• Private Fundraising: Develop and execute effective strategies for national fundraising, with a focus on donor retention. Oversee the organization of fundraising events and awareness-raising actions.
• Representation and Communication: Act as the spokesperson for SOS MEDITERRANEE in German-speaking Switzerland. Manage media relations, participate in conferences, and speak at public events to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.
• Team Management: Coordinate, motivate, and develop a team of three people based in Zurich. Ensure coordination of office activities with other branches of the organization in Switzerland and Europe.

• Education: University degree in a relevant field (management, communication, international relations, etc.), with a specialization or experience in private fundraising.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a management role, ideally in the humanitarian or nonprofit sector. Previous experience in team management and the implementation of development strategies is essential.
• Skills:
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
  • Strong strategic thinking with a long-term vision for activity development.
  • Excellent network in German-speaking Switzerland, with the ability to establish solid partnerships.
  • Demonstrated experience in private fundraising.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization in front of the press and during public speaking engagements.
• Languages: Proficiency in German, French, and English.

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a cover letter explaining their interest and vision for the position to recrutement.ch@sosmediterranee.org before 15.09.2024. Please include “Office Manager Zurich – Application” in the subject line of your email.

SOS MEDITERRANEE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation, or religion.