Secretary General - Foundation

• Lead the strategy, governance, and operations of the foundation
• Develop, select, and supervise a portfolio of high-impact projects

About Our Client ##

Our client is a Swiss family foundation whose mission is to support high-impact initiatives in the fields of education, the environment, the transmission of knowledge, and the development of sustainable societal projects.

Convinced that major contemporary challenges require innovative and responsible approaches, the foundation accompanies philanthropic projects led by organizations, associations, and partners committed to creating a long-term positive impact.

Based in Geneva, this role offers strong autonomy and direct exposure to a family board of directors particularly involved in defining strategic directions.

Job Description ##

Strategic Development and Steering

• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the foundation's strategy.
• Identify emerging issues and impact opportunities.
• Develop action plans and annual budgets.
• Develop a long-term vision to strengthen the foundation's positioning and visibility.
• Propose new initiatives and areas of intervention in line with the organization's values.

Project Portfolio Management

• Identify, evaluate, and select supported projects.
• Conduct necessary preliminary analyses (impact, governance, risks, ethical and financial aspects).
• Supervise the monitoring of funding and project progress.
• Define performance indicators and impact measurement.
• Prepare analyses, recommendations, and presentations for the Board of the Foundation.
• Maintain close relationships with beneficiary organizations and partners.

Institutional Relations and Influence

• Represent the foundation among stakeholders in the philanthropic, associative, academic, and institutional sectors.
• Develop and manage a network of strategic partners.
• Participate in conferences, events, and sector initiatives.
• Supervise the communication strategy and institutional content.
• Ensure the consistency and quality of the foundation's image.

Governance and Administration

• Prepare and coordinate meetings of the Board of the Foundation.
• Write or supervise documentation related to governance.
• Ensure administrative follow-up of decisions made.
• Supervise contractual, financial, and regulatory aspects.
• Guarantee compliance with legal obligations and the requirements of supervisory authorities.

Operational Management

• Supervise the administrative and financial activities of the foundation.
• Coordinate external service providers and specialized partners.
• Ensure budgetary and financial monitoring of activities.
• Ensure the quality and efficiency of internal processes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the organization.

The Successful Applicant ##

Experience

• Significant experience in a leadership, secretary general, or high-impact program management role.
• Experience in the philanthropic, foundation, associative, institutional, or mission-driven economy sector.
• Solid experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with governance bodies or boards of directors.
• Excellent analytical, synthesis, and reporting skills.

Skills

• Strategic vision combined with a strong capacity for execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to unite stakeholders with diverse sensitivities.
• Strong autonomy, sense of priorities, and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ease in institutional representation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Good mastery of financial and budgetary issues.

Personal Qualities

• Natural leadership.
• Maturity and discernment.
• High sense of ethics and confidentiality.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Agility and ability to evolve in complex environments.
• Pragmatism and results orientation.
• Strong commitment to values of general interest and societal impact.

Languages

• Fluent French.
• Fluent English.
• Any other language is an asset.

What's on Offer ##

After a first year, the successful candidate will have:

• Strengthened the positioning and impact of the foundation.
• Developed relationships of trust with key stakeholders.
• Structured and advanced the portfolio of supported projects.
• Contributed to increasing the visibility and reputation of the organization.
• Consolidated governance and steering processes.
• Supported the development of new strategic partnerships to maximize the impact of funded actions.

Location: Geneva
Activity rate: 100 %
Occasional travel to be expected in Switzerland and internationally.

Quote job ref

JN-102026-7124541

Job Function

Office & Management Support

Specialisation

Public Sector & Not For Profit

Industry

Not For Profit

Where

Geneva

Contract Type

Permanent

Job Reference

JN-102026-7124541