Secretary General - Foundation

• 13 October 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite period
• Genève

Reporting to the Board of Foundation, the Secretary General is responsible for steering the activities of the foundation as well as the implementation of its philanthropic strategy. A true conductor, he/she ensures the development, coordination, and monitoring of funded projects, while guaranteeing operational excellence and the quality of partnerships.

Secretary General - Foundation

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 Genève, this role offers strong autonomy and direct exposure to a family board of directors that is particularly involved in defining strategic orientations.

Missions

Strategic development and steering ##

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

Project portfolio management ##

• Identify, evaluate, and select supported projects.
• Perform 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 intended for the Board of Foundation.
• Maintain close relationships with beneficiary organizations and partners.

Institutional relations and influence ##

• Represent the foundation among actors in the philanthropic, associative, academic, and institutional sectors.
• Develop and animate 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 the meetings of the Board of Foundation.
• Write or supervise documentation related to governance.
• Ensure the administrative follow-up of decisions taken.
• Supervise contractual, financial, and regulatory aspects.
• Guarantee compliance with legal obligations and the requirements of supervisory authorities.

Operational steering ##

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

Candidate Profile

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 and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with governance bodies or boards of directors.
• Excellent analysis, synthesis, and reporting skills.

Skills ###

• Strategic vision combined with a strong capacity for execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to unite actors with diverse sensibilities.
• High autonomy, sense of priorities, and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ease in institutional representation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Good command 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 adherence to values of general interest and societal impact.

Languages ###

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

Conditions and Advantages

After a first year, the selected person 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 notoriety of the organization.
• Consolidated governance and steering processes.
• Supported the development of new strategic partnerships allowing for the maximization of the impact of funded actions.

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