Event Manager / Event Manageress

Event Manager at ETH AI Center

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH AI Center serves as ETH's central hub for artificial intelligence, bringing together researchers focused on the foundations, applications, and implications of AI across all departments. We promote research excellence, foster industry innovation, and stimulate AI entrepreneurship to create trustworthy, accessible, and inclusive AI systems for societal benefit. Established in autumn 2020, the ETH AI Center supports a rapidly growing community of leading AI researchers, industry partners, and startups.

We are seeking a dynamic personality to lead our event portfolio, enhancing a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening connections within the broader Zurich AI community. As an Event Manager at ETH AI Center, you will engage in both strategic and operational tasks in close collaboration with the Executive Office, faculty, fellows enrolled at the Center, leading AI companies, and external stakeholders.

The position is available from 1/2026 or by agreement. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of renewal thereafter.

Project Background

The AI+X Summit and the Zurich AI Festival stand as the flagship events of the ETH AI Center. The Summit provides a vibrant platform uniting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore how AI transforms science, technology, and society while showcasing cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary collaboration among academic partners such as ETH AI Center, UZH.ai, and ZHAW, along with our expanding network of industry partners, startups, and VCs. The Festival brings AI to the city, engaging the public through talks, exhibitions, and creative formats, while offering workshops tailored to SMEs and specific research domains.

As our Event Manager, you will spearhead the continuation of this success story, designing impactful experiences, building strong partnerships, and enhancing Switzerland's position as a global hub for trustworthy, human-centered AI.

Job Description

This is a hands-on role: You will oversee every detail, from floor plans, logistics, and on-site operations to catering, technical setup, and volunteer coordination. We seek someone who thrives on execution, maintains composure under pressure, and takes pride in transforming great ideas into seamless experiences. You will:

• Elevate our flagship events - the AI+X Summit and the Zurich AI Festival - in scale, reach, and impact.
• Take ownership of event budgets, ensuring efficient planning, cost control, and strategic use of resources.
• Provide structure, guidance, and counsel for events throughout the year by defining processes, standards, and best practices for the entire team.
• Curate and design events bridging industry and academia across all departments of ETH.
• Coordinate the ETH AI Center's presence at leading AI gatherings such as AMLD, AI for Good, and AI House Davos.
• Communicate and promote events through social media, our webpages, and in collaboration with our communication specialists.
• Collaborate closely with our academic and industry partners, affiliated startups, local business development offices, and the broader European research community.
• Manage, supervise, and mentor a team of student assistants supporting the operational aspects of ETH AI Center events.
• Monitor emerging trends and identify relevant topics for our community of AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies.

Profile

• A communicative, flexible, independent, and reliable personality with strong networking and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven track record in event management and related fields such as communications, project management, and community management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and German.
• Persistence, drive, and strong self-organization, combined with a creative and innovative mindset that turns opportunities into action.
• Genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for technological and scientific trends and their societal impact.
• Experience working in fast-paced academic and/or corporate research environments.
• An inclusive team player who values open, direct communication and fosters a culture of constructive feedback.
• A university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) ideally complements your profile.

Workplace

Your job will have a significant impact: Join ETH Zurich, an institution that supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive societal change. You can expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.