Event Manager / Event Manageress

Event Manager at ETH AI Center

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

As ETH's central hub for artificial intelligence, the ETH AI Center brings together researchers focused on AI foundations, applications, and implications across all departments. We foster research excellence, industry innovation, and AI entrepreneurship to promote trustworthy, accessible, and inclusive AI systems for the benefit of society. Founded in the autumn of 2020, the ETH AI Center caters to a rapidly growing community of leading AI researchers, industry partners, and startups.

We are seeking a dynamic individual to lead our event portfolio, nurturing a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening connections within the wider Zurich AI community. As an Event Manager at the ETH AI Center, you will undertake both strategic and operational tasks in close partnership 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 option to renew thereafter.

Project Background

The AI+X Summit and the Zurich AI Festival are flagship events for the ETH AI Center. The Summit serves as a vibrant platform uniting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore how AI is transforming science, technology, and society. It showcases cutting-edge research and promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration among partners including ETH AI Center, UZH.ai, and ZHAW, as well as a growing network of industry partners, startups, and VCs. The Festival brings AI into the public sphere through talks, exhibitions, and creative formats, while offering workshops tailored to SMEs and specific research domains.

As our Event Manager, you will be pivotal in continuing this success story by designing impactful experiences, building strong partnerships, and shaping Switzerland's position as a global hub for trustworthy, human-centered AI.

Job Description

This role is *hands-on*: You will oversee every detail from floor plans, logistics, and on-site operations to catering, technical setup, and volunteer coordination. We are looking for someone who thrives on execution, remains calm under pressure, and takes pride in turning great ideas into seamless experiences. You will:

• Enhance 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 resource allocation.
• Provide structure, guidance, and counsel for events year-round by defining processes, standards, and best practices for the entire team.
• Curate and design events bridging industry and academia across all ETH departments.
• 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 via social media and web pages in collaboration with our communication specialists.
• Collaborate closely with 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, coupled with a creative and innovative mindset that transforms opportunities into action.
• Genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for technological and scientific trends and their societal impact.
• Experience working in fast-paced academic 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

We offer:

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, supporting your professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• Expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

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

Curious? So Are We.

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