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 of 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 looking for a dynamic personality to take the lead in our event portfolio, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening the bonds within the wider Zurich AI community. As an Event Manager at the ETH AI Center, you will carry out both strategic and operational tasks in close cooperation with the Executive Office, faculty, fellows enrolled at the Center, leading AI companies, and external stakeholders.

The position is available from January 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 the ETH AI Center's flagship events. The Summit is a vibrant platform that unites researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore how AI transforms science, technology, and society—showcasing cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary collaboration from our presenting academic partners: ETH AI Center, UZH.ai, and ZHAW, along with our expanding network of industry partners, startups, and VCs. The Festival takes AI to the city, engaging the public through talks, exhibitions, and creative formats, offering workshops tailored to SMEs and specific research domains.

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

Job Description

This is a hands-on role: You’ll own every detail from floor plans, logistics, on-site operations, catering, technical setup, and volunteer coordination. We’re looking for 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 that bridge 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 web pages, 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

As part of ETH Zurich, you will be immersed in a stimulating environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open 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 online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas and references

Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.