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 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 individual to lead our event portfolio, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening the bonds within the broader Zurich AI community. As an Event Manager at ETH AI Center, you will work closely with the Executive Office, faculty, fellows enrolled at the Center, leading AI companies, and external stakeholders to carry out both strategic and operational tasks.

The position is available from January 2026 or by mutual 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 of the ETH AI Center. The Summit serves as a vibrant platform uniting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore how AI transforms science, technology, and society—showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among academic partners such as ETH AI Center, UZH.ai, and ZHAW, as well as our expanding network of industry partners, startups, and VCs. The Festival brings AI to the city, engaging the public through talks, exhibitions, and innovative formats, offering workshops tailored for SMEs and specific research domains.

As our Event Manager, you will contribute to our 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 is a hands-on role: You will oversee every detail—from floor plans and logistics to on-site operations, 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 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 wider 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; proficiency in German is a plus.
• 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 completes your profile.

Workplace

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We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and contributes to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we consistently work 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.

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas and references

For more information about the ETH AI Center, please visit our website, or contact Ms. Helga Rietz via email at helga.rietz@ai.ethz.ch (no application documents).

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 the direct transfer of new knowledge to society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.