Partnership Manager / Partnership Manageress

Join the University of Zurich: Partnership Managers Wanted

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams, the University provides an inspiring working environment that fosters cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us and discover more about UZH as an employer!

Your Responsibilities

We are seeking two Partnership Managers (fixed-term, 80-100%) to support the development and implementation of UZH's international partnerships and global engagement activities. Both roles contribute to coordinating priority partnerships, engaging within institutional networks (Una Europa, Universitas 21, and LERU), and organizing joint initiatives with partner universities. You will work closely with colleagues across Global Affairs, UZH faculties, and international partners to strengthen UZH's global engagement.

Both roles involve:

• Coordinating activities with international partner institutions and networks
• Organizing meetings, events, partner visits, and collaborative initiatives
• Preparing briefings, documentation, and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Supporting communication and dissemination of partnership activities
• Maintaining strong relationships with counterparts at partner institutions and with UZH researchers involved in collaborations
• Contributing to internal community building around international partnerships and networks
• Working collaboratively across the Global Affairs office and contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and initiatives

The two roles differ in their primary focus areas:

Focus Area 1: European Universities Alliances and EU Collaboration

• Coordinate UZH's participation in the Una Europa European University Alliance, including the corresponding Erasmus+ project
• Manage project implementation, milestones, deliverables, and reporting obligations
• Co-coordinate international project activities with partner universities across the alliance with a focus on societal outreach
• Manage project finances and reporting in line with Movetia, Erasmus+, and UZH requirements
• Support internal engagement with Una Europa across UZH and coordinate participating academic and professional staff and students

Focus Area 2: Strategic Partnerships and Global Network Initiatives

• Manage and further develop the Global Funding Scheme, including calls, selection processes, and financial administration
• Coordinate selected strategic partnerships and related collaborative activities
• Support UZH's participation in the Universitas 21 (U21) network and related initiatives
• Organize governance meetings, delegation visits, and partnership activities with international partner universities
• Support exploratory initiatives aimed at deepening collaboration with priority partners

Both positions offer room for initiative and the opportunity to actively contribute to the development of UZH's international partnerships and collaboration activities.

Your Profile

You are a pragmatic, relationship-savvy project professional who enjoys building credible partnerships and delivering complex initiatives. You combine structure with judgment, running processes smoothly while anticipating needs and communicating clearly with diverse stakeholders.

You have solid experience (3+ years) in an international environment, ideally in higher education, research, the public sector, or another stakeholder-rich setting. You are comfortable coordinating across organizational boundaries (faculties, central units, external partners). You take ownership and are confident in representing your work during meetings. You can seamlessly switch between hands-on coordination, stakeholder management, and reporting while maintaining high-quality output.

Proficiency in Microsoft 365 is essential; experience with CRM systems, funding workflows, and project financial reporting is advantageous. Excellent English is required, and German language skills are a plus (or a willingness to develop them).

Depending on your strengths, you will primarily contribute in one of two focus areas:

• European Universities Alliances and EU Collaboration: Coordination of multi-partner projects, deliverables, and reporting in a European higher education context.
• Strategic Partnerships and Funding Initiatives: Management of partnership activities, funding instruments, and related stakeholder coordination.

Most importantly, you thrive in a small, dynamic team and are comfortable operating in an environment where priorities evolve. You are adept at prioritizing effectively, staying flexible during busy periods, and ensuring projects move forward while maintaining a sense of humor.

Apply Now

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For inquiries, reach out to:

Larissa Nina Albrecht
Engagement and Operations Officer
larissanina.albrecht@uzh.ch