Head of Marketing & Communication 80 - 100%

Strategic Marketing & Communication Leadership

Enhance the positioning of a private sector-oriented development organisation among private and institutional partners. Strengthen distinctiveness and visibility in a challenging international environment where public funds for international development cooperation face a steep decline. Support efforts to expand the private funder base, with a particular focus on corporate and philanthropic foundations and family offices in Switzerland and Europe.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Further develop an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens positioning as a private sector-oriented development organisation with key clients and partners in target markets.
• Translate the strategy into clear priorities, resource allocation, and measurable objectives.
• Monitor and report on marketing goals and KPIs, ensuring implementation, evaluation, and optimisation.
• Develop, lead, and continuously improve fundraising campaigns and marketing and communications activities across digital channels, social media, PR, and corporate communications, drawing on compelling in-house storytelling.
• Develop innovative digital strategies and optimise processes using AI tools, automation, and emerging technologies to increase reach, impact, and efficiency.
• Build and cherish a network of contacts with media and other stakeholders in the private and public sector.
• Lead and develop a small marketing and communication team in Zurich, providing hands-on support when required. Oversee annual planning, reporting, budgeting, and human resource management for the team.
• Leverage a network of regional communication managers to drive alignment of marketing and communication strategies across regions and ensure consistent compliance with communication and brand standards throughout the organisation.

Requirements

• Higher education in marketing, communication, or related fields (university degree, technical college, or equivalent training and further education).
• At least eight years of professional experience in marketing and communications.
• In-depth understanding of digital marketing, social media, content strategies, multimedia communications, publishing workflows, marketing technologies, and data-based performance measurement.
• Familiarity with relevant tools and platforms, like MS Dynamics CRM, CMS, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Marketing Platform.
• An entrepreneurial, proactive, and constructive mindset, combined with a high level of motivation to work in international development.
• Proven success in developing and implementing communications strategies in complex matrix organisations, ideally in the internationally active private services sector or international cooperation.
• Proven leadership and change-management experience, combined with a pragmatic and action-oriented approach.
• Experience in planning and delivering effective campaigns with a strong focus on organic reach.
• Strong communication skills, conceptual and strategic competencies, willingness to innovate, and openness to new technologies and trends.
• Strong intercultural skills and ability to navigate diplomatically within heterogeneous team settings.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel to project countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
• Excellent command of English and German is a must. Good French and/or Spanish skills are an advantage.

What We Offer

• A meaningful and challenging role with a high degree of personal responsibility and scope for shaping in an international context of high social relevance.
• An agile organization with a culture of mutual respect, trust, and teamwork.
• The opportunity to help shape strategic direction.
• Flexible working models and development opportunities.