Description
EPFL, the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks in the global top 20 of many academic rankings. EPFL has more than 6,500 staff members who bring to life the School’s three main missions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of over 17,000 people, including nearly 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different nationalities.
Support the Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives (VPS) in the development and management of strategic partnerships that strengthen EPFL’s national and international positioning.
At the interface between academia, the healthcare system, public authorities, philanthropy and industry, you contribute to structuring collaborations with high scientific and societal impact. You act as a trusted partner and strategic thinking advisor, identifying opportunities, analysing issues and structuring decisions.
In close collaboration with the Vice-President and her Deputy, you help to manage a portfolio of initiatives and ensure coherence with the Vice-Presidency’s priorities. The role places particular emphasis on managing interfaces with partner organisations, ecosystem development and multi-institutional collaborations.
Strategic advice and partnership thinking
- Support the Vice-President as a sparring partner on strategic issues.
- Analyse complex situations and formulate concrete recommendations.
- Challenge assumptions and bring new perspectives.
Development and deployment of strategic initiatives
- Contribute to the design and deployment of multi-partner initiatives.
- Coordinate internal and external stakeholders.
- Structure governance, roadmaps and implementation.
- Facilitate alignment between partners and contribute to resolving emerging challenges.
Executive support and institutional positioning
- Prepare briefings, analyses, presentations and speeches.
- Conduct benchmarks and strategic monitoring.
- In collaboration with Institutional Affairs, contribute to EPFL’s positioning in national and international discussions related to research, innovation and higher education.
Partnership coordination and representation
- Facilitate interactions with key external partners
- Ensure follow-up of commitments and strategic files
- Organise high-stakes meetings and interactions
- Occasionally represent the Vice-Presidency
- Develop trust-based relationships with stakeholders
- Advanced university degree; a doctorate or equivalent experience is an asset.
- 5 or more years of experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships, complex multi-actor initiatives or institutional collaborations.
- Experience in higher education, research, innovation, health, consulting, public affairs, philanthropy or a related field is an advantage.
- Proven ability to interact with senior decision-makers in academic, public, hospital, philanthropic and industrial environments.
- Good understanding of research, innovation and higher education ecosystems.
- Excellent analytical, synthesis and communication skills, with an ability to quickly grasp complex scientific and institutional topics.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple strategic files simultaneously.
- High autonomy, diplomacy, discretion and political acumen.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify opportunities and advance projects.
- Excellent command of French and English; German is an asset.
- Contribute to high-impact initiatives at the interface of science, innovation and society.
- Engage with leading national and international partners.
- Play a central role in developing EPFL’s strategic collaborations.
- Work directly with institutional decision-makers and high-level external actors.
- Participate in the development of ambitious initiatives with strong scientific and societal impact.
Start date: 01/09/2026
Minimum workload: 100.00
Maximum workload: 100.00
Contract type: Fixed-term
Duration: 1 year
Reference: 2303