Beschreibung

The Geneva Graduate Institute is seeking a:

Head of Events Department (M/F/D)

DEPARTMENT/CENTRE/PROGRAMME/SERVICE: Events

CONTRACT: permanent

Work rate: 100%

Application deadline: 15.06.2026

Contract start: ideally July 2026

About the Institute:

The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a globally recognised centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It provides master’s and doctoral programmes and conducts cutting-edge research on major global challenges.

About the Service:

The Events Service is part of the Communications Department and consists of a team of 10 people. Throughout the year, it organises nearly 700 events across all IHEID sites: Maison de la Paix, student residences, Villa Barton.

Your role: As Head of the Events Department, you contribute to the development and execution of all event activities organised by or hosted at the Institute, across the entire Campus de la Paix. You enhance the attractiveness of our facilities, identify new business opportunities and establish strong relationships with high-level stakeholders. As an experienced manager, you supervise and develop the skills of the events team while ensuring an excellent level of service to internal and external clients. You ensure the overall performance of the service, both operationally and financially, and are responsible for achieving revenue targets related to space rental, particularly for the Conference Centre and Villa Barton.

Your main responsibilities

Leadership & event strategy

• Define and lead the overall vision of the event portfolio, in line with the Institute’s strategic priorities.
• Ensure the planning, coordination and simultaneous monitoring of several complex event projects, with a high standard of quality.

Operational event management

• Oversee the organisation of all events within deadlines, budgets and quality standards.
• Supervise operational setup: room and space arrangements, technical requirements management, catering planning, security compliance.
• Manage booking schedules, structure and optimise procedures, checklists and the use of the Ungerboeck event management software.
• Coordinate with all involved internal services (operations, IT, logistics, security, catering, communications).
• Define, structure and continuously improve service processes to ensure comprehensive and coherent support for each event: from initial request to invoicing, reporting and client retention.
• Supervise, manage and develop the events team (organisation, prioritisation, performance monitoring, skills development).
• Produce reports and analyses (statistics, revenues, volumes) via Ungerboeck to ensure service management.
• Stay informed of trends and innovations in the events sector.

Revenue development & space marketing

• Define and implement the commercial strategy related to the rental of event and conference spaces.
• Actively prospect new clients and develop a sustainable portfolio.
• Promote, present and sell event offers and associated services.
• Organise site visits, negotiate contract terms and close sales.
• Contribute to the development of annual financial objectives and ensure their achievement.
• Develop and update marketing and communication tools dedicated to the spaces.

Client relations & service excellence

• Guarantee exemplary, personalised and responsive client relations with internal and external clients.
• Ensure client retention and support for new clients.
• Draft quotes, booking confirmations, rental contracts and manage invoicing and deposits.
• Identify clients’ specific needs and propose suitable solutions.
• Effectively manage unforeseen events and resolve sensitive situations before, during and after events.
• Monitor and analyse client satisfaction (post-event interviews, questionnaires, qualitative feedback).

To succeed in this role you will need:

• Leadership, ability to unite and manage a team
• Excellent organisation and management of complex projects
• Strong client orientation and service mindset
• Commercial aptitude and negotiation skills
• Autonomy, proactivity and initiative
• Rigour, stress resistance and adaptability

Requirements: Higher education (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in event management, hospitality management, communication, marketing, management or related field. Qualifications from recognised schools in hospitality and events (e.g. École hôtelière de Lausanne – EHL or equivalent) are an asset. Minimum 7 years of professional experience in events, hospitality, a conference centre or an institutional, international and/or academic environment, including at least 5 years in team management and proven experience in revenue development. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of the academic environment. Knowledge of international Geneva. Excellent spoken and written French and English. Mastery of Ungerboeck event management software is an asset. Knowledge of catering/banqueting is advantageous. Management and follow-up of offers, contracts and event invoicing. Flexibility in working hours according to scheduled events and workload.

This includes regular evening presence during academic periods and occasionally weekends during events.

What we can offer you:

• Work with a large international community of users from diverse backgrounds.
• Interesting position with varied tasks.
• Good atmosphere in a small team.
• At the heart of international Geneva.

Our recruitment process if you are selected:

• You will be contacted by email to complete an assessment.
• An interview at the Institute or via video (depending on your place of residence) with Human Resources to better understand your motivations and personal skills.
• A final interview with the supervisor who will be happy to answer your more job-oriented questions.

How to apply?

Please submit a complete application in PDF format including the following documents:

1) a cover letter

2) a CV

3) diplomas

4) work certificates

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our company. We do not discriminate based on age, marital status, disability, race, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are invited to visit the Institute’s website: graduateinstitute.ch 

Please note that applications received by post will not be considered.