Philanthropy & Partnership Manager

To strengthen our Philanthropic Engagement Team, we are looking for a Philanthropy & Partnership Manager in Zurich, starting 1 September 2026 or by agreement (permanent contract). In this role, you will acquire new donors—primarily foundations—for our global projects.

Philanthropy & Partnership Manager

Contract type
Unlimited
Working location
Zurich

Key Responsibilities

The role combines strategic, analytical and operational responsibilities, including:

  • Identification and outreach to new funding partners to support ongoing and planned projects and to generate unrestricted funding, with a focus on foundations, corporates, family offices and asset managers
  • Management and strategic development of partnerships with foundations, corporates and institutional donors
  • Support of a multi-year, multinational programme portfolio, including annual planning, budget planning and impact measurement
  • Development of tailored project proposals and budgets in close collaboration with regional teams
  • Preparation of high-quality reports and presentations for donors
  • Participation in conferences and networking events

Requirements

  • Results-oriented personality with a proven track record in fundraising, primarily with institutional donors
  • At least 8 years of professional experience in institutional fundraising (foundations, corporates) or in project management within development cooperation
  • Existing networks within the Swiss foundation landscape are considered a strong asset
  • Service-oriented mindset with a strong understanding of working with foundations and private sector stakeholders, combined with a proactive and entrepreneurial approach
  • Strong communication, negotiation and networking skills
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Ability to understand complex topics and communicate them in a clear and accessible way
  • Proficiency in budgeting and financial analysis, as well as advanced Excel skills
  • High level of engagement, efficiency, independence and organisational skills
  • Experience in vocational education and training, ideally in programmes focused on labour market-oriented skills development and private sector collaboration, is an advantage
  • Excellent written and spoken German and English; knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset
  • Digital affinity, including AI knowledge, and strong ability to work with IT and database systems

Swisscontact offers attractive working conditions in an international and multicultural context. We see our work as a joint effort in an agile organizational culture: mutual respect, trust and teamwork.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, diplomas and references. Please apply exclusively via the online application portal.

We particularly encourage women to apply. 

 

Swisscontact - Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation

Swisscontact is an independent non-profit development organisation established in 1959 by representatives of the Swiss private sector and civil society.

Our development work focuses on unleashing the potential of private initiatives in developing and emerging countries. We foster sustainable and inclusive economic development with the objective of improving the quality of life for all.

Our work is based on three foundational pillars: We strengthen the competencies of individuals so they can improve their income and their opportunities for employment; we enhance the competitiveness of businesses to help them grow and become more resilient; we promote socio-economic systems that favour comprehensive development for widespread prosperity.

The organisation is currently active in over 130 projects in 41 countries with around 1400 employees. It is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

Swisscontact has been awarded the “Employers We Trust” label. It reflects our commitment to a trustworthy, transparent and people‑centred workplace culture.
Foundation
Swisscontact is an independent non-profit development organisation established in 1959 by representatives of the Swiss private sector and civil society. 
Team
The abilities and readiness for action of our employees are decisive for our projects’ ability to achieve sustainable impact, as well as our long-term success. As an attractive employer, Swisscontact invests in a positive management and work culture. This is defined by our fundamental understanding of development intended to serve not only our beneficiaries in project countries but our employees as well.
Shaping development effectively
With a clear focus on vocational education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and green economy, we implement projects that generate income, foster employment, and enable structural changes. All locally anchored, impact-oriented, and in partnership.

Philanthropy & Partnership Manager

Contract type
Unlimited
Working location
Zurich