Job Description

Starting as of January 2026 or as per agreement, we are looking for a:
Head of Public Affairs 80% - 100%
As Head of Public Affairs and member of the executive team, you will be at the heart of shaping Switzerland's digital future. You will be part and empower a dedicated team, driving our public affairs strategy and representing digitalswitzerland in the political arena. Your strategic guidance will be crucial for navigating the complexities of digital policy, engaging with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and ensuring our members' voices are heard. This representative leadership role is central to our mission and involves strategic decision-making on all business-relevant matters.
Tasks

• Represent digitalswitzerland in the political arena, actively shape and drive our political work together with our steering committee and maintain a strong network on national level.
• Identify, prioritize and drive political topics which support the portfolio and goals of digitalswitzerland. Develop and implement the public affairs strategy of digitalswitzerland accordingly.
• Shape and advance digitalswitzerland's policy and alliance strategic objectives.
• Map external stakeholders (from administration, associations, media, politicians, political parties) and systematically engage pro-actively through direct contact and relationship building. Set up key platforms for engagement on key policy priorities.
• Create and deliver position papers on parliamentary affairs, political motions and responses to consultations; and actively submit them to the decision making process.
• Prepare and participate in meetings with political decision-makers, actively maintain contacts with decision makers.
• Engage in strategic decision-making on business-relevant matters as part of the executive team and report directly to the digitalswitzerland CEO and Executive Board.
• Lead and coordinate the digitalswitzerland Public Affairs Committee to strategize and implement policy initiatives (in cooperation with others).
• Close collaboration with the digitalswitzerland team to ensure alignment on content and goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our members. Oversee member relations, including the acquisition of new members and the retention of existing ones.

Requirements

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public policy or related.
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Swiss political system and current digital policy issues. A strong existing network within Swiss politics and public administration is highly valuable.
• Knowhow: Knowhow in digital topics is desirable. A high digital affinity is a must.
• Education: University degree (Bachelor's and/or Master's) in a relevant field such as Political Science, Law, International Relations, or Economics.
• Skills: Excellent strategic, communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities. Proven success in managing complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Languages: Fluency in German and English is required. Professional proficiency in French is very desirable and Italian is a strong advantage.Attributes: Highly self-motivated to proactively drive the PA agenda. You are solutions-oriented, politically astute, quick to learn, and thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Benefits
At digitalswitzerland, you will contribute to impactful initiatives while expanding your professional network and skillset. You'll enjoy a dynamic work environment where you can leverage your strengths, face interesting challenges, and help shape Switzerland's digital future. We offer a flexible work arrangement, including a central office space in Zurich and the option to work from home.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team, where different perspectives and experiences are valued. If you are excited about shaping Switzerland's digital infrastructure with us we'd love to hear from you - even if you don't check every single box. Please submit your application. We will ask you to answer a few questions and upload your CV. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until 20 October 2025. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Join us in shaping the digital infrastructure landscape of Switzerland. We look forward to receiving your application!
digitalswitzerland
digitalswitzerland is the leading cross-sector initiative that builds Switzerland's digital future.
Our Commitment is to help Switzerland use digital opportunities responsibly and future-oriented, with a focus on AI and data-driven innovation.
Our Community consists of over 160 active members from different sectors of business, academia, and government, making us a very broad and effective initiative.
Our Mission is to establish Switzerland as a thriving digital business hub that ensures a high quality of life for all. We achieve this by accelerating essential, cross-sector initiatives that serve the broader national interest.

Skills Required