Creative Industries – Program Manager (San Francisco)
Key information
- Publication date:19 September 2024
- Workload:80 – 100%
- Contract type:Unlimited employment
- Language:English (Fluent)
- Place of work:Pier 17, Suite 800, 9411 San Francisco, CA, USA
Overview
Status: Full-time
Start Date: December 1, 2024
Reports to: Head of Programs
About Swissnex
Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation. Our impact is centered around empowering next generation innovators to become changemakers by connecting talents and expertise from Switzerland, North America and the world. The Swissnex global network consists of six locations and outposts established in the world’s most innovative hubs. We contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot.
Our work space is shared with corporate innovators, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs, and is connected to an event space and our digital community. We work collaboratively and in a complementary manner with our neighbors at Pier17, the Consulate General, the Swiss Business Hub USA and Switzerland Tourism.
For almost a decade, Swissnex has partnered with the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia to feature the most promising Swiss game studios at the yearly Game Developers’ Conference in San Francisco. Beyond hosting the Swiss Games booth, Swissnex connects the studios with relevant industry experts and potential business partners, and provides visibility for Swiss game design. We further expanded the Creative Industries activities, launching the Multimedia Lab for Journalists, an immersive 2-week program designed to support established and emerging talents in journalism and multimedia storytelling. As a key member of the program team, the Program Manager will also have the opportunity to actively shape and contribute to other Swissnex programs.
Position Summary
We are looking for a Creative Industry Program Manager to manage and reimagine existing programs, and to be our in-house expert on all things related to the creative industry. The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, design and innovation, forward-thinking, impact-oriented, entrepreneurial and a solid networker, having experience working for/with the creative industry and the Swiss and SF Bay Area ecosystems.
Key Responsibilities
CREATIVE INDUSTRY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (60%)
- Lead project management and successful implementation of creative industry programs
- Liaise and lead coordination with key partners and funders such as Pro Helvetia and higher education arts and design schools in Switzerland and the US
- Liaise with subject matter experts and Silicon Valley network to arrange sessions and visits during programs and increase visibility for programs and events
- Scope trends and new developments in the creative industry to inform the work Swissnex does and the insights we provide to our stakeholders
- Main point of contact for all creative industry related inquiries
- Ensure high quality of support services and track feedback and success of alumni of creative industry programs
- Support design of new programs and continuous improvement of existing ones
- Manage multi-stakeholder budgets for various creative industry programs
CREATIVE INDUSTRY PROGRAM OPS/ADMIN/COMMS SUPPORT (20%)
- Ensure accurate documentation and reporting about creative industry programs
- Steer program communication and marketing efforts in coordination with our communications team
- Collaborate with operations teams to ensure smooth communication and execution of creative industry programs (lead for content and format)
- Push and propose continuous improvement of these processes
- Connect with suppliers and third parties that will play a growing importance in implementing the logistical aspects of the programs (i.e. booth-presence at GDC, etc.)
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT & GENERAL SUPPORT (20%)
- Proactively expand your relevant network (through engagement with the Swiss and US creative industry ecosystems) and for all of Swissnex’s activities
- Proactively contribute to the Swissnex Mentors community
- Support the programs team with implementation of all Swissnex programs (startup bootcamps, university collaborations etc.)
- Support in building a global innovation community
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate
- 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally working within creative industries such as art, design or gaming
- Brings a solid network within the Bay Area creative industry (design, gaming, intersection of technology and art)
- Experience leading projects and using project management tools
- Experience with basic marketing, content development, and event planning is a plus
- Experience in building and maintaining a community is a plus
- Demonstrates excellent English language proficiency in both written and verbal communication.
- Displays a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration, coupled with a growth mindset and a positive attitude
- Passionate about innovation and creativity, the impact it can create and connecting people
- Willingness to experiment and go the extra mile
- Reliable “doer” with the ability to follow processes where necessary
- Ability to deal with uncertainty and thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and fluid work environment
- Bonus: experience working with Swiss stakeholders and navigating differences in mindset
What we offer
- Collaborate with interesting internal and external partners in the fields of science, education, art and innovation in both the SF Bay Area and Switzerland
- Opportunity for professional growth, both lateral and vertical
- Attend regular free events and programs, weekly community lunches, and optional workout sessions and have access to professional development opportunities
- The chance to work with an experimental, engaged, and strengths-based team that is guided by the following principles: We are curious. We value people. We take action.
- Emphasis on work-life balance: We prioritize your personal time, fostering a supportive environment that values both productivity at work and well-deserved time off.
- Nonprofit compensation range depends on level of experience and country of residence for tax purposes. Benefits include: 4 weeks’ vacation, 12+ annual holidays, sick leave, medical insurance. Salary Range $88K – $93K (for US applicants subject to US taxes); Since Swiss applicants are not subject to taxes, their salary range will be lower to reflect this tax-exempt status.
Ready to apply?
To be considered, you must apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position. Please see the instructions regarding your cover letter on the application page.
Very important: due to our legal status as an annex of the Swiss Consulate, we can only hire candidates who are already legally authorized to work in either the U. S. or Switzerland. There can be no exceptions.
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.
Click HERE to apply. Deadline to apply is September 29, 2024.
Contact
Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (SBFI)