Location: Swissnex in San Francisco
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Start Date: January 1st, 2026
Duration: 6 months, with possible extension (see below)
Reports to: Community & Events Manager
Do you want to join the global Swissnex network and build meaningful connections across startups, science, education, the arts, and innovation in both Silicon Valley and Switzerland? This is your chance!
What your workday looks like
In your role as Events Associate, you coordinate the successful production of Swissnex events. You manage logistics from planning to execution, ensuring that each experience reflects Swissnex’s mission and supports our programs and partners.
You also support day-to-day operations, administration, and facility needs at Pier 17, contributing to the smooth running of our space and activities. As Swissnex prepares to move into a new building, you will play an active role in supporting this transition, helping to ensure continuity, functionality, and a positive experience for our team and community. You combine a hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
As a core member of a small, collaborative team, you work closely with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, bringing a spirit of initiative, adaptability, and professionalism to everything you do. You contribute to internal processes, help shape events and initiatives, and have the opportunity to grow your network within the Bay Area’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Your primary areas of responsibility
● Event Management (65%)
● Operations, Admin, & Facility (20%)
● Community and general support (15%)
*The initial internship period will be January – June 2026. Depending on organizational needs after we move location in June 2026, there may be an option to extend the internship for an additional six months. If this is the case, the internship will likely expand to include deeper involvement with the Programs team at Swissnex, including supporting the implementation of ongoing initiatives and helping to adapt programs and events to our new building.
What we are looking for
● Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); proficiency in German or French is a plus.
● Experience in event production or relevant transferable experience in related roles centered on guest experience or hospitality.
● A person who identifies with terms like problem-solver, proactive, independent, self-motivated, collaborative, energetic, and detail-oriented.
● Commitment to supporting a collaborative team environment.
● Team player with a creative, curious, and solution-oriented mindset.
● Strong organizational skills and a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset; thrives on planning, coordinating, and seeing projects through to completion.
● Passion for bringing people together and designing experiences.
● Flexibility to work evening hours as needed for events.
● Comfortable standing for extended periods during events and able to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
Eligibility criteria for internship
● You are a Swiss citizen or have a valid Swiss work permit for the duration of the internship.
● You are currently studying in a university or university of applied sciences towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, OR the last university degree (Bachelor/Master) is not older than one year at the beginning of the internship. Unfortunately, no exceptions are possible.
● You have not gained professional experience in the field of your studies.
● The total period of all internships within the Swiss Confederation is limited to 6 months for candidates who have not yet obtained their Bachelor’s degree, or 12 months for those with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The total includes this internship as well as former «Hochschulpraktikum»/«Stage académique».
Compensation: USD 3’500/month
What we offer you
● 10 days of vacation (based on a 6-month term), 12+ annual holidays, sick leave.
● Opportunities for professional development.
● Gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs, expand your professional network across Switzerland and Silicon Valley, and develop event management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
About us
Located at Pier 17, Swissnex in San Francisco connects the dots between Switzerland and the West Coast of the USA in education, research, innovation, and the arts. We foster international collaboration and empower next generation innovators to create futures in which the planet and society thrives. In service of this goal, our dynamic and international team produces academic, corporate and creative industry programs, startup bootcamps, events and much more.
As an employer, we established a collaborative and purpose-driven team culture and care about an environment that encourages innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.
Learn more about Swissnex in San Francisco: https://swissnex.org/sanfrancisco
Sounds interesting? Apply now!
We look forward to receiving your application. Please apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a customized one-page cover letter in English that answers: 1) why you are interested in this position and why you want to work at Swissnex in San Francisco, and 2) the experiences, personal qualities or strengths that make you well-suited for the position.
Start your application HERE.
● Deadline to apply: September 7, 2025
● We follow up with every applicant
