Head (m/f/d) Knowledge Exchange & Education, Member of the Management Board (100%)
The Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) is a not-for-profit foundation created in 2006. SFI’s purpose is to promote world-class research and education in Switzerland in the areas of banking and finance. Through its support of fundamental research, doctoral training, knowledge exchange, and continuing education, SFI furthers Switzerland as a scientific and financial center. With support from its founders—the Swiss banking industry and leading Swiss universities—SFI combines academic excellence with practical experience. SFI is regularly ranked in the top 10 finance research institutions worldwide by the W. P. Carey School of Business, and it was ranked No. 1 in 2019. Based in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, St. Gallen, and Zurich, SFI comprises nearly 100 professors and a small foundation staff in Zurich and Geneva.
A central activity of the institute is the exchange of knowledge between academia and the Swiss banking sector. At SFI, knowledge exchange means creating a structured two-way bridge between academic research and practical application: SFI faculty share research-based insights with experienced professionals in the financial industry, while practitioners provide perspectives on current market developments, strategic challenges, and emerging questions that can inform future research. This mission is pursued through formats such as SFI Master Classes, short continuing education sessions, SFI Knowledge Exchange Seminars, roundtables for highly senior industry participants, conferences, and industryoriented publications. In doing so, SFI helps to make academic expertise accessible and relevant to the Swiss financial sector while strengthening the dialogue between researchers and decision-makers in banking and finance. To strengthen our Knowledge Exchange & Education team in Zurich, we are looking for a highly motivated professional to join us as of November 1st, 2026, or by mutual agreement:
Head (m/f/d) Knowledge Exchange & Education (100%)
In this role, you will be responsible for implementing SFI’s knowledge exchange and education strategy and translating it into high-quality activities, formats, and offerings for the Swiss financial sector. This includes defining relevant content in close coordination with industry partners and SFI faculty, as well as ensuring that SFI’s activities effectively bridge academic research and industry practice. Together with your small team across two locations, you will further develop existing formats, coordinate their implementation, and support their successful positioning and marketing. You will ensure efficient resource management, maintain high quality standards, and liaise with senior participants and partners from finance and academia. You report to the Managing Director of the Institute.
Your profile:
- Academic Understanding: You have an excellent understanding of academic research in banking and finance, supported by a university degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Industry Expertise: You are a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the banking and finance sector, and education landscape.
- Proven Leadership: You have solid project management experience and a proven track record of leading and motivating teams in a comparable role.
- Communication & Networking: You communicate excellently in English and German, both spoken and written; additional language skills, especially French, are a significant advantage. You have the entrepreneurial flair to build lasting professional relationships and are a strong team player.
- Strategic Mindset: You combine a strong “big picture” perspective with meticulous attention to detail and are comfortable managing several complex priorities in parallel.
- Travel Readiness: You are willing to travel regularly across Switzerland.
What we offer:
- Strategic exposure: A unique opportunity to engage closely with leading academics, senior representatives of the Swiss financial industry, and key institutional stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial responsibility: A highly autonomous and visible role with the mandate to further develop an important part of SFI’s mission and create tangible impact.
- Dynamic & flexible environment: A collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and supportive workplace with a flexible hybrid work model.
We look forward to receiving your application, including your CV and salary expectations, via email to christine.preisig(at)sfi.ch. We will review applications on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to close the process once a suitable candidate has been identified. Early applications are encouraged.