CEO

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the national interest group representing Swiss startups and advocating for the most startup-friendly conditions in Switzerland. We bring the voice of founders into politics, administration, business, and society – and ensure it is heard where it matters. Our team of ten employees, an active board, and 50 volunteers run around 150 events per year (incl. our flagship events like Startup Nights, Founders Day, Scaleup Summit), connecting founders across all stages with investors, corporates, SMEs, policymakers, and ecosystem partners. SSA is ready for its next chapter: more professionalization, more strategic clarity, more political impact, and more value creation for founders and partners across Switzerland. To lead this transformation, we are looking for a CEO who truly understands the Swiss startup ecosystem and is ready to shape its future.

Your main objectives for the position in the next 2-3 years

• Lead and empower the team, build a scalable structure, and professionalize the organization.
• Represent the SSA externally and build strong, value-driven partnerships with our members, partners, founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers.
• Grow the association in terms of members, partners/sponsors, and ensure reliable funding of the association.
• Define and drive the political agenda for startup-friendly framework conditions in Switzerland.
• Responsible for budget, reporting, and securing the long-term financial sustainability of the SSA.

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and “builder” mentality, proactive and independent approach to work.
• Deep understanding of the Swiss startup ecosystem, its players, dynamics, and pain points.
• Strong strategic, conceptual, and organisational thinking; ability to transform insights into impactful formats and offerings.
• Excellent leadership skills, especially in developing young teams.
• Confident communication, public speaking, and representation skills.
• Natural relationship-builder with credibility among founders, investors, and policymakers.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities without losing sight of long-term goals.
• Fluency in English and German. French and/or Italian is a plus.

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of the Swiss startup ecosystem.
• Strong strategic influence with room to build, design, and professionalize.
• Direct access to Switzerland’s most relevant founders, investors, policymakers, and innovation leaders.
• A dynamic and growing organization with strong board support.
• Flexible working conditions (1–2 days/week in Winterthur, hybrid otherwise).

Start: 01. April 2026 or by arrangement

Application deadline: 20.01.2026

Work percentage: 100 %

Office in Winterthur: 1-2 days per week in the office, rest hybrid