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.

Tasks

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 Switzerlands most relevant founders investors policymakers and innovation leaders.
• A dynamic and growing organization with strong board support.
• Flexible working conditions (12 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