Head Of Partnerships - Volunteer Role

Since 2010, TEDxZurich has been a platform for spreading ideas that matter, locally and globally. For the past 15 years, we’ve brought people together to celebrate curiosity, spark conversations, and inspire action through independently organized TEDx events. Guided by the core values of TED: open-mindedness, inclusion, truth, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of ideas, we’ve built a community of changemakers, thinkers, doers, and dreamers. Today, TEDxZurich is entering an exciting phase of renewal. We’re redefining our activities, reshaping our strategy, and rebuilding the organization for its next chapter. This is your opportunity to be part of that transformation and help lead it.

About the Role

As Head of Partnerships, you will drive TEDxZurich’s growth and sustainability. You will lead our strategy, build a pipeline of sponsors and foundations, and ensure their support is deeply integrated into the TEDxZurich experience. This role is for a relentless go-getter, persistent, passionate, and determined to create opportunities and close deals.

You will use your strong network in Switzerland’s marketing, sponsoring, and business communities (and ideally the foundation sector) to bring partners on board. Working closely with our production, curation, and experience teams, you will craft authentic activations that resonate with partners and our audience. With your energy, you will inspire the team and show how partnerships amplify our mission.

Your responsibilities

• Sponsorship strategy: Work with the TEDxZurich Lead and the board to shape the overall partnership strategy. Drive the design of partnership models, from flagship sponsors to in-kind supporters. Craft compelling proposals and pitch narratives that connect brands with the TEDxZurich story.

• Business development: Build and manage a pipeline of potential partners. Identify, approach, and secure sponsorships, foundations, and in-kind contributions to achieve annual partnership goals. Leverage and expand your network across industries and the foundation sector to position TEDxZurich as a premier platform for sponsorship and impact.
• Partnership management: Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with partners. Manage sponsorships end-to-end, including creating sponsorship packages, negotiating terms, and ensuring fulfillment of agreements. Collaborate with marketing and production teams to maximize partner visibility and impact.
• Collaboration and team leadership: Work closely with curation, production, and audience experience teams to ensure partners are seamlessly and authentically integrated into events without compromising the TEDx ethos. Lead and energize the partnerships team and the wider organization with your drive, persistence, and passion. Celebrate wins and keep momentum high through long cycles.

Are you a perfect fit?

• You are a German native speaker and fluent in English (spoken and written).
• You have proven experience in sales, sponsoring, business development, or fundraising.
• You bring a strong, active network in marketing, sponsoring, or related industries in Switzerland. A network in the foundation sector is a strong plus.
• You are a persuasive communicator and storyteller who can craft compelling pitches and proposals.
• You are resilient, persistent, and thrive in long sales cycles, a relentless go-getter.
• You are intrinsically motivated and can transmit that passion to the team. You thrive on bringing people together, empowering teams, and turning vision into action.
• You are passionate about TED’s mission and believe in the power of ideas to change the world.
• You’re strategic and organized, but also hands-on, adaptable, and pragmatic.

Commitment

This is a volunteer role, requiring an average of 15 hours per week. The intensity varies depending on the event calendar. More time is needed during the planning phase, while the workload decreases as the event date comes closer. You will need consistency, perseverance, and a strong sense of ownership over the partnerships process.

What’s in it for you?

• Join a global movement and contribute to a meaningful mission
• Collaborate with passionate, purpose-driven individuals
• Develop your leadership, strategic, and operational skills
• Expand your network and gain visibility in Zurich’s innovation and creative community
• Attend and help shape all TEDxZurich events — and make them unforgettable

Ready to co-create the next chapter?

If this role resonates with you, please send your CV along with a short paragraph explaining why you’re interested and what TEDx means to you to info(at). Only applications submitted via email will be considered.