Head of Fundraising and Development German-Speaking Switzerland & Liechtenstein

In a world shaped by conflicts, rising geopolitical tensions, and a deep crisis of multilateralism, children and young people are the most exposed. They face violence, forced displacement, poverty, family breakdown, and exclusion from education, often with long-term consequences. 

Considering these multiple challenges, the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil International (FAAI) reaffirms its core mission: to enable every young person, regardless of their background or the difficulties they face, to grow up in safety, regain confidence, and become an active agent in shaping their future.

Founded in Geneva in 2013 and Zewo-certified, FAAI is a Swiss public-interest foundation dedicated to the most vulnerable children and youth in Switzerland and internationally. It supports the international projects of the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil, in partnership with local stakeholders, across four key areas: 

• Child protection
• Education and vocational training
• Family support
• Advocacy for children’s rights.

The FAAI also advocates for children’s rights, particularly those of street-connected children, at the United Nations and on the international stage. In Geneva, it has developed a vocational integration restaurant, the Birdhouse, aimed at supporting young people who have dropped out of school.

With a view to strategic growth, the FAAI aims to expand its presence in German-speaking Switzerland, particularly to strengthen its fundraising activities.

The role

We are seeking an experienced fundraising and development professional with an active network of partners in German-speaking Switzerland, in order to grow and diversify FAAI’s income and establish a local presence.

Reporting to the Secretary General and working closely with the Geneva-based team, the Head of German-speaking Switzerland will be responsible for:

• Expanding FAAI’s presence in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein; 
• Significantly increasing fundraising (both for international projects and unrestricted funds); 
• Representing the Foundation at an institutional level with key stakeholders; 
• Contributing to local anchoring through the development of partnerships and, potentially over time, supporting a local social project. 

Key responsibilities

1. Fundraising and strategic development (primary focus)

Responsible for a portfolio of partners, the postholder will:

• Define and implement an ambitious fundraising strategy for German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein; 
• Leverage his/her network to grow and diversify funding from foundations, major donors, family offices, companies, public authorities/cantons, and other institutions; 
• Develop multi-year partnerships for international projects and unrestricted funds; 
• Ensure donor stewardship and follow-up; 

• Work in close coordination with the Partnerships & Philanthropy team in Geneva.

   

2. Representation and network building

Based locally, the postholder acts as a focal point and embodies the Foundation’s vision and values:

• Represents the FAAI with social, economic, and political stakeholders; 
• Builds and maintains a network of collaborations within the local ecosystem; 

• Strengthens the FAAI’s reputation, visibility, and credibility in German-speaking Switzerland, in coordination with the Communications team.

   

3. Local engagement & future project development (potentially)

The postholder will contribute to:

• Exploring the opportunity to support or launch a local apprenticeship project, primarily in the hospitality/restaurant sector, aimed at vulnerable young people; 
• Assessing needs with relevant social service institutions, identifying potential local partners, and evaluating the feasibility of such a project.

Experience 

• Proven experience (10–20 years) in fundraising and/or strategic development within the philanthropic or non-profit sector; 
• Excellent knowledge of the German-speaking Swiss market and the philanthropic landscape; 
• Existing network and portfolio of foundations, major donors, and companies in German-speaking Switzerland; 
• Demonstrated experience in securing and managing significant partnerships.

Skills and competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, proactive approach;
• High level of autonomy, flexibility, and adaptability;  
• Strong representation skills and excellent interpersonal abilities; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 
• Team spirit and strong ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams; 
• Strong sensitivity to issues related to education, vocational integration, and child protection. 

Education and languages

• University degree in a relevant field (business, international relations, social sciences, education, etc.); 
• Native-level German (or equivalent) required; Swiss German proficiency is a strong asset; 
• Excellent command of French and English (spoken and written).

 What we offer

• A strategic role with high social impact in order to contribute to improving the future of vulnerable young people;
• The opportunity to expand and develop the presence of a recognized international foundation in German-speaking Switzerland; 
• A high degree of autonomy and visibility; 
• A close collaboration with a committed and dynamic team in Geneva. 

Additional information

Location : German-Speaking Switzerland (Zurich area preferably)

Regular travel to Geneva is required to ensure optimal collaboration with the teams.

Contact and Application

Entry date: last quarter 2026

Applications (CV and motivation letter) must be sent in English (or French), by June 21^st to the Secretary General, Bénédicte Pansier (faai@apprentis-auteuil.org)