About CSP

The Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP) was initiated at the first, 2015 iteration of the Impact Investing for the Next Generation training program at the Initiative for Responsible Investment (IRI) at Harvard Kennedy School.

It's first entity was set up in 2017 at the Department of Finance at the University of Zurich (UZH), followed by the stand-alone NGO entities CSP Singapore (working with teams at SMU and NUS) and CSP North America (MIT Sloan and Stanford).

2025 will see the initiation of the stand-alone CSP Foundation in Zurich, with about 10 staff and serving as the global node of CSP.

As Managing Director of the CSP Foundation, you will be a key part of driving and developing CSP as a global platform with a unique positioning and growth-momentum.

This is a highly interesting role for anyone deeply interested in driving outsized positive impact globally in a very dynamic growth-environment.

In terms of background, CSP works to advance sustainable finance in private wealth as a key lever for social and environmental sustainability. Our strategy is based on a flywheel of scientific and applied research and training programs, with a globally unique focus on high- and ultra-high-net-wealth private investors and family offices.

We are intentionally set up as a platform that is free of conflicts of interest and deeply embedded in the ecosystem of leading researchers, practitioners, membership organizations and key international actors such as the World Economic Forum, MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, The Im Pact, Toniic, Nexus, Katapult, Family Business Network FBN, BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.

Our team of impact-driven professionals continues to grow, especially as the CSP Singapore and CSP North America teams unfold their positive momentum.

As the CSP Foundation MD, you will play a vital role in CSPs ability to develop and disseminate the right knowledge to the right people at the right moment – to trigger action and move capital globally.

Applications close on November 4th, 2024.

Tasks

Position Overview: Dynamic and experienced Managing Director to develop and lead the CSP Foundation. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing medium-sized teams and overseeing global operations, and experience in the realm of foundations in Switzerland, scientific and applied research and training in sustainable finance, optimally in the private wealth space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission to promote sustainable finance. Lead and inspire a diverse team to achieve operational and programmatic goals.
• Global Operations Management: Ensure effective management of global initiatives, fostering partnerships with stakeholders across different regions to enhance the foundation's impact.
• Research & Training Development: Work with the teams to design and deliver a strategically aligned portfolio of research projects and training programs that equip wealth holders with the skills needed for sustainable investment practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, industry leaders, communities, donors and philanthropic organizations to further the foundation's mission.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the foundation’s budget and financial reporting, fundraising strategies and impact reporting, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic objectives.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience managing teams and driving global operations in a nonprofit or foundation context.
• Experience in sustainable finance, including research and training.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable finance for wealth holders.
• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Intrinsic motivation and commitment to work together in a global and dynamic team in a mission-oriented environment.
• Ability to effectively represent CSP, its programs and publications, in diverse settings with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate and use several communications channels, follow fast-paced conversations and transform these conversations into strategies, tactics, internal activities, workshops and events.
• Permission to work in Switzerland and located in/around Zurich.
• Strong English and German communication skills (written and oral).

Please note: There is no need to tick all the above boxes. A determined mind driven to learn will take you very far!

Benefits

• A truly catalytic role at the nexus of sustainable finance science and practice, uniquely and deeply embedded in a global community of top-notch impact-minded academics (e.g. Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, NUS, SMU, HSG, UZH), practitioners (e.g. UBS, Julius Bär, Cape Capital), investors (UHNWIs and their families), and the CSP Switzerland, CSP Singapore and CSP North America teams.
• Be part of a very results-oriented, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, science-based, and fast-moving team that is highly qualified and deeply driven to advance sustainable development - and that can report substanial success.
• Leverage and further build a well-established and important global movement. Have a tangible impact on sustainable development through our very specific vantage point.
• Gain knowledge, experience, and a network in sustainable finance.
• Enjoy a flexible working environment.
• Enjoy professional development opportunities and team culture initiatives within CSP, including an Annual Personal Development Budget.
• Receive the standard benefits package similar to that offered by the Canton of Zurich and the NGO/Foudnations space.

Please include the following to your application:
1. your CV
2. your cover letter, in which you outline why you are interested in this role, where you see your fit, and how you would proceed in the first 100 days
3. an example of your work (article, business plan, pitch-deck, etc) - as there is only the capability to upload 2 documents, please submit this together with one of the above

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is found. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

We look forward to hearing from you!