Partnership Manager at ETH AI Center

The ETH AI Center is one of the largest university centers in the world for artificial intelligence with over 110 Professors from all 16 departments of ETH Zurich and over 1400 PhD students & post-docs. Our purpose is to amplify the human potential by fostering breakthrough ideas with interdisciplinary AI research and enabling the path from science to society. We strive to push the boundaries of AI research, foster innovation, and drive impactful projects. As Partnership Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI research and industry applications, working at the intersection between academia, industry and startups.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic individual to join our industry team as Partnership Manager. You will drive the ETH AI Centers outreach and sales activities for its membership program. You will manage selected customer accounts, engage with innovation leaders and stay up to date on cutting edge technology. Your role is crucial in guiding corporate clients towards their objectives, showcasing our offerings and helping them leverage cutting-edge technology to stay ahead. You will collaborate with industry leaders, faculty members, and startup entrepreneurs to identify and capitalize on sales opportunities while driving customer satisfaction. Your ability to streamline processes, drive sales growth, and empower team members will key to  the ETH AI Center’s success.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the entire sales cycle for both inbound and outbound prospects.
• Optimize performance to grow the partnership and membership base.
• Shape and implement the sales strategy, develop sales offerings, and identify new opportunities.
• Engage with CRM tools, ensuring regular updates and accurate documentation.
• Train and upskill junior team members in the industry and entrepreneurship team.
• Collaborate with CS Managers on unified sales strategies and growth opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally on key strategic initiatives and provide valuable insights.
• Ensure task completion, meet deadlines, and maintain stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage a sales pipeline and prioritize based on business goals.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and sales automation tools.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of industry trends and competitor landscape.
• Expertise in negotiation, contract management, and relationship-building.
• Project management skills with a focus on creating win-win situations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with curiosity and a drive for learning.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field.
• 3+ years of experience in a similar role with a track record of success.
• Passion for AI applications in industry and a strong interest in knowledge transfer.
• Can-do attitude and action-oriented problem-solving.
• Fluency in English, with a preference for German; knowledge of Swiss German is a plus.
• Experience in sales and business development at the academia-industry intersection is a plus.

If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for AI and a desire to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field, we would love to hear from you. Join our team at the ETH AI Center and be part of a collaborative and innovative environment dedicated to advancing AI research and technology.

The position is limited to a duration of 1 year with the possibility (and intention) to extend.