TO APPLY: Email a cover letter and CV to recruitment@cancersupport.ch
Application deadline: 15 February 2015
Position Summary
The Director of People and Operations provides internal leadership for Cancer Support Switzerland. The role ensures effective people management, operational consistency, and delivery of organisational priorities. The Director of People and Operations coordinates the Management Team and acts as deputy to the Executive Director when required. The position is based in Geneva.
Reporting and Relationships
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct reports: Communication and Awareness Manager; Volunteer Coordinator; Operations and Centre Coordinator
Functional oversight: Regional Coordinators (for operations and communications)
Works closely with: Counselling & Support Services Manager / Head Psychologist; Management Team, volunteers
Main Responsibilities
1. Leadership and HR
Lead HR policy and practice including recruitment, onboarding, development, and performance management
Coordinate the HR Committee
Support staff wellbeing and maintain a positive and inclusive organisational culture
Supervise managers responsible for communications, regional coordination, volunteer coordination, and centre operations
Coordinate management team meetings and ensure clear planning, alignment, and follow through
Translate organisational strategy into operational objectives and workplans, and conduct annual performance reviews for all direct reports
Act as a Deputy for the Executive Director during absences or when delegated
Represent Cancer Support Switzerland externally when appropriate
2. Operational Leadership and Monitoring
Strategic oversight of operations, systems, data processes, and internal coordination across all teams, providing primary supervision for the Operations and Centre Coordinator on operational matters including systems, IT processes, data management, and centre functioning
Strengthen internal processes and support operational risk management
Provide oversight for the development and implementation of the volunteer programme
Lead the annual workplanning process
Monitor progress on workplan implementation, resolve coordination challenges, and ensure consistent delivery
Provide functional oversight to Regional Coordinators to ensure consistent quality of services, volunteer engagement, awareness activities, and operational standards across regions and ensure strong collaboration between regional and central functions
Coordinate operational inputs into annual budgets and forecasts
Support the Executive Director with organisational reporting
3. Communications and Visibility
Provide strategic oversight of communications and visibility across the organisation
Supervise the Communication and Awareness Manager and volunteer leads in social media, community fundraising, events, and awareness stands.
Coordinate the Communications Committee
Ensure consistent narrative and communication alignment across regions
Support the Executive Director’s external work through coordinated internal communications processes
Work with Regional Coordinators, providing strategic oversight for communications
Other tasks as required by organisational needs
Required Skills and Experience
Valid work permit for Switzerland or Swiss nationality is a must
Minimum seven years of management experience in non-profit, social or health or other relevant sectors, at least three years in Switzerland
Strong HR and people management background in Switzerland
Experience in operations, systems, or process improvement
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and coordinate multiple functions
Strong organisational and communication skills
Experience with planning and monitoring workplans
Demonstrated understanding of communications and visibility work
Language Requirements
Fluent spoken and written English
Good working ability in French or German
People leadership and staff development
Operational management and consistency
Clear decision making and follow through
Strategic communication alignment
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill
Reliability, integrity, and professionalism
Performance Indicators
Effective delivery of the annual workplan in areas overseen
Staff satisfaction and team cohesion
Operational clarity and efficiency across regions and the organisation
Consistent communications and visibility activities leading to growth in people supported
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