L'EPFL, l’École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, est l’un des campus universitaires les plus dynamiques d’Europe et s’inscrit dans le top 20 mondial de nombreux classements académiques. L’EPFL compte plus de 6'500 membres du personnel qui font vivre les trois missions principales de l’École : l’éducation, la recherche et l’innovation. Le campus de l’EPFL offre un cadre de travail exceptionnel au cœur d’une communauté de plus de 17'000 personnes, dont près de 12'500 étudiant·e·s et 4'000 chercheur·euse·s issu·e·s de plus de 120 nationalités différentes.
L'EPFL, l’École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, est l’un des campus universitaires les plus dynamiques d’Europe et s’inscrit dans le top 20 mondial de nombreux classements académiques. L’EPFL compte plus de 6'500 membres du personnel qui font vivre les trois missions principales de l’École : l’éducation, la recherche et l’innovation. Le campus de l’EPFL offre un cadre de travail exceptionnel au cœur d’une communauté de plus de 17'000 personnes, dont près de 12'500 étudiant·e·s et 4'000 chercheur·euse·s issu·e·s de plus de 120 nationalités différentes.
EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries
At EPFL, philanthropy plays a pivotal role in advancing world-class research, education, and innovation. As we grow our development team, we are seeking a seasoned Team Lead Senior Fundraiser for new business development and donor outreach who will play a central role in expanding our network of philanthropic partners and driving transformational philanthropy at EPFL
This role will lead pipeline growth, cultivate philanthropic relationships, and guide a high-performing team, while also serving as a key partner to EPFL’s senior leadership in major gift outreach and solicitation. Supported by colleagues in prospect research, stewardship, communications, and by strategic insights from internal stakeholders engaged in donor outreach efforts, you will focus on building new philanthropic partnerships, renewing existing major gifts, helping to secure further support, and shaping the future of philanthropy at EPFL
Manage and mentor a small team and focus on developing their skills while fostering collaboration
Co-develop and execute fundraising strategies in collaboration with key internal stakeholders to design fundraising strategies and lead in their execution
Drive and support new philanthropic partnerships, accompany Philanthropy Managers in the expansion of their portfolio
Cultivate, renew, and solicit Major Gifts in collaboration with senior leadership and team
Contribute to compelling proposals development and presentations material
Oversee the negotiation and support the contractual process to ensure documentation and institutional compliance
In collaboration with team, actively participates in stewardship efforts. Contribute to consistent delivery of stewardship activities
Ensure donors and prospects information is accurately entered and updated in the CRM system, including contact details, meeting notes, donation history, and future actions
Assist in the planning and execution of high-level donor engagement events, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and donor cultivation strategies
Generate regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and pipeline activity. Provide updates to leadership on key metrics, trends, and major prospect developments
Represent the philanthropy team when required
Perform other duties as required by the Director of Philanthropy and/or senior leadership
Education and experience:
Master’s degree (or equivalent level of expertise) in Communications, Business Administration, a STEM discipline, or a related field, combined with significant experience in philanthropy, major gifts, or institutional advancement, ideally within a complex academic or research environment
At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts for research, scientific, or educational institutions
Minimum of 7 years of experience managing and developing a team of fundraisers or advancement professionals
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities, with the capacity to engage and inspire high-net-worth individuals, foundation leaders, and C-level executives
Demonstrated experience working within a research or higher education context is highly desirable
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines within a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Bilingual French-English, other languages a plus
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Strong leadership skills
Proven ability to navigate within a multilayered, decentralized organization
Solid understanding of academic environment
Detail oriented
Resistance to stress
We offer
A stimulating, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment
An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all