Innovation Catalyst - HSG ETH Student Project House

ETH Zurich seeks an Innovation Catalyst in St. Gallen to guide student projects and shape the SPH ecosystem. This mid-level hybrid role focuses on coaching, event facilitation, and service design.

Working within the ETH Student Project House (SPH) ecosystem, this position helps students transform early-stage concepts into tangible projects while fostering their personal and professional growth. The role offers significant autonomy to build and define a new location, acting as a catalyst for innovation rather than a traditional manager.

Responsibilities

• Guide diverse student teams through reflection and planning phases without assuming a leadership position.
• Create, test, and refine learning paths and service offerings to support student development.
• Organize and lead community events, peer exchanges, and formats that connect students and projects.
• Drive internal initiatives aligned with SPH’s mission, represent the organization to senior stakeholders, and cultivate external partnerships.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience launching and executing personal projects, including startups or innovation ventures, with the ability to learn from setbacks.
• Strong methodological background in coaching early-stage innovation, such as prototyping, agile methods, design thinking, or lean startup principles.
• Proven ability to independently design, initiate, and manage complex projects and scalable services.
• Confidence in speaking to both student groups and senior stakeholders, as well as hosting community events.
• A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized higher education institution.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in innovation, coaching, entrepreneurship, or a related field.

Nice to have

• Background in community building, software or product development, or specialized knowledge in AI, robotics, or digital technologies.

What the company offers

• A one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension.
• Regular team feedback sessions within a culture that values every team member's perspective.

About the company

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive environment that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. The organization places a strong emphasis on personal growth, encouraging individuals to develop both professionally and personally within a supportive community.

• Commitment to personal growth and development.
• Inclusive culture promoting equality and diversity.