Secretary General SODK, 80-100 %

Help shape the federal social policy of Switzerland The Conference of Cantonal Social Affairs Directors (SODK) supports and coordinates the cooperation of the cantons in the field of social policy and represents their interests, particularly towards the Confederation. At the intercantonal level, the SODK assumes a leading social policy role and promotes cooperative federalism. Its focal points include poverty reduction and social insurance, migration policy, the well-being of families, children and adolescents, as well as people with disabilities, and the areas of victim support and addiction. For the management of the General Secretariat, the Board of SODK is looking for a politically savvy, curious, and communicatively strong personality as Secretary General SODK, 80-100 % Your task You manage the General Secretariat of the SODK professionally, personally, and organizationally. You ensure that the political bodies of the SODK are able to work in a forward-looking, fact-based, and efficient manner. Together with a small, highly qualified team, you prepare the business of the plenary assembly, the Board, and other bodies of the SODK, develop decision-making bases, coordinate statements, and accompany political processes at the federal and cantonal levels. You keep an eye on social policy developments, recognize the need for action at an early stage, and support the cantons in finding viable common positions. You identify with Swiss federalism and represent the interests of the cantons. As the face of the SODK, you participate in public discourse, in political bodies, and in professional organizations, and maintain a broad network at all three levels of government and in Parliament. You further develop the SODK as an organization and contribute to its high credibility with your inspiring and trustworthy manner. Your profile You have a very good understanding of the political system of Switzerland at the national and cantonal levels and move confidently at the interface of politics, administration, and the professional world. You bring a fine sense for different cantonal realities and political priorities. You recognize when leadership and when mediation is required, and you accompany political processes with diplomatic skill, care, and perseverance. You can quickly grasp complex social policy issues, prepare them in an understandable way, and translate them into viable decision-making bases. In doing so, you combine analytical strength with pragmatism, reliability, and enthusiasm: you want to help shape society and have learned to maintain an overview and confidence even under pressure. You communicate precisely and appropriately for the target group, both in writing and orally. It is easy for you to speak at eye level with government members, parliamentarians, administration specialists, and representatives of civil society and the media. You are proficient in negotiation in at least two national languages and understand English. Our offer We offer you an extraordinarily versatile leadership role at the center of Swiss social policy. You work close to the political decision-making processes, shape federal cooperation, and participate in topics that are central to the social cohesion of Switzerland. You take on a demanding, meaningful, and varied task with a committed team and a place of work in the center of Bern. The terms of employment are based on those of the cantonal administrations. Your next step Please send your complete application documents by 14 August 2026 to remo.doerig@sodk.ch. For information, the Secretary General Gaby Szöllösy (Tel. 076 336 47 98) and the Deputy Secretary General Remo Dörig (Tel. 079 480 14 20) are at your disposal. Bern Permanent position over 10 years Master / Diploma Published on 17.07.2026