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 function and promotes cooperative federalism. Its focal points include poverty reduction and social insurance, migration policy, the well-being of families, children and young people, as well as people with disabilities, and the areas of victim assistance and addiction. For the management of the General Secretariat, the SODK Board of Directors is looking for a politically savvy, curious and communicatively strong personality as Secretary General: SODK, 80-100 % Your task You lead the SODK General Secretariat professionally, personally and organizationally. You ensure that the political bodies of the SODK can 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 of Directors and other SODK bodies, develop decision-making bases, coordinate statements and accompany political processes at federal and cantonal levels. You keep an eye on social policy developments, identify the need for action at an early stage and support the cantons in finding viable common positions. You identify with federalism and represent the interests of the cantons. On behalf of the SODK Board of Directors, 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 university degree (university or university of applied sciences) and a very good understanding of the political system of Switzerland at national and cantonal levels. You 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 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 negotiation skills, 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. You find it easy to speak at eye level with members of government, parliamentarians, administration specialists and representatives of civil society and the media. You are proficient in negotiating 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 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 dedicated team and a place of work in the center of Bern. The terms of employment are oriented towards those of the cantonal administrations. The starting date is October 1, 2026 or by arrangement. Your next step Please send your complete application documents by August 21, 2026 to E-Mail write (<>). For information, the President of the SODK, State Councilor Mathias Reynard (Tel. ), as well as the Deputy Secretary General Dörig (Tel. ) are at your disposal. jpid2fa9560jm jit0730jm jiy26jm