Foundation Operations Manager

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security, and freedom online.

Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organizations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech's invasive practices, and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton's services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations.

Proton today supports over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential, and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. Proton has become profitable and reached scale without relying upon VC funding, largely due to superior talent that allows us to do things faster, more creatively, and more efficiently.

We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our social media pages to learn more about us:
Twitter
,
Reddit
,
Instagram
.
About the

Foundation

Our foundation is dedicated to advancing
digital freedom
in the world, with a particular focus on Switzerland and Geneva's role as a hub of international governance, technology, and human rights. We support initiatives that safeguard privacy, promote open digital ecosystems, and strengthen global position in digital trust and freedom.

As our
first employee
, you will play a pivotal role in building the foundation from the ground up, working closely with the Board to shape its strategy, establish its governance, and run its day-to-day operations.

What you will do:

Operations & Administration

• Set up and manage the foundation's daily operations, including budget, reporting, and administration.
• Oversee compliance with Swiss foundation regulations and ensure good governance practices.
• Act as the primary liaison with legal, financial, and administrative service providers.

Governance & Board Support

• Coordinate meetings of the Board of Trustees (agenda, documentation, minutes, follow-up).
• Ensure execution of board-approved strategies and decisions.
• Provide strategic advice and operational updates to the Board.

Strategy & Execution

• Contribute to shaping the foundation's strategic priorities together with the Board.
• Translate the Board's vision into actionable programs and measurable outcomes.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in Geneva and beyond (international organizations, NGOs, academia, startups, policymakers).

Program Management

• Design and implement programs, events, and initiatives aligned with the mission of digital freedom.
• Identify and manage partnerships and collaborations.
• Oversee communications, visibility, and outreach of the foundation.

Fundraising & Development

• Support fundraising efforts and donor relations.
• Prepare grant applications and manage reporting obligations.
• Ensure financial sustainability of the foundation's activities.

What we are looking for:

Experience & Skills

• 5-7 years of professional experience in operations, program management, or governance, ideally in foundations, NGOs, or international organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital freedom, digital rights, or related fields (privacy, open internet, digital trust).
• Strong organizational and execution skills: able to set up structures, processes, and deliver results independently.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills: able to navigate international, governmental, and non-profit environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (English and French required; German an asset).

Personal Qualities

• Entrepreneurial and proactive: comfortable being "employee #1" and building from scratch.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on attitude.
• High integrity and commitment to the values of digital freedom.
• Flexibility to travel and be physically present in Geneva regularly.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape a new foundation with a strong mission and international impact.
• Direct collaboration with a committed and visionary Board of Trustees.
• Flexibility in work location, with a strong presence required in Geneva.
• Competitive salary adapted to the foundation's non-profit context.
• Office First:
  Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time, while enjoying great company during our three core days in the office.
• Technology:
  We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals.
• Food:
  Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport:
  We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options:
  At Proton, we are all owners of the company and you get stock options when you join us.
• Learning and Development:
  We are committed to your professional growth. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Employee Benefits:
  Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters:
  Proton is a community-first organization, started with the support of a crowdfunding campaign and built with community input. To this day, Proton's only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do. Read more about our impact
  here
  .

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Proton, we believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our mission to provide privacy as a default for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socio-economic background, feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities, promote open dialogue, and support continuous learning to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know.

Candidate Privacy Notice

When you apply for a position, refer a candidate, or are considered for a role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton, we, us, or our), your information is stored in Greenhouse, in accordance with their
Service Privacy Policy.
This information is used to evaluate your suitability for the posted position. We also retain this information for consideration for future roles that you may apply for or that we believe may align with your background and skills.

If we no longer have a legitimate business need to process your information, we will either delete or anonymize it. Should you have any inquiries about how we use or manage your information, or if you wish to access, correct, or delete your data, please contact our privacy team at

Proton does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Proton.

To learn more about our privacy policy, please visit
our privacy policy page
.

• #LI-Onsite