Working at SUMAS, your next career step!

🌿 Overview of Jobs at Sustainability Management School

The Sustainability Management School (SUMAS), located in the picturesque town of Gland in Vaud canton, Switzerland, stands as a beacon for those passionate about blending business acumen with environmental stewardship. Nestled near Lake Geneva in Europe, SUMAS specializes in programs that equip students with the tools to lead sustainable initiatives in a rapidly changing world. Jobs at Sustainability Management School attract professionals eager to contribute to an institution dedicated to sustainability management, offering roles that range from teaching faculty positions to research and administrative opportunities.

SUMAS emphasizes practical, action-oriented education in areas like sustainable business practices, circular economy principles, and corporate responsibility. Working here means being part of a community that values innovation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. The school's small, dynamic environment fosters collaboration, making it ideal for academics and administrators seeking impactful careers in higher education.

History of Sustainability Management School

Founded in 2012, SUMAS emerged from a vision to fill a gap in higher education by focusing exclusively on sustainability within management studies. Its establishment in Gland, a hub for environmental organizations near Geneva, was strategic, leveraging Switzerland's reputation for precision, innovation, and environmental leadership. Since inception, SUMAS has grown to offer bachelor's, master's, and MBA programs accredited by international bodies, attracting students from over 40 countries.

The school's evolution reflects the global shift toward sustainable development. Early milestones include partnerships with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and launching executive education for industry leaders. Today, SUMAS continues to expand its influence, with faculty engaging in cutting-edge research published in journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production. This history underscores why jobs at SUMAS appeal to those wanting to shape the future of sustainable business education.

Academic Programs and Departments at SUMAS

SUMAS offers specialized degrees such as the Bachelor in Sustainability Management, Master in Sustainability Studies, and the flagship MBA in Sustainability Management. Departments focus on key areas like sustainable finance, eco-innovation, and responsible leadership. Faculty jobs often align with these, teaching courses that integrate real-world case studies from Swiss companies and international NGOs.

Research centers at SUMAS explore topics like carbon footprint reduction and green supply chains, providing opportunities for research jobs that contribute to both academia and industry. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through internships and projects with partners like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), making roles here intellectually stimulating.

Types of Jobs at Sustainability Management School

Career opportunities at SUMAS span various university job types. Faculty positions include professors and lecturers delivering courses on sustainable strategies. Research assistants support projects on ESG reporting, while administrative roles manage student services and partnerships. Executive positions oversee program development, and support staff handle operations in this boutique institution.

Lecturer jobs, for instance, suit those with practical industry experience, as SUMAS values applied knowledge. Professor jobs demand leadership in curriculum design, often involving PhD supervision. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or lecturer jobs for current openings tailored to sustainability experts.

Definitions

To fully understand jobs at SUMAS, key terms include:

• Sustainability Management: The practice of integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into business decision-making to ensure long-term viability.
• Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste through continual use of resources, contrasting linear 'take-make-dispose' models.
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance): Criteria used to evaluate a company's operations and impact, guiding investment and hiring in sustainable roles.
• MBA: Master of Business Administration, a postgraduate degree focusing on advanced business skills, here specialized in sustainability.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

Jobs at Sustainability Management School require rigorous qualifications. For faculty roles, a PhD in a relevant field such as environmental management, business administration, or economics is essential. Research focus should align with SUMAS priorities like renewable energy transitions or biodiversity conservation, often evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching at higher education level, successful grant applications (e.g., from Swiss National Science Foundation), and industry consulting. Skills and competencies encompass:

• Proficiency in sustainability frameworks like UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Strong communication for engaging diverse international students.
• Data analysis tools for ESG metrics and impact assessments.
• Intercultural competence, given SUMAS's global student body.
• Project management for leading research initiatives.

Administrative positions may require a master's degree plus experience in higher ed operations.

📋 Application Process and Tips for Jobs at SUMAS

The application process for SUMAS jobs begins with monitoring their career page or platforms like university jobs listings. Submit a tailored CV highlighting sustainability credentials, a cover letter addressing the role's alignment with SUMAS mission, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and research presentation.

Actionable tips:

• Research recent SUMAS publications to reference in your application.
• Quantify achievements, e.g., 'Led project reducing carbon emissions by 20%'.
• Network via LinkedIn or events in Geneva.
• Prepare for Swiss work culture emphasizing punctuality and multilingualism (English, French proficiency advantageous).
• Use free resources like our free resume template and free cover letter template.

Follow up professionally within a week.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at SUMAS

SUMAS champions diversity through targeted scholarships for women in sustainability leadership and programs for students from developing nations. The hiring policy mandates equal opportunity, with training on unconscious bias. In 2023, 45% of faculty were international, reflecting commitment to inclusive excellence. Initiatives include mentorship for underrepresented minorities and events celebrating cultural diversity, fostering a welcoming environment for global talent.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life at SUMAS

SUMAS prioritizes work-life balance with flexible scheduling, remote work options for researchers, and 5 weeks annual leave standard in Switzerland. Wellness programs feature yoga by Lake Geneva and mental health support. Campus life in Gland offers modern classrooms, a library with digital sustainability resources, and communal spaces overlooking the Alps. Proximity to Geneva (20 minutes) provides access to international conferences and networking. Staff enjoy subsidized public transport and family benefits, enhancing quality of life in Vaud's serene setting.

Summary: Pursue Your Career at SUMAS

Jobs at Sustainability Management School offer a unique chance to advance sustainable education in Switzerland. From faculty to research roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Leverage higher ed jobs insights, higher ed career advice, and explore university jobs or post a job if recruiting. For related reading, see employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer. Start your journey today in Gland's vibrant academic scene.