Research Fundraiser (m/f/d) 80% - 100%

Eawag

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Eawag is currently developing its institutional fundraising activities to strengthen support for research, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives. To drive these efforts and foster meaningful engagement with philanthropic and funding partners, we are looking for a dedicated

Research Fundraiser (m/f/d) 80% - 100%

Would you like to help shape the fundraising activities of an internationally renowned environmental research institute? As part of the ETH Domain, Eawag offers a unique opportunity to build and further develop institutional fundraising in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment. You will identify suitable funding opportunities and develop sustainable funding partnerships with foundations, institutional funding organisations, philanthropic partners and selected major donors. Working closely with researchers, the Directorate and the Communications team, you will develop compelling funding concepts that communicate Eawag's scientific strengths and strategic objectives in a clear and attractive way to funding partners

This position offers you a high degree of responsibility and autonomy, as well as the opportunity to actively shape Eawag's fundraising activities and strategic partnerships.

Your responsibilities

• Conduct research, analysis and identification of potential funding partners, in particular foundations and private major donors.
• Assess and evaluate research projects regarding their fundraising potential.
• Work closely with researchers to develop audience-specific fundraising materials, such as funding cases, project proposals and progress reports.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with funding partners and donors, support the acquisition of new partners and manage funding partnerships throughout the entire funding cycle.
• Manage administrative fundraising processes, including contract management, payment processing and maintenance of data in the CRM system.
• In close collaboration with the Communications team, plan and coordinate visits and events for existing and potential funding partners and develop fundraising-specific content for Eawag's communication channels.

Your qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience in fundraising, ideally in foundation fundraising, institutional fundraising or major donor fundraising.
• Proven track record in developing successful funding proposals as well as establishing and maintaining long-term funding partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, combined with a strong service-oriented mindset. You build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate effectively with different research groups.
• A structured and independent working style, with strong organisational skills.
• A strong interest in scientific topics, particularly environmental research; experience in research, higher education, environmental sustainability or healthcare is an advantage.
• Confident use of common digital tools, including CRM systems.
• You have excellent command of German or French and good knowledge of the other language. You are fluent in English at a professional level and able to communicate and negotiate confidently.

At Eawag , we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it - we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.

Applications must be submitted by September 15th, 2026,  or until the position is filled. However, screening of applicants will begin immediately. Your application should include a cover letter giving a description of the motivation to apply and highlighting the relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and the names (with email addresses and phone numbers) of at least two potential references

For further information, please contact Christian Stamm, Deputy Director, via email.

We look forward to receiving your application.  Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

Applications from employment agencies/personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.

Apply now

Branche: Soziale Dienste / Non-Profit

Funktion: Anderes

RAL:

Stellenprozent: 80-100% / 100%

Anstellungsart: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

• At least five years of professional experience in fundraising, ideally in foundation fundraising, institutional fundraising or major donor fundraising.
• Proven track record in developing successful funding proposals as well as establishing and maintaining long-term funding partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, combined with a strong service-oriented mindset. You build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate effectively with different research groups.
• A structured and independent working style, with strong organisational skills.
• A strong interest in scientific topics, particularly environmental research; experience in research, higher education, environmental sustainability or healthcare is an advantage.
• Confident use of common digital tools, including CRM systems.
• You have excellent command of German or French and good knowledge of the other language. You are fluent in English at a professional level and able to communicate and negotiate confidently.