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

Eawag is strategically expanding its institutional fundraising to strengthen research, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives in the long term. To further develop these activities and establish long-term partnerships with foundations and other funding organisations, we are seeking a committed individual as

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 cooperative and meaningful environment. You identify suitable funding opportunities and develop sustainable funding partnerships together with foundations, institutional funding organisations, philanthropic partners, and selected major donors. In close collaboration with researchers, the management, and the communications department, you develop compelling funding concepts that clearly and attractively communicate Eawag’s scientific strengths and strategic goals to funding partners.

The position offers you a high degree of responsibility and independence as well as the opportunity to actively shape Eawag’s fundraising activities and strategic partnerships.

Your tasks

• Research, analyse, and identify potential funding partners, especially foundations and private major donors.
• Review and evaluate research projects regarding their fundraising potential.
• Work closely with researchers to develop target group-specific funding documents 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 funding partners, and accompany 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 cooperation with the communications department, plan and coordinate visits and events for existing and potential funding partners and create fundraising-specific content for Eawag’s communication channels.

Your qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience in fundraising, ideally in foundation, institutional, or major donor fundraising.
• Proven success in developing funding proposals as well as in building and maintaining long-term funding partnerships.
• Strong communication and social skills as well as a high service orientation. You build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work successfully with diverse research groups.
• Structured and independent working style with strong organisational skills.
• Strong interest in scientific topics, especially environmental research; experience in research, academia, ecological sustainability, or healthcare is an advantage.
• Confident use of common digital tools, including CRM systems.
• You have very good German or French skills as well as good knowledge of the other language. You are fluent in English.

At Eawag we create a working environment where people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can contribute and develop. With us, you help shape things! We promote belonging, exchange, and mutual understanding. We design structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life and continuously work to remove barriers.

Do you have specific requirements for the application process, the position, or need further information? Talk to us about it – within our possibilities, we are happy to support you with flexible solutions for workplace, working hours, and job design.

More information about Eawag and its employment conditions can be found at Eawag and Employment Conditions .

The application deadline is 15 September 2026 or as soon as the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. With your application, we expect a cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience, a CV, and the contact details (email addresses and phone numbers) of at least two possible referees.

For enquiries, please contact Christian Stamm , Deputy Director.

We look forward to receiving your application, which we only accept via our online application portal. By clicking the button below, you will be taken directly to the application form.

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