Business Developer Learn

At Waag, we are looking for a 

Business Developer (full-time) for the LEARN team 

Do you possess the combination of drive, commercial skills, creativity, and business acumen needed to develop and implement innovative business cases in which learning, citizenship, culture, and creativity play a central role?

Then this job in the heart of Amsterdam is perfect for you! 

We are looking for an experienced Business Developer for the LEARN team and the Waag Academy. 

About Waag

Waag researches, designs, creates, and advocates for a society that is in control of technological and social developments. With a team of more than 60 employees, we empower as many people as possible to contribute to an open, fair, and inclusive future. Over the past 29 years, Waag has contributed to the development and positioning of digital culture, thereby establishing an international reputation.

About Team LEARN 

The LEARN project group focuses on (informal) learning. The group investigates what and how we need to learn in order to contribute to an open, fair, and inclusive society. Everyone learns everywhere: at home, online, in museums and libraries, and in the neighborhood. In our projects, we conduct participatory research and create interventions within existing processes and systems. These are diverse, often very concrete activities: designing and leading interactive maker workshops for young people, setting up a program focused on maker education, or drafting policy recommendations. We carry out these activities in projects at the European, national, and local levels, ranging in duration from 3 months to 3 years. 

Summary 

As a business developer, you’ll be the central figure in securing funding for Waag’s design-based research and the Waag Academy program. Working closely with the lead of the Maker Education Lab and the head of the LEARN program, you’ll develop ideas into clear project proposals and compelling financial strategies that align with the research agenda of LEARN (and Waag). You will also be responsible for securing funding for these projects. 

You will also work with Waag’s management team and the LEARN team to develop a Waag Academy program. Through Waag Academy, Waag will offer training courses to professionals based on the knowledge developed within the research groups. You will report to the Head of the LEARN Program and be part of the LEARN team.

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for business development within LEARN and will work closely with your manager and the group’s research lab. You will help ensure that LEARN meets its financial targets and makes an impact.
• You translate conceptual ideas into concrete business proposals with a corresponding budget.
• You keep a close eye on new developments related to LEARN’s areas of focus.
• You will maintain contact with potential clients, grant providers, and foundations, and promote LEARN’s vision, mission, and results.
• You are part of the Waag project development team 
• You will help develop and market Waag’s Academy program. 

What are we looking for? 

Skills and experience

• You are an experienced business developer with a proven track record of success
• You quickly spot opportunities and know how to capitalize on them by securing funding
• You can easily translate abstract ideas and assignments into business proposals
• You have worked in a commercial environment and are accustomed to developing business cases and preparing budgets
• Experience writing (international) grant proposals is a plus
• You have a relevant network and can easily connect with external parties and potential clients
• You know how to appeal to different target audiences
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English

Knowledge

• You share Waag’s values and mission
• You have a strategic and critical perspective on technology and society
• You are familiar with the areas LEARN focuses on and can quickly familiarize yourself with and get up to speed on topics such as maker education, STE(A)M education, maker culture, craftsmanship, (un)learning, and technological citizenship

Personal qualities, attitude, and behavior

• You are eager to learn and curious, have a growth mindset, are reflective, and see feedback as an effective way to grow.
• You are diplomatic and can present yourself well in a wide variety of settings, from activist to bureaucratic. 
• You're a networker.
• You enjoy getting things done and are good at keeping track of the big picture.
• You have a business-minded approach, are skilled at positioning new developments, and aren’t afraid of targets.
• You have an affinity for creative disciplines in art, design, science, and the maker culture. 
• From time to time, you participate in Waag’s public programs in your free time.

We strongly prefer a candidate who will enhance diversity at Waag.

What do we offer? 

• Waag has two stunning office locations in the heart of Amsterdam: the historic buildings Het Pintohuis and De Waag on Nieuwmarkt.
• Work in a dynamic team of artists, scientists, and designers who are helping to build an open, fair, and inclusive future.
• Openness, honesty, and inclusivity are the values that guide Waag in its commitment to being a good employer and in selecting the right candidate to enhance Waag’s diversity.
•  Depending on your knowledge and experience, the estimated salary for a 40-hour workweek is €2,960–€4,670 (UFO Scale 10). 
• Flexibility in the workplace: sometimes at home, sometimes at the office, sometimes at a partner’s location.

Deadline: August 1, 2023

For more information about this job opening, please contact Pam de Sterke, Head of Programme Learn: pam@waag.org

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.