Program Developer and Fundraiser at LEARN

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 artists, designers, and scientists, we empower as many people as possible to contribute to an open, fair, and inclusive future. Over the past 25 years, Waag has contributed to the development and positioning of digital culture, thereby establishing an international reputation. From 2021 to 2024, it will serve as the “Futurelab Design and Technology” within the national and Amsterdam cultural infrastructure.

Waag Futurelab contributes to the research, design, and development of a sustainable, equitable society. We do this by collaboratively exploring emerging technologies and questioning underlying cultural assumptions, by experimenting with technology and designing alternatives based on public values, and by working with society to develop an open, fair, and inclusive future. Waag consists of a team of more than 60 artists, designers, and scientists. Over the past 25 years, Waag has contributed to the development and positioning of digital culture, thereby establishing an international reputation.

LEARN Project Group
The LEARN project group focuses on (informal) learning. The group investigates what and how we can learn 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 concrete initiatives: developing an interactive installation for a museum, setting up a program focused on hands-on education, or drafting policy recommendations. We carry out these projects at the European, national, and local levels, with durations ranging from 3 months to 3 years.

Project Development Project development is one of Waag’s core activities, which supports the organization’s financing and continuity. Each group within Waag has a project developer who develops project proposals and quotes within the group and monitors the quality of these proposals and the associated budget.

Summary
As a project developer, you will play a central role in securing funding for Waag’s design-based research. Working closely with the research labs within LEARN, you will develop ideas into clear project proposals and compelling financial strategies that align with the research agenda of LEARN (and Waag). You will be responsible for securing funding for these projects.

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for project development within LEARN and will work closely with your supervisor and the group’s research lab. You will help ensure that the project group meets its targets.
• You translate conceptual ideas into concrete project plans and activities, complete with a corresponding budget.
• You keep a close eye on new developments related to LEARN’s areas of focus.
• You will maintain contact with grant providers and foundations and promote the vision, mission, and achievements of LEARN and Waag.
• You are part of a Waag-wide project development team and keep them informed about potential projects within LEARN.

Skills and experience

• You are an experienced project developer. You quickly identify opportunities and know how to capitalize on them by securing funding. You can easily translate abstract ideas and assignments into program and project proposals, and you have a proven track record of success.
• You have experience writing (international) grant proposals, including for EU programs, as well as preparing and managing budgets.
• 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 informal learning, maker education, heritage, maker culture, craftsmanship, and co-creation.

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?

• Estimated salary: €3,500–4,000 per month, based on a 40-hour workweek, depending on knowledge and experience, excluding the 8% vacation allowance.
• A stimulating environment for developing (personal) skills, designing your own role, and building leadership in complex collaborative settings.
• 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.
• Flexibility in the workplace: sometimes at home, sometimes at the office, sometimes at a partner’s location.

Application deadline: July 14, 2022
Do you have any questions? Please contact Pam de Sterke at pam@waag.org
Apply directlythrough the website!

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