The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the world-wide organization of professional astronomers. The mission of the IAU is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects (including research, communication, education and development) through international cooperation. The IAU has more than 13 500 members from 82 member countries. The current IAU President (2018–2021) is Professor Ewine van Dishoeck at Leiden Observatory, the astronomy institute of Leiden University, the Netherlands. The IAU administrative Headquarters are located in Paris, France. 

A key component of the IAU’s activities is the use of astronomy for development and capacity building. To this end, the IAU has created the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a joint venture with the South African National Research Foundation. Through the OAD and its regional nodes across the world, astronomy is used to impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See astro4dev.org for more information on the IAU-OAD. Leiden hosts the European Regional OAD.

We seek an IAU International Fundraiser to lead the implementation of the IAU's fundraising efforts worldwide, especially for the OAD. The Fundraiser will be working closely with the IAU President Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck, with the OAD Director Kevin Govender, and with the Astronomy & Society group of Leiden Observatory led by Dr. Pedro Russo.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for the IAU, in particular for the OAD;
• Develop a strong fundraising message that appeals to potential donors;
• Prepare relevant fundraising material such as brochures, presentations, websites;
• Research prospective donors;
• Identify and contact potential donors;
• Organize campaigns or events that will lead to soliciting donations;
• Maintain records of donor information for future use;
• Evaluate the success of previous fundraising events;
• Provide training sessions in fundraising procedures and practices for relevant IAU stakeholders;
• Identify relevant funding calls and develop respective grant proposals.

Selection criteria

• A university degree in science communication, astronomy or any other relevant field;
• Proven experience with fundraising;
• Experience with writing and coordinating grant proposals;
• Proven skills in written, visual and verbal communications;
• Knowledgeable in principles and models of public engagement with science;
• Knowledgeable in science for development and/or science diplomacy;
• Experience in working with diverse international communities;
• Fluency in English and preferably an excellent knowledge of at least one additional language;
• Proven skills with project management;
• A passion for astronomy;
• Experience in crowdfunding campaigns would be an advantage;
• Significant travel is expected as part of the fundraising activities.
• The positon is only open to candidates already eligible to work in the European Union (EU citizens or candidate holders of a EU working visa).

Only applications received no later than 13 January 2020 can be considered. The full job advertisement and more information on how to apply can be accessed here.

Links

• Job advertisement from Leiden University

Contacts

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 320 06 761
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org