The Global Young Academy (GYA) is a vibrant, independent young academy of science with 200 members from more than 60 different countries. The GYA works to elevate the voice of young scientists in evidence-informed and inclusive global, regional and national decision making. It has a developed voice regarding the early-career perspective on important science policy questions, contributes to science diplomacy, and is engaged in capacity building. The office of the academy is publicly funded and hosted at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

We are looking for a Fundraising Officer who will be working with our dedicated international team of members to secure sustainable funding for GYA’s annual meeting, which is the key annual event of the Academy; the next one will take place in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, in June 2027. In these meetings, the members come together for a public conference dedicated to current developments in science, to shape their collaboration within the Academy and expand their network contacts. Joint projects are discussed and agreed upon across disciplinary boundaries. At the same time, partnerships with other scientific organizations are maintained, and networking with the host institution and the corresponding national environment is promoted.

The new Fundraising Officer will contribute to and lead major initiatives in the global campaign for sustainable funding of this event. Backed by an initial strategy and established contacts, the Fundraising Officer will be responsible for this key strategic fundraising initiative of the GYA.

Start date: 1 July 2026

Duration: three-year fixed term contract

Location: German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Halle (Saale), Germany

Contract and salary: In accordance with the German labour agreement for public services TVöD (Bund), depending on the appointed candidate's level of work experience (up to E 13 TVöD), 75%.

International Fundraising Officer (m/f/d)

(Kennziffer 26-09)

Job description:

Lead the 3-year fundraising campaign to secure sustainable funding for GYA’s Annual General Meeting and International Conference of Young Scientists, through proactive management of partner and sponsor relationships and systematic exploration of relevant international foundations and funding

• Cooperate with volunteer members of GYA’s Fundraising Committee and the project officer responsible for the coordination of the annual meeting
• Further develop GYAs general partner network and liaise with former and future meeting sponsors, also through networking in relevant events.
• Participation in leadership meetings to shape the profile of the organisation with respect to fundraising
• Develop initiatives to identify and develop tangible outputs of these annual events which can feed into future fundraising
• Grant writing, mainly for science policy or capacity building initiatives in context of the annual meeting

Job requirements:

• Academic qualification, at least with a Master's degree
• At least 3 years of relevant job experience, ideally in international fundraising in the context of science and research
• Fluent command of English
• Proven success in fundraising
• Collaborative team player with experience working across cross-functional teams
• intercultural competence and experience
• Readiness to travel internationally, likely several times per year

We offer:

The payment will be up to E 13 TVöD (Bund) according to the German public wage agreement. The working time is 29,25 hours per week (75%). The contract will be limited to 3 years and is contingent upon the availability of project funding.

The Leopoldina actively promotes the compatibility of family and career, including through flexible working hours and workplace arrangements as well as the possibility of mobile working by agreement. Within the scope of your activities, we offer numerous opportunities for further training and support your professional development. In addition, you will benefit from an occupational pension scheme, our company health management program, and the option of a job ticket.

The GYA is committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome applicants of any nationality who fulfil all requirements.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online via our application portal at . The deadline for application is 29 May 2026.

We look forward to receiving your informative and complete application documents, including a cover letter, a detailed CV, certificates, and references, without a photograph. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the above-mentioned online portal. Unfortunately, application costs cannot be reimbursed.

The Global Young Academy at the Leopoldina is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.

Applicants who are non-EU citizens and not citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland need a valid German work permit.

For further information please consult or contact GYA Managing Director Beate Wagner at