School of Commons is looking for an experienced fundraiser for 1.5 days per week to support the core organisational team in their next steps towards securing structural funding and a new institutional home.
School of Commons (SoC) is a global community-based initiative dedicated to the study and development of self-organised knowledge production through commons-based methodologies and practices. Research is conducted as peer-based collaborative endeavours with annually changing members. Each year brings together a wide range of participants, guests, and contributors who share their curiosity, skills, and visions. This collaborative framework allows SoC to connect ideas across various fields and develop a broader and more integrative understanding of knowledge. Through this work, SoC supports 30–50 participants annually and sustains a self-organised alumn network of over 350 members across six continents - a living ecosystem of mutual exchange, experimentation, and symbiotic learning that extends beyond institutional boundaries.
At the end of 2025, Zürich University of the Arts’ (ZHdK) - SoC’s institutional home since 2017 - made the decision to discontinue School of Commons (SoC) in its current form. SoC have chosen to recognise this moment as an opportunity to reflect on nine years of building, learning, and creating together, and to consider where School of Commons might grow next. For this we require support in our fundraising efforts to secure structural funding and find a new institutional home.
The ideal candidate will show demonstrable experience in the following areas:
- Confidence in both German and English language
- Broad knowledge of the funding landscapes across Switzerland & the EU
- Extensive experience writing funding applications
- Familiarity with educational and arts and cultural funding
- A strong network of funders, foundations, and institutions across Switzerland & the EU
Furthermore, the idea candidate will show a keen willingness towards:
- Investing in understanding the context and approach of SoC
- Supporting the SoC Team in their funding efforts
- An ‘out of the box’ thinking approach that is innovative and agile in navigating complex funding contexts
In exchange School of Commons will offer:
- A temporary freelance position from April 2026-December 2026
- An estimated 1.5 working days per week for 1,700 CHF per month
- A flexible and online working environment. This means applicants may apply from anywhere in the world, but should be mindful that School of Commons operates office hours in the CET/CEST timezone
- A diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility informed working environment
Application Information
Please send over, in English language, an up-to-date CV and 1-page motivation letter which includes responses to the following questions:
- What is your funding experience?
- Why would you want to fundraise for School of Commons?
- What would be your first step when looking for funding for School of Commons?
Applications must be sent by midnight CET on Wednesday 01 April to Amy Gowen at amy.gowen@zhdk.ch.
If any questions emerge during the application process please contact hello@schoolofcommons.org.
We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and who identify as BIPOC, FLINTA, LGBTQIA+ and those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.
Applicants will be informed of SoC’s decision no later than mid-April 2026.
