About the opportunity

We are now seeking a senior development professional to play a lead role building fundraising revenue through developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program with a major gift's focus.

This position works closely with the Director Development (Multi-Disciplinary Initiatives) to identify and develop fundraising priorities and strategies as we grow towards building the major gifts team and diversifying our stream of activities with a specific focus.

You will play a key role in the forthcoming campaign and build on several established relationships with a strong trajectory of major and principal gifts including the use of your skills and experience to close gifts of $1 million+ and achieve significant personal fundraising targets within the University's 6 Multidisciplinary Initiatives:

Charles Perkins Centre - Addressing chronic disease;

Brain and Mind Centre - Creating healthier lives and happier minds;

Sydney Nano Institute - The next giant leap is seriously small;

Sydney Policy Lab Sydney - Bringing people together to help change the world; Environmental Institute - A national and world leader in multidisciplinary environmental research, known for work in the environmental humanities and social sciences;

Sydney Southeast Asia Centre - Supporting research, education and partnerships in Southeast Asia.

About you

The University values trust, accountability and excellence and as such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Deputy Director of Development, Multi-Disciplinary Initiatives who has:

• substantial background in major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to identify and negotiate $1 million plus gift opportunities
  
• a strong track record of achievement and meeting stretch financial targets
  
• demonstrated relationship building and strong leadership skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
  
• experience leading a team of 2 or more and can manage and drive team performance supporting the team targets as well as well as owning a specific pipeline
  
• highly developed emotional intelligence - self-aware with exceptional interpersonal skills
  
• the ability to work autonomously and is naturally a high-achiever and driven by success both professionally and personally
  
• demonstrated mentoring/coaching of junior development colleagues
  
• superior time-management, prioritisation and organisation skills.
  
• an understanding of, and is passionate about, health or mental health related issues

About us

The Advancement team at the University of Sydney is one of the most successful fundraising programs in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation's first $1BN fundraising campaign and embarking on the next, the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We're Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

Working in the Advancement team at the University you will be part of a portfolio that raises funds for scholarships, cutting edge research and makes a real and substantial contribution to the improvement of the University, and the wider world. You will be joining a world-class team that cares deeply about making a difference and is both creative and evidence-led when it comes to improving performance. This is the power of Philanthropy.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations, by email [email protected]

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 17th August 2025

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