About the opportunity
We have an opportunity in the International Foundations team with the Advancement Portfolio for a seasoned professional to bring their creativity to strategically influence how a prestigious university can support some of the world's best researchers.

As Senior Associate Director of Development, International Foundations, you will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with large international foundations to ensure the ongoing growth of this revenue stream for research at the University of Sydney, submitting proposals for funding with a focus on $1M+ opportunities. You will be working in collaboration with the wider team of the Advancement Portfolio, as well as with senior leaders across the University, particularly in the Research Portfolio, Faculty of Medicine and Health and Medical Research Institutes to ensure approaches to foundations are coordinated and prioritised across the University.

You will be tasked with identifying areas of research excellence the University is recognised for to target international foundations, while ensuring that the opportunities align with the University's strategic plan and research priorities.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Senior Associate Director of Development (International Foundations) who demonstrates:

• ability to effectively manage a diverse group of key stakeholders on large or complex projects and to develop and cultivate productive relationships with key contacts
  
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills along with effective leadership and people management skills
  
• experience in project managing multiple work streams, or leading large complex projects and ability to work according to strict deadlines and manage various demands
  
• ability to understand often complex information and distil into lay terms that are inspiring and motivational for prospects
  
• experience of working alongside key stakeholders (e.g. academics and clinicians) and targeting their activity for the benefit of philanthropy
  
• strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills
  
• accuracy and attention to detail
  
• an entrepreneurial spirit who can think big picture but also pivot at a moment's notice with a calm and methodical approach

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is one of the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation's first $1 billion 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 to 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.

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.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

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, on 0481476329 or by email to [email protected]

Internal Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Sunday 31st August 2025

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

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.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.