We now have a continuing opportunity for Associate Director of Development, FMH
As Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, you will be responsible for raising major financial gifts that will support projects and programs across the University, with a focus of raising funds across your faculty or school, playing a lead role in managing specific Head of School and Dean relationships. The incumbent will be required to identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects, align their interest and passions to the strategic priorities of the University, and successfully solicit gifts with a value of $1 million or more. With this being a senior fundraising officer position, we are looking for the successful candidate to be able to demonstrate their experience and leadership capabilities through their application.
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 an Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, who has:
- extensive 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
- has experience leading a team and can manage and drive team performance supporting the team targets as well as well as owning a specific pipeline
- has highly developed emotional intelligence – you are self-aware with exceptional interpersonal skills
- can work autonomously and is naturally a high-achiever and driven by success both professionally and personally
- demonstrated mentoring/coaching of junior development colleagues
- has superior time-management, prioritisation and organisation skills.
About us
The Advancement Portfolio strengthens the University's capacity to deliver world-class education and research through philanthropy, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships. We work collaboratively across the University to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities that generate lasting impact for our communities and society.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
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 Partner by email to [email protected]
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 11 October 2026 11:59 PMSkills Required
- Extensive experience in major gift fundraising
- Demonstrated ability to identify and negotiate gift opportunities valued at $1 million or more
- Strong record of achieving stretch financial targets
- Relationship-building and leadership skills with internal and external stakeholders
- Experience leading a team and managing team performance
- Experience managing a specific fundraising pipeline
- Highly developed emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills
- Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate professional drive
- Experience mentoring and coaching junior development colleagues
- Superior time-management, prioritization, and organizational skills
- Unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of employment
- Successful completion of required pre-employment, background, and relevant clearance checks
What We Do
The University of Sydney is a leading, comprehensive education and research institution that aims to maximize the potential of researchers and students from all backgrounds.
