About the opportunity

The University of Sydney seeks to appoint an outstanding individual into the role of Director of Development Multidisciplinary Initiatives. This position will contribute in a senior capacity to the growth of the University's Advancement Portfolio and will play a key role in the forthcoming campaign. In this role you will be part of the Portfolio's leadership team to develop new, innovative strategies to identify and build on a number of established relationships with a strong trajectory of major and principal gifts.

You will take a leadership role in fundraising across the MDI's and will use your skills and experience to close gifts of $1 million+ and achieve significant personal fundraising targets.

You will also develop a growing team of high performing fundraising professionals, who work collaboratively with the wider Development team. You will be solutions-oriented and highly motivated, with strong leadership ability and a personal drive to achieve ambitious fundraising targets. The role is responsible for developing and implementing the development strategies within the Universities 6 Multidisciplinary Initiatives which include:

Charles Perkins Centre

Brain and Mind Centre

Sydney Nano Institute

Sydney Southeast Asia Centre

Sydney Policy Lab

Sydney Environmental Institute

Working closely with academic leadership, this position is also charged with growing a culture of philanthropy across the Institutes and centres increasing awareness of, and engagement with, Advancement. You will develop and grow a team of high-performing fundraising professionals and will build strong internal working relationships with stakeholders across the University to unlock philanthropic opportunities.

About you

Your experience in devising and implementing effective fundraising strategies and working with philanthropists will be instrumental in driving the future success. You will identify new opportunities from core and new donors, whose interests are aligned to the values and objectives of the University. You will have experience of implementing strategy at an organisational or divisional level and a demonstrable track record of raising transformational gifts. You will be a creative thinker with a strong sense of integrity, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for higher education and the multitude of causes that the philanthropic gifts will ultimately fund. This is an outstanding opportunity, with a strong visibility and a harmonious, supportive and committed team. This post offers the chance for a proven, experienced fundraiser and leader to play an integral role in a successful development office, whilst taking the next step in their career.

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 Director of Development, Multidisciplinary Initiatives who:

• has extensive background in major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to identify and negotiate 6 and 7 figure gift opportunities. Can demonstrate their success in closing $1 million+ gifts and meeting stretch financial targets
• has a strong track record of achievement and meeting stretch financial targets through ambitious and complex gift proposals
• has proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate a group of ambitious and goal-oriented professionals
• is a true team player, working with the Major Gifts team, Donor Relations team, Prospect Research team and other areas of the Advancement Portfolio and the University of Sydney
• has an understanding and a strong interest in health and research in a complex or tertiary environment is preferred
• is creative, with the ability to bring together the disparate interests of a donor and match them with an opportunity that brings together disaffiliated aspects of the University
• is detail-oriented in relationship - given the complex nature of managing a relationship with a prospect with diverse interests and competition priorities, the need to see to the details is critical
• has demonstrated sophisticated relationship building and management skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
• has highly developed organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise own workload, to work consistently within busy schedules and to meet deadlines, whilst maintaining a focus on a longer term vision

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is the most successful fundraising program 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.

Benefits Of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements and generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Subsidised on campus parking
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services
• Career development opportunities
• And many more

Closing date - 4th September 2022

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

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.


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.

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