This is a Targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Position. While we welcome applications from all candidates, this is a targeted role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates will be assessed as a priority. This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
A parental leave contract opportunity has come available until February 2028 in our Principal Gifts team for the Advancement Portfolio. As a Principal Gifts Manager, you will play an important role in shaping and progressing some of the University's most significant philanthropic opportunities, working alongside Development Directors and the Deputy Director, Principal Gifts to develop and deliver strategies for engaging, cultivating and stewarding donors with the potential to make transformational gifts of $10 million or more..
You will be project managing the program of works that enable these complex relationships and funding initiatives to thrive, and maximise the philanthropic outcomes.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, relationships and delivery. While an understanding of philanthropy is valuable, we are particularly interested in candidates who can think strategically, navigate complexity, build trusted relationships and bring structure and momentum to ambitious initiatives.
The role is primarily strategic and advisory, working closely with colleagues who lead donor relationships, rather than carrying a portfolio of donors directly. You will need to balance a long-term view of relationship development with the ability to identify immediate priorities, respond to emerging opportunities and deliver tangible progress.. The role requires adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of the principal gift landscape and an ability to devise and deliver donor strategies at different stages of the donor journey simultaneously.
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 Manager, Principal Gifts , who:
can identify and strategise engagement for ultra-high-net-worth individuals
can create compelling proposals and presentations and write reports
has the ability to distil complex content and create succinct briefings for stakeholders
has highly developed project management skills, including experience creating project plans, tracking project progress and workflows and ensuring deliverables meet deadline and are completed to the highest standard.
has demonstrated sophisticated relationship building and management skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
has the ability to assess and analyse projects and assess their success, track KPIs, monitor budgets and report on impact and outcomes
possesses excellent professional demeanour, discretion, and ability to confidently engage with sophisticated philanthropists and senior leadership
can work at pace in high pressure situations.
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, For Good , the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.
For 175 years, we've united great minds for the power of good. Together with our remarkable community, we're creating transformative real-world impact.
Universities have always played a pivotal role in shaping society: educating citizens, advancing research, supporting healthcare and strengthening economies. In the coming decades, our people will continue to break the mould and create innovative solutions to modern-day…