Associate Director Development (Major Gifts)

Centre for Continuing Education; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney seeks an Associate Director of Development, Law to lead major gifts fundraising across the Law school and University priorities. You will identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects, align their passions with strategic priorities, and solicit multiple gifts of $100,000+, growing the philanthropic pipeline and network.

Successful candidates will have a proven track record in major gifts, the ability to work autonomously yet collaborate with senior stakeholders, and

Qualifications

• Identify, cultivate and negotiate $100,000+ gift opportunities.
• Strong track record of meeting financial targets.
• Experience in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• Ability to work autonomously while engaging stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Raise gifts across the University to support projects and programs.
• Identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects and align interests with strategic priorities.
• Solicit multiple gifts with values of $100,000 or more.
• Build and grow a donor pipeline and donor relationships, including senior internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Gift fundraising

Donor cultivation

Major gifts

Stakeholder engagement

Emotional intelligence

Time management

Autonomy

Communication

Job description

As Associate Director of Development, Law you will be responsible for raising gifts that will support projects and programs across the University. There will be a focus on new prospective donors to and on the strategic priorities of the Schools and also building on a number of successful gifts and growing the pipeline of donors.

You will identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects, align their interest and passions to the strategic priorities of the University, and successfully solicit multiple gifts with a value of $100,000 or more.

About the School

As one of the best law schools in the world for teaching and research, our students learn from globally recognised legal educators and highly respected professional practitioners. Our internationally-renowned researchers are working to deliver real-world change in Australia and overseas.

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 Associate Director of Development, Law who has experience in major gifts fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to

• identify, cultivate and negotiate $100,000 plus gift opportunities
• a strong track record of achievement and meeting financial targets
• experience working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• the ability to work autonomously but also is comfortable speaking up and asking for help
• demonstrated relationship building and strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior internal and external stakeholders
• has highly developed emotional intelligence – you are self-aware with exceptional interpersonal skills
• is a high-achiever and naturally driven by success both professionally and personally
• has excellent time-management, prioritisation and organisation skills.
• experienced in and/or passion for Law demonstrated in your cover letter

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is one 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 its inception 175 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.

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.

Please note: 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.

Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 15th November 2026

Applications Close

Sunday 15 November 2026 11:59 PM