Associate Director Development (Major Gifts)

usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking an Associate Director of Development, Law to lead major gifts fundraising for the Faculty of Law. You will identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects, align interests with strategic priorities, and solicit gifts of $100,000 or more.

Based in Sydney, you will build and manage a robust donor pipeline, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and drive fundraising targets in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining the highest standards of

Qualifications

• Identify and engage high net-worth donor prospects and align interests with university priorities.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of meeting financial targets.
• Experience working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work autonomously while engaging others when needed.
• Demonstrated relationship-building and communication with senior stakeholders.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, high-achieving, and driven to succeed.
• Excellent time-management, prioritisation and organisation.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate and negotiate $100,000+ gift opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust donor pipeline for the School of Law.
• Lead donor engagement and solicitation with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with University leadership to align donor interests with strategic priorities.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Prospect research

Stakeholder engagement

Donor cultivation

Tools

Salesforce

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 for both schools 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 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.

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 has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence.

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 Tuesday 6 th October 2026

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 reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close

Tuesday 06 October 2026 11:59 PM