Development Manager

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous parental leave

17% employer superannuation

Salary packaging

Incremental progression

Discount on UWA courses

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking an experienced major gifts fundraiser to lead a portfolio of high-value donors and secure gifts of $100,000+ to support university priorities. You will tailor fundraising projects, draft proposals, and engage with alumni, corporate partners, and foundations, while collaborating with DAR colleagues to maximize donor impact and long-term relationships.

Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential, with proven

Qualifications

• Experience implementing major gift fundraising programs.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate and secure major gifts from high-net-worth donors.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and prospective donors, securing 100k+ gifts.
• Lead tailored fundraising projects, proposals and engagement activities.
• Support the full donor lifecycle—from identification through to stewardship.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor cultivation

Communication

Team collaboration

Relationship building

CRM systems

MS Office

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Play a leading role in securing philanthropy that advances world class research, student opportunity, and community impact.
• Shape and secure major gifts, working closely with senior academic and executive leaders to create compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on an ongoing basis.
• Base salary range: $120,912 – $132,161 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) leads the University's alumni, philanthropic and community engagement strategies. The team works collaboratively across UWA to strengthen donor relationships, secure philanthropic support, and embed engagement activity into the University's long-term goals.

DAR plays a pivotal role in driving the University's vision by cultivating meaningful partnerships with alumni, corporate partners, charitable foundations, and the wider community.

About the opportunity

• Manage a portfolio of major and prospective donors, securing significant philanthropic gifts of $100,000+ to advance University-wide priorities.
• Lead tailored fundraising projects, proposals and engagement activities while collaborating with DAR colleagues and cross-campus partners.
• Support the full donor lifecycle—from identification through to stewardship—ensuring meaningful donor recognition and long-term relationship growth.

About you

• Strong experience managing major gift fundraising programs, ideally within a large or complex not-for-profit environment.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and securing major gifts from high-net-worth donors.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and confidently with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, managing deadlines and contributing to team success.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted, long-term donor relationships.
• Sound understanding of philanthropic fundraising in Australia, alongside proficiency in CRM systems and MS Office.

Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday 2 nd November.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full-fee courses.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia's top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.