Development Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Parental leave

Superannuation 17%

Salary packaging

Progression after 12 months

Course discounts

Health insurance discount

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking a Development Manager to lead major gift fundraising and secure substantial gifts that advance world-class research, student opportunity, and community impact.

You will manage a portfolio of high-value donors, lead tailored proposals and engagement activities, and support the full donor lifecycle—from identification to stewardship—working with DAR colleagues and campus partners across the university.

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing major gift fundraising programs in large not-for-profit environments.
• Proven success identifying, cultivating and securing major gifts from high-net-worth donors.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, meeting deadlines.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and long-term donor relationship building.
• Sound understanding of philanthropic fundraising in Australia; proficient in CRM systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor cultivation

Stakeholder engagement

Independent & collaborative work

Relationship building

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Development Manager (524621)

• 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.

Note

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

Position description: Development Manager PD.pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Ingrid Barnard at [e-mail]

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Petrina Gomez at [e-mail]

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday 16th November.

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

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

Benefits

• 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.

Learn more about us.

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.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.