Head of Advancement

PLC; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite parking

Salary packaging

Professional development

Campus facilities access

Employee wellness program

Job summary

Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) in Melbourne’s Burwood campus invites applications for Head of Advancement. This is a senior leadership role guiding donor relations, alumni engagement and community partnerships to support the College’s mission and growth.

Reporting to the Principal and joining the Senior Executive Team, you will lead a professional advancement group, shape a contemporary strategy, and foster a culture of giving across students, families, and supporters while ensuring

Qualifications

• Experience leading an Advancement function, ideally in education.
• Proven ability to build relationships that grow philanthropic engagement.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Values-driven professional committed to education.

Responsibilities

• Shape an Advancement strategy aligned with the College’s vision.
• Strengthen relationships with donors, alumnae, families and community.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team to deliver high-impact programs.
• Drive initiatives that support long-term growth and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Donor relations

Team mentoring

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in relevant field

Job description

• Shape an Advancement strategy that supports our College’s future aspirations
• Build meaningful relationships with donors, alumnae, families and the wider community
• Full-time, 5-year fixed term role, located at our beautiful campus in Burwood

Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) is a leading ELC to Year 12 Christian independent day and boarding school with a focus on the development of the whole person that includes an outstanding academic tradition, an international outlook and strong pastoral and co-curricular programs.

THE ROLE

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a leading independent girls’ school as Head of Advancement, and play a pivotal role in shaping our future.

Reporting to the Principal and serving as a member of the Senior Executive Team, this is an influential leadership position responsible for strengthening relationships across the College community, enhancing the College's profile and reputation, and driving initiatives that support long-term growth and sustainability.

The role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver a contemporary advancement strategy that aligns with the College's vision and values while leading a highly professional team committed to excellence in service, engagement and relationship management.

The successful candidate will work closely with students, families, alumnae, donors, staff and key stakeholders to foster engagement, grow philanthropic support and create meaningful connections with the College.

Please see the attached Position Description and Candidate Recruitment Pack to learn more about the role, and take a moment to discover what makes the PLC community so special here

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate will hold a relevant tertiary qualification and have experience leading an Advancement function, ideally within education or a similar environment.

You will have experience leading and mentoring diverse teams, with a demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships that grow philanthropic engagement and support, and inspire a culture of giving.

You are a values-driven professional with a genuine commitment to education and the College’s mission, bringing strategic thinking, strong communication skills, sound judgement and integrity, and the ability to manage complex projects and stakeholder relationships with confidence, flexibility and care.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT PLC

• beautiful school grounds set on 16 hectares in a parkland setting, providing a picturesque and peaceful environment for students and staff to learn and socialise
• onsite staff parking, plus easy access to public transport and major arterials
• generous leave entitlements
• opportunities for ongoing professional and personal development
• access to salary packaging options
• access to state-of-the-art resources and spaces, including our Joan Montgomery sports, aquatic and fitness centre
• free coffee on Wednesdays
• and more…

Applications close 9am Friday 4 December 2026. Interviews will be scheduled shortly following the closing date.

All staff must commit to a culture that supports and embraces Child Safe Standards. The successful applicant will be required to hold and maintain an Employee Working With Children Check (WWCC) and undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

PLC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all of its staff, where they feel welcomed, safe and respected.