Major Gifts Development Associate — Music & Arts

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a self-motivated Development Associate to join the Arts and Culture team on a 12‑month secondment. You will cultivate major gift opportunities at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, building relationships with high net worth donors and aligning donor passions with impactful education and outreach initiatives.

You will work closely with academic leaders to elevate philanthropy and support groundbreaking programs across the Con and broader university

Qualifications

• Is a natural relationship builder across cultures and levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for compelling proposals.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal skills.
• High-achiever driven by professional and personal success.
• Experience in fundraising or related fields; transferable skills welcomed and valued.
• Passion for performing arts and music with ability to convey this in a cover letter.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with high-net-worth donors and connect their passions to opportunities.
• Cultivate, solicit, steward donors and manage donor relations and internal stakeholder relations.
• Set up major gift opportunities and align academic leadership work with donor interests.
• Elevate philanthropy profile across the University and support arts and culture programs.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Emotional intelligence

High achiever

Fast learner

Passion for performing arts

Job description

The University of Sydney is seeking a self-motivated Development Associate to join the Arts and Culture team on a 12‑month secondment. You will cultivate major gift opportunities at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, building relationships with high net worth donors and aligning donor passions with impactful education and outreach initiatives.

You will work closely with academic leaders to elevate philanthropy and support groundbreaking programs across the Con and broader university