Program Leader (University Policy and Operations)

Salt Digital Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 166,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt is recruiting for a leading university client for a Program Leader / Project Leader within Advancement Services. You will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across governance, policy, compliance, risk and operations to deliver a critical program of work for fundraising and donor stewardship.

You will lead Gift Operations, drive governance and continuous improvement, and work with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Audit & Risk to deliver initiatives that improve performance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in governance, policy, risk, compliance or business operations.
• Strong program management skills across highly matrix-ed organisations.
• Experience leading teams and delivering organisational improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving capability.
• Experience in complex or regulated environments; education-sector experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence across Gift Operations and governance initiatives.
• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Audit & Risk.
• Drive continuous improvement and delivery of strategic programs.
• Ensure compliance, risk management and efficient operations across Advancement Services.

Skills

Governance

Policy

Risk management

Compliance

Business operations

Job description

Our client is leading university where we are seeking an experienced Program Leader / Project leader to join their Advancement Services team, providing strategic & hands on leadership across governance, policy, compliance, risk and operations to take on a critical program of work to achieve outcomes required. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Advancement Services, you’ll play a key role in strengthening the frameworks, processes and services that support fundraising, donor stewardship and organisational success.

About the role

You’ll lead operational excellence across Gift Operations while driving governance, compliance and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Audit & Risk and the broader University, you’ll provide expert advice, manage complex operational matters and deliver initiatives that improve business performance and service delivery.

About you

• Significant experience in governance, policy, risk, compliance or business operations.
• Strong program management skills across highly matrix-ed organisations
• Experience leading teams and delivering organisational improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving capability.
• Experience working in complex or regulated environments. Experience in higher education, philanthropy, government or similar sectors is highly regarded.

Why join us?

• Offering $1000 + super per day, work up until 31st December, may extend

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic thinking with operational leadership in a role that delivers real organisational and community impact. If you’re passionate about improving governance, leading change and partnering with senior stakeholders, we’d love to hear from you.

At Salt, our mission is Creating Futures by putting our clients, candidates, partners, and team members at the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.

Salt acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia as the continuing custodians of country and culture. We pay our respects to all First Nations Australians and their Elders past and present.