Senior Manager, Advancement Policy And Gift Operations

Centre for Continuing Education; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 146,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & hybrid work

Professional development

Generous leave

Wellbeing initiatives

Collaborative environment

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a Senior Manager, Advancement Policy & Operations within Advancement Services. You will guide governance, policy, compliance, risk management and Gift Operations to support fundraising and donor engagement with strong operational frameworks.

You will work with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance and Risk to streamline operations and strengthen governance, enabling philanthropic success and organisational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, policy, compliance, risk and gift operations.
• Ability to develop and implement governance frameworks and procedures.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.
• Experience leading business improvement and change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Deputy Director to deliver strategic priorities.
• Lead governance, policy and compliance activities across Advancement Services.
• Oversee legal engagement pathways with the Office of General Counsel.
• Oversee gift acceptance policies, procedures and controls.
• Lead risk management and assurance for fundraising and donor administration.
• Provide oversight of Gift Operations including processing and receipting.

Skills

Governance

Policy development

Compliance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Job description

• Full-time continuing opportunity
• Located in Camperdown with flexible working arrangements
• HEO 10 – Base salary of $162,528 plus 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking a Senior Manager, Advancement Policy & Operations to play a pivotal role within Advancement Services.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Advancement Services, you will provide guidance across governance, policy, compliance, risk management and Gift Operations, ensuring the University's fundraising, donor engagement and financial stewardship activities are supported by robust operational frameworks and best-practice processes.

This is a unique opportunity to influence and strengthen the operational foundations that enable philanthropic success. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Risk and Advancement, leading initiatives that improve governance, streamline operations and enhance organisational effectiveness.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Partner with the Deputy Director, Advancement Services to deliver strategic and operational priorities
• Lead governance, policy and compliance activities across Advancement Services
• Manage the relationship between Advancement and the Office of General Counsel, establishing effective legal engagement and escalation pathways
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of gift acceptance policies, procedures and controls
• Lead risk management and assurance activities relating to fundraising, donor administration, privacy and financial stewardship
• Provide oversight of Gift Operations, including gift processing, receipting and donor administration
• Drive operational excellence through process improvement, automation and service enhancement initiatives

About you

You are an experienced governance and operations leader with a strong track record of managing complex compliance, risk or business operations functions within large and sophisticated organisations.

To be successful, you will bring:

• Significant experience in governance, compliance, legal operations, risk management or business operations
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance and assurance practices
• Experience leading business improvement and organisational change initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted partnerships across diverse groups
• Experience managing and developing teams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Experience in higher education, public sector or similarly regulated environments will be highly regarded

About Advancement

Advancement at the University of Sydney connects philanthropic supporters, alumni and partners with opportunities to make a meaningful impact through education, research and community outcomes. Advancement Services plays a critical role in enabling fundraising success by providing governance, operational, compliance and donor support services across the portfolio.

Why join us?

At the University of Sydney, you'll be part of an organisation committed to creating positive change through education, research and philanthropy.

You'll benefit from:

• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Access to professional development and career growth opportunities
• Generous leave provisions and wellbeing initiatives
• A collaborative and purpose-driven working environment
• The opportunity to contribute to philanthropic outcomes that support world‑class research and education

Sponsorship / work rights

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close

Monday 16 November 2026 11:59 PM