Senior Development Manager

The University of Western Australia; Crawley; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian university seeks a philanthropy professional to build major donor relationships and lead a Development team focused on STEMM initiatives. The role includes securing major gifts, mentoring fundraisers, and collaborating with academic leaders. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in fundraising within complex organizations and a commitment to impactful social outcomes. Applicants must have relevant rights to work in Australia and be available for travel as needed.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Superannuation

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Experienced philanthropy professional with a strong track record in fundraising.
• Deep knowledge of STEMM research environments.
• Ability to lead and inspire fundraising teams.

Responsibilities

• Build and steward a sophisticated portfolio of major donors.
• Lead and mentor the Development team to achieve fundraising goals.
• Partner with academic leaders to create compelling donor opportunities.

Skills

Philanthropy expertise

Strategic leadership

Relationship building

Fundraising knowledge

Job description

The University of Western Australia – Crawley WA

Job no: 522156
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Business Development

• Build high value philanthropic partnerships to accelerate STEMM discovery, social impact and education opportunities that shape UWA’s future.
• Be a part of a mission driven team advancing major gifts and strategic fundraising success.
• Full-time appointment on an ongoing basis.
• Base salary range: $134,288 – $142,099 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Development and Alumni Relations [DAR] oversees the University’s alumni, philanthropic and community strategies. The function works collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropic and engagement activity into the University’s operations. The core responsibility of the team is to lead and build on the University’s alumni, donor and community relations to advance the University’s goals.

About the opportunity

• Build and steward a sophisticated portfolio of major donors, Trusts and Foundations and philanthropic partners whose investment drives research breakthroughs, student opportunity and community benefit across UWA’s STEMM priorities.
• Lead and mentor the Development team supporting STEMM philanthropy, fostering a collaborative and high performing culture while crafting compelling cases for support that secure significant philanthropic investment.
• Partner closely with senior academic leaders to translate complex research into donor ready opportunities that address global challenges, deliver measurable social impact and elevate UWA’s reputation as a world leading research institution.

About you

• An experienced philanthropy professional who brings strategic leadership, relationship excellence and deep knowledge of fundraising in research intensive environments.
• Extensive experience securing major, principal and Trusts and Foundations investment, ideally within a large and complex organisation.
• An aptitude for navigating STEMM research environments and translating academic work into compelling philanthropic propositions aligned to social impact outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and inspire fundraisers to achieve ambitious goals.
• Strong understanding of Australian fundraising legislation and familiarity with international and national trends shaping philanthropic giving.

Note

The successful applicant will be required to travel intrastate, interstate, and overseas as needed, and attend programs and functions outside normal business hours.

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Saturday, 17 January 2026.

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.

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, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

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. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at ******@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.