Senior Manager/Manager, Advancement

Singapore University of Social Sciences; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Singapore University of Social Sciences is seeking a Senior Manager/Manager in Advancement to lead Principal Gifts efforts as the university expands its Rochor campus.

You will identify donors, develop engagement opportunities, write proposals, and collaborate with leadership to grow philanthropy while maintaining rigorous stewardship and donor relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in Principal Gifts, Advancement, or Development roles.
• Proven donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management experience.
• Proactive, energetic, and self‑motivated individual who enjoys engaging with donors, partners, and stakeholders while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate across teams, and achieve results in complex environments with diverse perspectives and expectations.
• Collaborative and engaging professional with sound judgment, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with alumni, donors, faculty members, senior administrators, volunteer leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate the university's mission, vision, and philanthropic priorities credibly and persuasively.
• Strong customer service orientation, personal drive, and commitment to supporting the university's fundraising and advancement goals.
• Demonstrated active listening, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve positive outcomes and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential donor and prospect information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and donor management/database systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to grow Principal Gift giving to SUSS.
• Proactively identify, develop and deliver engagement opportunities to Principal Gift donors and potential Principal Gift donors to ensure the maximisation of their financial and non-financial support.
• Perform the research, development, and writing of gift proposals and appeal letters as required.
• Be accountable for meeting or exceeding established fundraising goals and metrics.
• Be accountable for cultivating relationships with a focus on retention, recapture, and growth.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and maintain a coordinated approach in support of overall departmental and university‑wide goals.
• Timely completion of donor documents to indicate donor commitments.
• Assist in hosting various development events.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Relationship management

Communication

Presentation skills

Negotiation

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Discretion/Integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Donor management/database systems

Job description

Company description

As Singapore's first institute for lifelong learning, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) champions inclusivity to bring education to all and ensure that they are given equal opportunities to develop to their fullest potential in our diverse learning environment.

We advocate for the same for our people. We believe everyone should have equal opportunities and develop to their fullest potential in their careers.

Embark on an exciting lifelong journey with us in making a positive difference in your career and serving our society.

For more information on Singapore University of Social Sciences, please visit www.suss.edu.sg

Job description

About The Job

Advancement is seeking a Senior Manager/Manager to support the fundraising work of the University, in particular Principal Gifts (gifts above S$1 million) as SUSS gears up for its new Rochor campus which is anticipated to be ready by 2033.

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director/Director and will help to increase philanthropic giving to SUSS, with a specific focus on Principal Gifts. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship‑builder, results‑oriented, creative and enthusiastic while being extremely collaborative, organised and strategic.

He/she will support the Deputy Director/Director and SUSS senior management in identifying potential Principal Gift donors and implementing strategies for success in giving to SUSS, and work collaboratively with key volunteers, SUSS leadership and faculty, and colleagues to cultivate Principal Gift donors for university priorities.

What You Will Be Doing

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement strategies to grow Principal Gift giving to SUSS
• Proactively identify, develop and deliver engagement opportunities to Principal Gift donors and potential Principal Gift donors to ensure the maximisation of their financial and non-financial support
• Perform the research, development, and writing of gift proposals and appeal letters as required
• Be accountable for meeting or exceeding established fundraising goals and metrics
• Be accountable for cultivating relationships with a focus on retention, recapture, and growth
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and maintain a coordinated approach in support of overall departmental and university‑wide goals
• Timely completion of donor documents to indicate donor commitments
• Assist in hosting various development events

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 5‑7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in Principal Gifts, Advancement, or Development roles.
• Proven experience in donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management. Experience in the higher education sector will be an advantage.
• Proactive, energetic, and self‑motivated individual who enjoys engaging with donors, partners, and stakeholders while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate across teams, and achieve results in complex environments with diverse perspectives and expectations.
• Collaborative and engaging professional with sound judgment, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with alumni, donors, faculty members, senior administrators, volunteer leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate the university's mission, vision, and philanthropic priorities credibly and persuasively.
• Strong customer service orientation, personal drive, and commitment to supporting the university's fundraising and advancement goals.
• Demonstrated active listening, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve positive outcomes and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential donor and prospect information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and donor management/database systems.