Deputy Director Development, Major Gifts

As Deputy Director of Development, Arts and Culture you will be responsible for continuing the fundraising success with a focus on major gifts for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Building on a number of established relationships and a strong trajectory of major and principal gifts, this position will establish, manage and nurture a number of philanthropic relationships with existing and prospective donors. The incumbent will take a senior role in fundraising across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and will use their skills and experience to close gifts of $1 million + and attain significant personal fundraising targets. The incumbent will also grow and support a small team of high performing fundraising staff.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for Deputy Director of Development, Arts and Culture who has: 

• extensive background in major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to identify and negotiate multiple $1 million plus gift opportunities, ideally in a higher education fundraising environment
• a strong track record of achievement and meeting financial targets
• demonstrated relationship building and strong leadership skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
• has highly developed emotional intelligence – you are self-aware with exceptional interpersonal skills
• can work autonomously and is naturally a high-achiever and driven by success both professionally and personally

 

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign and embarking on the next, the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.

Since its inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

How to apply
Intending applicants are welcome to seek further information about the position and for recruitment-related enquiries, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Partner (Advancement Portfolio), at [email protected]
 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

 

Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 2nd August 2026

 

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment

 

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 02 August 2026 11:59 PM