Community Giving Specialist

Community Giving Specialist

• Full-time, continuing position

• Join the Alumni and Supporter Experience team within the Advancement Portfolio

• HEO 7 salary package plus 17% superannuation

Opportunity awaits

The University of Sydney's Advancement Portfolio connects alumni, donors and supporters with opportunities to make a lasting impact through philanthropy.

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative Community Giving Specialist to lead a diverse portfolio of fundraising campaigns, donor communications and supporter engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Director, Community Giving, you will play a key role in growing and strengthening relationships with our community of donors through meaningful, multi-channel campaigns and exceptional stewardship experiences.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing together strategy, creativity and project delivery. You'll work across annual appeals, supporter communications, donor recognition programs and engagement initiatives, collaborating with colleagues across Advancement, academic stakeholders and external partners to deliver campaigns that inspire philanthropy and demonstrate the impact of giving.

You'll have the opportunity to introduce new ideas, test innovative approaches and help shape the future of community giving at one of Australia's leading universities.

In this role you will:

• lead the planning and delivery of annual fundraising appeals across digital, direct mail and telephone channels

• develop compelling donor communications, stewardship initiatives and supporter engagement campaigns

• manage donor retention and recognition programs that create meaningful experiences and encourage ongoing support

• use audience insights, campaign data and testing methodologies to continuously improve engagement outcomes

• collaborate with academic leaders, internal stakeholders and external agency partners to deliver successful campaigns

• coordinate multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of quality and supporter care

• monitor campaign performance, provide reporting and identify opportunities to enhance future fundraising activities

• contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About you

You are an organised and relationship-focused professional who enjoys bringing people together to achieve shared goals. You thrive in collaborative environments, are comfortable managing multiple stakeholders, and understand the importance of creating positive and engaging supporter experiences.

You will bring:

• experience in community giving, annual giving, fundraising, supporter engagement, alumni relations or direct marketing

• demonstrated success managing campaigns or projects from concept through to delivery

• strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate competing priorities

• excellent written communication skills and experience developing engaging audience-focused content

• experience using CRM systems and applying data insights to improve campaign performance

• strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously

• a proactive mindset with a willingness to test new ideas and continuously improve ways of working

• experience supervising or mentoring staff will be highly regarded.

About us

The Advancement Portfolio is home to Australia's most successful university fundraising program. Having completed the nation's first $1 billion fundraising campaign and now embarking on the next chapter of growth, Advancement plays a critical role in enabling world-class teaching, research and student support at the University of Sydney. The portfolio brings together Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Services, working collaboratively to create meaningful impact through philanthropy, engagement and strategic partnerships.

Why join us?

As well as the opportunity to make a significant contribution to capability and workforce development across a leading portfolio, we offer a range of rewards and benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

• 17% employer superannuation contribution

• Access to professional development and career growth opportunities

• Generous leave provisions

• Access to fitness and wellbeing initiatives

• Opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose

• A vibrant campus environment and inclusive community

Sponsorship / Work Rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

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 throughout your employment.

EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 11:59pm, Sunday 16th August

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 16 August 2026 11:59 PM