Principal Gifts Manager (Targeted)

This is a Targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Position. While we welcome applications from all candidates, this is a targeted role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates will be assessed as a priority. This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. 

A parental leave contract opportunity has come available until February 2028 in our Principal Gifts team for the Advancement Portfolio. As a Principal Gifts Manager, you will play an important role in shaping and progressing some of the University's most significant philanthropic opportunities, working alongside Development Directors and the Deputy Director, Principal Gifts to develop and deliver strategies for engaging, cultivating and stewarding donors with the potential to make transformational gifts of $10 million or more.

You will be project managing the program of works that enable these complex relationships and funding initiatives to thrive, and maximise the philanthropic outcomes.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, relationships and delivery. While an understanding of philanthropy is valuable, we are particularly interested in candidates who can think strategically, navigate complexity, build trusted relationships and bring structure and momentum to ambitious initiatives.

 

The role is primarily strategic and advisory, working closely with colleagues who lead donor relationships, rather than carrying a portfolio of donors directly. You will need to balance a long-term view of relationship development with the ability to identify immediate priorities, respond to emerging opportunities and deliver tangible progress..  The role requires adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of the principal gift landscape and an ability to devise and deliver donor strategies at different stages of the donor journey simultaneously.

 

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 a Manager, Principal Gifts, who can:

 

• Can identify and strategise engagement for ultra-high-net-worth individuals
• can create compelling proposals and presentations and write reports
• has the ability to distil complex content and create succinct briefings for stakeholders
• has highly developed project management skills, including experience creating project plans, tracking project progress and workflows and ensuring deliverables meet deadline and are completed to the highest standard.
• has demonstrated sophisticated relationship building and management skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
• Has the ability to assess and analyse projects and assess their success, track KPIs, monitor budgets and report on impact and outcomes
• possesses excellent professional demeanour, discretion, and ability to confidently engage with sophisticated philanthropists and senior leadership
• can work at pace in high pressure situations.

 

About us

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

For 175 years, we've united great minds for the power of good. Together with our remarkable community, we're creating transformative real-world impact.

Universities have always played a pivotal role in shaping society: educating citizens, advancing research, supporting healthcare and strengthening economies. In the coming decades, our people will continue to break the mould and create innovative solutions to modern-day challenges.

We are harnessing philanthropic and alumni support to deliver transformational change locally and beyond.

Working in the Advancement team at the University you will be part of a portfolio that raises funds for scholarships, cutting edge research and makes a real and substantial contribution to the improvement of the University, and the wider world. You will be joining a world-class team that cares deeply about making a difference and is both creative and evidence-led when it comes to improving performance. 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Sponsorship is available for this role and we encourage all those interested in relocating to Sydney, Australia to apply.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

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.

 

For a confidential discussion about the role, to obtain a copy of the job information pack or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Partner by email to [email protected]

 

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 23 November 2026 11:59 PM