Deputy Director, Advancement

About the role

You will provide senior operational leadership across the University’s fundraising and donor engagement activities, translating strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. Working closely with the Executive Director, Advancement, you will help deliver the University’s Accelerating Ambitions strategy through strong planning, disciplined execution and clear performance oversight.

Key responsibilities

• Lead frontline fundraising teams to achieve strong portfolio activity and donor engagement.
• Set, monitor and report on portfolio activity, pipeline performance and forecasting.
• Manage a portfolio of high‑value prospects and donors, developing cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Support complex donor engagement involving senior University leaders, academics and researchers.
• Shape major fundraising campaigns and strategic philanthropic initiatives in partnership with faculties and research institutes.
• Build fundraising capability across teams, coach leaders and embed ethical, evidence‑based fundraising practices.

Required profile

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, communications, marketing, fundraising, management or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications are desirable.
• Demonstrated success in major‑gift fundraising, business development or stakeholder engagement within higher education or similarly complex organisations.
• Proven experience securing significant philanthropic support, managing donor portfolios and delivering campaigns with measurable outcomes.
• Significant leadership experience, including coaching high‑performing teams and fostering accountability.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, negotiation and influencing skills, supported by experience using CRM systems, fundraising databases and reporting tools.

What we offer

• Financial benefits such as staff‑only products, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support including a free Employee Assistance Program, annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership and discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare with long‑day care and early learning services at multiple campuses, with discounted fees and salary packaging where capacity allows.