Development Manager (Major Gifts)

About the role

Macquarie University is seeking a Development Manager (Major Gifts) to join its Philanthropy & Alumni Relations team, which sits within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and covers all philanthropic activity across the University. The role is directly responsible for generating philanthropic revenue by identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors, and contributes to a sustainable pipeline of support. It is based at the Wallumattagal Campus in North Ryde.

Key responsibilities

• Grow sustainable, long-term philanthropic revenue through major gifts.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward a personal portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration between fundraising and alumni engagement activities across the office and the University.
• Develop, implement and review engagement strategies and plans, achieving set KPIs.
• Work with colleagues and academic and professional unit leaders to secure significant philanthropic commitments, focusing on gifts of $100k and above.
• Analyse and report on prospects and donor trends, recommending improvements to strategy and processes.
• Advise on major donor fundraising, solicitation and engagement techniques.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and support emerging opportunities, technologies and audiences.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification and/or equivalent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of advancement functions, including major gifts, and experience managing a portfolio including asks of more than $100,000.
• Significant experience building relationships with internal and external stakeholders and donors, and influencing decisions with senior stakeholders.
• Sound commercial acumen and demonstrated ability to write briefing documentation for senior management.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Required skills

• Project management principles and experience managing projects.
• Microsoft Office and database software.
• Research and analysis.

What we offer

• Salary of $126,306 - $140,543 (HEW Level 8) plus 17% employer superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Flexible working options and training and professional development.
• Subsidised onsite parking, onsite childcare, onsite vacation care and employee assistance program.
• Discounted health insurance, subsidised sport and aquatic centre membership, and onsite GP, imaging and physio clinics.

The position is not open to visa sponsorship and requires valid work rights in Australia; a criminal record check is required. Applications close on 22 November 2026 via the university's online application form.