Development Manager, Multidisciplinary Initiatives We now have an exciting new opportunity for a Development Manager, Multidisciplinary Initiatives. Join a team working to transform research, education, translation and commercialisation across the University of Sydney by supporting high‑impact, cross‑faculty initiatives that address some of the world’s most complex challenges. Through developing relationships with the University’s alumni, donor community, partners, trusts and foundations, you will raise philanthropic support that accelerates discovery, deepens collaboration, and delivers real‑world outcomes. About the University’s Multidisciplinary Initiatives The University of Sydney is home to a suite of world‑leading multidisciplinary initiatives that bring together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, policymakers and communities to tackle society’s most pressing issues. These initiatives span health, environment, technology, social justice, sustainability, regional studies, the arts and culture. Examples include: - Charles Perkins Centre - Brain and Mind Centre - Sydney Nano - Sydney Policy Lab - Sydney Southeast Asia Centre - Matilda Centre - Net Zero Initiative These initiatives use a collaborative, systems‑focused model, bringing together expertise from medicine, science, engineering, business, humanities, the arts and social sciences. Their shared goal is to bridge disciplines to generate practical solutions that improve lives—locally, regionally, and globally. About the Role As Development Manager, Multidisciplinary Initiatives, you will play a key role in securing philanthropic investment to advance research and innovation across the University’s flagship cross‑disciplinary programs. Drawing on your relationship‑building expertise and supported by a skilled Advancement team, you will cultivate and nurture relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, industry partners, family offices, trusts and foundations. You will help donors achieve meaningful impact while enabling groundbreaking research and transformative outcomes across a diverse portfolio. Every successful conversation has the potential to support world‑changing research, strengthen community impact, and enable discoveries that would not otherwise be possible. About You The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. We see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Development Manager, Multidisciplinary Initiatives who has: - Solid experience in major gifts fundraising, with a track record of identifying, cultivating and negotiating $100,000 gift opportunities - A strong record of achievement and success against financial targets - Experience working in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment - The ability to work autonomously and the confidence to seek support when needed - Excellent relationship‑building and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior internal and external stakeholders - High personal drive, initiative and a commitment to excellence - Strong emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills - Excellent time‑management, prioritisation and organisational skills - A demonstrated passion for research, innovation and multidisciplinary impact (to be outlined in your cover letter) About Us The Advancement Portfolio 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 now embarking on the next, the team delivers exceptional fundraising results that enable the University’s most ambitious initiatives. For over 160 years, the University of Sydney has led with a mission to make lives better through world‑class education, research and service. These values underpin our approach to philanthropy and our long‑term strategy for excellence and growth. How to Apply Intending applicants are welcome to seek further information about the role. For recruitment‑related enquiries, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support during the application process, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Partner (Advancement Portfolio) at sarah.scott@sydney.edu.au. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Pre‑employment Checks Employment is conditional upon the completion of all relevant pre‑employment and background checks. Ongoing employment is similarly conditional upon maintaining all required clearances. Failure to satisfy these conditions may result in the termination of employment. Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 31st May 2026 The University of Sydney is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; women; people with disability; people who identify as LGBTQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Sunday 31 May 2026 11:59 PM