Deputy Director, Principal Gifts (Strategy & Operations)
Drive Strategy. Build Capability. Enable Impact.
About the Opportunity
Are you energised by complexity, speed, and scale? The University of Sydney is seeking a Deputy Director, Principal Gifts (Strategy & Operations) to shape the future of philanthropy through strategic leadership and operational excellence.
This is a high-impact role at the heart of Australia's most successful fundraising program. You'll partner with senior leaders and fundraisers to design and implement strategies that enable transformational gifts of $10 million+, while building the systems, processes, and culture that make it possible.
What You'll Do:
* Lead Strategy & Operations: Drive the Principal Gifts Strategy and ensure its seamless execution across a fast-paced, complex environment.
* Build the Pipeline: Develop frameworks and operational models that strengthen prospect identification and portfolio management.
* Enable Collaboration: Foster a culture of partnership within the team and across the University, attracting engagement from senior stakeholders—including the Vice-Chancellor's office.
* Advise & Influence: Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders and fundraisers, facilitating workshops and shaping approaches to complex donor strategies.
* Scale for Impact: Manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes that support large-scale, ambitious goals.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with management consulting experience or strategic leadership expertise who thrives in fast-moving environments and wants to make a tangible difference in a world-class institution.
About You
You will bring:
* Proven experience in strategy development, operations, or organisational transformation within large, complex organisations.
* Ability to navigate multiple priorities and maintain clarity under pressure.
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills—comfortable working with senior executives and diverse teams.
* A collaborative mindset and the ability to enable high-performing cultures.
* Creativity and resilience to tackle challenges at scale.
Why Join Us?
The Advancement Portfolio at the University of Sydney has delivered Australia's first $1BN campaign and is now setting the benchmark for the next. Your work will enable philanthropy to drive groundbreaking research, scholarships, and programs that change lives.
We offer flexible working arrangements, a fast-paced, ambitious environment, and the chance to shape strategy at the highest level.
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, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations, on or by email to
Closing date for applications
11:59pm Sunday 18th January 2026. Please note due to holiday season and annual leave, interviews will be held early February 2026.
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. 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 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.
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
The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 18 January :59 PM