Overview
Join to apply for the National Manager, Philanthropy role at Australian Catholic University.
Campus Location: Melbourne, Australia. Job No: APTAV132158#001.
About The Organisation
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a national university and a global leader in values-based education and research. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and one of the top 10 Catholic universities globally, ACU is known for its commitment to human dignity, ethics, and social justice.
With campuses across Australia, a campus in Rome, and a thriving online presence, ACU is educating graduates who go on to make a real difference. The Advancement and Alumni unit plays a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support and engaging a passionate alumni and donor community to deliver strategic benefits across ACU's faculties and research institutes.
The Role
As National Manager, Philanthropy, you'll lead the university's major gifts program and team, executing strategic fundraising plans that drive long-term philanthropic growth. You'll work closely with senior leaders, academic staff, and external stakeholders to deliver transformational giving opportunities that directly support ACU's mission.
You'll also personally manage a portfolio of significant donors and prospects—developing tailored engagement and cultivation plans to secure high-value gifts.
Your Responsibilities
- Design and deliver ACU's national philanthropy strategy, aligned with the university's strategic priorities.
- Lead and mentor a small, high-performing team of fundraising professionals to meet income and engagement KPIs.
- Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating meaningful relationships and securing significant philanthropic contributions.
- Partner with faculties, institutes, and senior university stakeholders to develop compelling funding propositions and identify current donor opportunities.
- Represent ACU professionally at high-profile donor events and external engagements.
- Contribute to the Advancement Leadership Team, helping shape the strategy and operational excellence of the broader unit.
- Drive best-practice systems, reporting, and fundraising operations for maximum team efficiency and impact.
Your Skills And Attributes
- Extensive experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant gifts and leading high-performing teams.
- Strategic leadership capabilities within complex organisations, ideally in higher education, health, or social impact sectors.
- Outstanding relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire senior stakeholders, donors, and philanthropic partners.
- Deep understanding of donor engagement lifecycles, gift cultivation, and proposal development.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, drive performance, and foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to represent ACU's mission with authenticity and impact.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in development, donor relations, or business leadership.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary and Benefits: Competitive HEW 10 salary, plus 17% superannuation.
- Flexible Work Options: Hybrid working model to balance work and life.
- Professional Development: Tailored training, leadership programs, and career progression pathways.
- Family and Lifestyle Support: Wellbeing initiatives, generous leave entitlements, and programs supporting personal and family wellbeing.
- Extra Leave Opportunities: Enterprise leave provisions for community initiatives or mission-based service.
- Purpose-Driven Culture: Values-led institution supporting life-changing education, research, and social impact programs.
How To Apply
To apply, submit an up-to-date resume and cover letter to Beaumont People via job link: National Philanthropy Manager. For more information, contact Alma Raheem at alma.raheem@beaumontpeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Applications will be reviewed regularly, so please apply as soon as possible.
Note: ACU is not accepting candidate applications via the ACU recruitment portal.
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📌 National Manager, Philanthropy
🏢 Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne