Deputy Director of Development, Planned Giving
We have an outstanding leadership opportunity for a strategic, values-driven professional to join the Advancement Portfolio.
This is a critical leadership role at a time of growth and ambition. Planned giving is central to the University's long-term philanthropic strategy, and this role will lead the continued evolution, scale and sophistication of our bequest program.
As Deputy Director, you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, delivery and growth of the University's planned giving program. You will lead a high-performing team focused on identifying, cultivating and securing bequest commitments that will support University priorities for generations to come.
Importantly, this role oversees the full lifecycle of planned giving—from early engagement and pipeline development, through confirmation and stewardship, to the thoughtful management of realised bequests and estates. You will ensure donor intent is honoured, impact is clearly articulated, and the University's approach reflects best practice in legacy giving.
You will bring a strategic lens to program development, ensuring strong integration between communications, donor experience, stewardship, and operational processes. You will also play a key role in elevating the profile of planned giving across the University and embedding it as a core component of long-term fundraising success.
This role requires a confident and engaging leader who can balance strategy and execution, inspire and develop a team, and operate effectively within a performance framework while maintaining a deeply donor-centric approach.
About You
The University values trust, accountability and excellence. We are seeking a Deputy Director of Development, Planned Giving who brings strategic leadership, sound judgement and a deep understanding of legacy giving.
You will bring:
* Extensive experience in planned giving and/or major gifts, with a demonstrated ability to secure multiple seven-figure commitments, including gifts in wills
* A sophisticated understanding of the planned giving lifecycle, including pipeline development, donor engagement, stewardship, and an appreciation of estate administration and donor intent
* Proven leadership experience, with the ability to lead, coach and develop high-performing teams, while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture
* A strong track record of delivering against ambitious financial and activity targets, with the ability to balance short-term performance with long-term pipeline growth
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and partner effectively across academic, clinical and professional environments
* Highly developed judgement and discretion, with the ability to navigate complex, sensitive donor conversations and institutional considerations
* Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to articulate compelling cases for support and guide nuanced, legacy-focused discussions
* A strategic and programmatic mindset, with experience shaping or evolving fundraising programs, systems and approaches
* Strong organisational and prioritisation capability, with the ability to oversee multiple workstreams and ensure disciplined execution
About Us
The Advancement Portfolio at the University of Sydney has Australia's most successful fundraising program in higher education. Having achieved the nation's first billion-dollar fundraising campaign and now progressing towards the next ambitious milestone, we are dedicated to facilitating significant real-world impacts through philanthropy.
Since its inception, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We're Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence.
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.
EEO statement
The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.
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