Senior Associate Director of Development, Children's Medical Research Institute
Fixed-term opportunity until December 2027
Are you ready to make a transformational impact on the future of children's health? We're searching for an exceptional Senior Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts to join our high-performing Advancement team, a powerhouse behind one of Australia's most successful university fundraising program.
In this senior role, you'll shape the philanthropic vision of groundbreaking medical research by securing major gifts. You'll build relationships with remarkable donors, connect their passions to world-changing initiatives, and help drive the next era of impact at the University of Sydney.
Why this role is extraordinary
As a leader in major gifts, you won't just meet expectations, you'll set the benchmark for excellence. You'll:
Orchestrate multi‑million-dollar philanthropic partnerships
Drive ambitious fundraising strategies and hit inspiring stretch targets
Engage influential stakeholders across the University and beyond
Lead and mentor a team of passionate development professionals
Shape a culture of collaboration, high performance, and purpose
About you
You're a driven, strategic relationship-builder with a track record of achieving big. You bring:
Extensive major gift fundraising experience
A history of exceeding financial targets
Confident leadership and advanced stakeholder engagement skills
Strong emotional intelligence and superb interpersonal strengths
The ability to work autonomously, inspire others, and elevate team performance
Outstanding organisation, prioritisation, and coaching capability
Why us
Join the University of Sydney's Advancement Portfolio, the team behind Australia's first $1 billion fundraising campaign and a trailblazer in higher‑education philanthropy. Here, you'll be part of an institution with a 175‑year legacy of bold ideas, academic excellence, and a mission to make lives better through leadership, education, and research.
Your work will directly accelerate innovation that improves the lives of children around the world. If you're excited by the opportunity to drive real-world impact through visionary philanthropy, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing date: 11:59pm 11th January 2026.
Work Rights
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
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 on by email to
The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
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