Executive Director, Advancement Services
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Strategic leadership role driving innovation and operational excellence across philanthropy and alumni engagement
Work with VP, Advancement
Full-time position with a competitive remuneration package, including 17% superannuation.
About the opportunity
The University of Sydney, Advancement Portfolio is seeking an exceptional Executive Director, Advancement Services to deliver operational excellence across philanthropy and alumni engagement. This strategic role oversees the infrastructure that enables philanthropy and alumni engagement, driving performance across prospect development, data and analytics, gift administration, and business systems. It is a prime career opportunity for someone on a journey to becoming a COO.
Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Vice-President, Advancement, you will lead high-performing teams, champion digital transformation, and ensure Advancement is future-ready and campaign-capable. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned operations leader or aspiring COO to shape the systems, governance, and culture that underpin one of Australia's most ambitious fundraising efforts.
Working in close partnership with Development, Alumni Experience, ICT, General Counsel, Faculty Gift Administration and Finance, the Executive Director leads high-performing teams and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation. They ensure Advancement is future-ready, agile, and aligned with institutional priorities, enabling impactful engagement and campaign success.
With a strong focus on customer experience, service delivery, quality, and strategic foresight, the Executive Director plays a critical role in shaping advancement strategy, process improvement, and optimising donor and alumni experiences with the University. Their leadership supports a resilient, inclusive, and high-performing environment where excellence and innovation thrive.
The objectives for the Executive Director, Advancement Services are to :
* Deliver operational excellence by aligning systems, processes and resources with institutional priorities
* lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across Advancement Services.
* drive data strategy and governance, ensuring robust frameworks for data quality, security, and compliance, and enabling insights that support fundraising and engagement.
* champion digital transformation, overseeing the implementation of secure, scalable IT systems and enterprise platforms that enhance operational agility.
* enable data-driven decision-making through advanced reporting, analytics, and business intelligence to support campaign planning and performance tracking.
* streamline and optimise business processes, policies, and workflows to improve service delivery and stakeholder experience across the portfolio.
* support prospect development and campaign execution by ensuring CRM systems and data infrastructure are effectively utilised and future-ready.
* contribute to strategic planning and resource management, integrating budgeting, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation to drive sustainable impact.
About you
demonstrated change and project management skills, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders and build strong, productive partnerships.
proven senior leadership in staff management, HR issue resolution, and navigating change with adaptability. Experience within the Australian Higher Educational setting is preferred.
strong business acumen, systems thinking, and digital fluency, with expertise in data governance and transformation.
commitment to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery and operational strategy.
exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with a strong ability to build trust and deliver clear, impactful messaging.
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.
Term and remuneration
This position is continuing. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
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 are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the position description for further details.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education, Management, and Other
Industries
Professional Services
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Posted
1 day ago
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