Annual base salary of $97,879 (HEW Level 5) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loadingFull time continuing appointmentHybrid working arrangement, based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
About the roleA fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal executive support role at the heart of University‑wide philanthropy.
As the Assistant to the Executive Director, Philanthropy, you will play a pivotal role at the heart of executive leadership—driving seamless day‑to‑day operations, managing complex priorities, and enabling strategic initiatives that advance philanthropic impact across the University.
This is a trusted, high‑profile position for a proactive, highly organised professional who thrives in fast‑paced environments, exercises sound judgement, and brings clarity, confidence, and discretion to executive coordination and decision‑making.
You will:Executive Support & CoordinationProvide confidential secretarial and administrative support to the Executive Director, PhilanthropyProactively manage and prioritise the Executive Director’s calendar, meetings, workflows, and commitmentsCoordinate all domestic and international travel, including itineraries, stakeholder engagement, and briefing materialsLiaise with senior internal and external stakeholders with diplomacy and professionalism
Strategic & Project SupportSupport key strategic initiatives and cross-university projects led by the Executive DirectorAct as a point of liaison between the Philanthropy office and other executive officesResearch, draft, and prepare documents, reports, presentations, and briefing papersGather, analyse, and synthesise data to provide recommendations and insights for decision-making
Operational & Team SupportSupport budgeting activities including developing monthly expenditure reports and identifying issues or variancesLead administrative coordination for Philanthropy team events, functions, campaigns, and briefingsMaintain effective systems, processes, and documentation to support operational excellence across the team
About usThe Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive of the University, with overall responsibility for its academic, research, administrative, financial and development strategies. The Vice-Chancellor is tasked with promoting the interests and furthering the development of the University.
Philanthropy within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor is responsible for all philanthropic activity across the University and creates, develops and manages relationships with alumni, friends and donors, and other supporters who help advance the University's mission.
About youYou are a highly organised, proactive, and strategic operator with a proven ability to perform effectively in fast‑paced environments. You are adept at anticipating needs, thinking ahead, and addressing issues before they arise, while maintaining a high level of attention to detail. You communicate with clarity, navigate complexity with confidence, and represent the Executive Director with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement. You are trusted to manage confidential and sensitive information with maturity, integrity, and care, and you demonstrate strong agility and adaptability in response to changing priorities.
You will bring (Selection Criteria):Demonstrated experience providing executive‑level administrative support in complex, high‑pressure environmentsProven ability to work proactively, think ahead, and manage competing priorities with precision and attention to detailOutstanding organisational skills, with the agility to adapt to changing demands while maintaining delivery excellenceStrong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting high‑quality correspondence, briefings, and presentationsExperience coordinating travel, projects, events, and operational processes with efficiency and discretionWell‑developed analytical skills and confidence working with data, budgets, and reporting requirementsDemonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgementA collaborative and relationship‑focused approach, with the ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders
Experience in higher education, advancement, philanthropy, fundraising, or executive offices is desirable but not essential.
Why Join Us?At Macquarie University, we defy conventions and drive innovation. As Faculty Engagement Manager, you will play a key role in the execution of Macquarie Business School’s growth.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
How to ApplyTo be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
*This position requires a criminal history check.
Applications Close: 31 January 2026
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application including closing the advertisement prior to the application closing date.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University,, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday