- Employment Type: Fixed-term contract until 20th of November 2025
- Salary: $123,044 - $151,744 + 17% super + leave loading (commensurate with experience)
- Location: UNSW Kensington Campus (Hybrid Working)
About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Why Your Role Matters:
The Development Manager is an experienced philanthropy professional with an entrepreneurial approach who will take a leading role in supporting the growth of UNSW's fundraising program. This role is responsible for the implementation of strategies to achieve significant philanthropic revenue targets for UNSW and will be responsible for a personal portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects. The role will focus on identifying, cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts in support of the University’s highest fundraising priorities in close partnership with other External Engagement colleagues.
The role of Development Manager reports to the Head of Development and has no direct reports.
Responsibilities Summary:
Level 8 -
- Collaborate with the line manager to implement the philanthropic strategy and meet monthly and annual fundraising targets.
- Manage a portfolio of about 100 prospective donors capable of $100,000+ contributions, nurturing long-term relationships with UNSW.
- Prepare complex proposals, campaign materials, and stewardship information for major gift prospects and donors.
- Develop philanthropic gift ideas and strategies with Development colleagues and academic leaders.
- Engage with academic leaders to identify projects needing philanthropic support and strengthen relationships for UNSW.
- Accurately enter donor and prospect data into databases (e.g., Raisers Edge) to track engagement.
- Perform some donor-related responsibilities off-campus and outside regular hours, including weekends.
Level 9 – (in addition to the above)
- Build and manage a personal portfolio of approximately 100 prospective donors that have made or have potential to make a minimum $250,000+ commitment and develop long-term relationships that deepen their philanthropic investment and engagement with UNSW.
- Play a strategic role in relation to fundraising activities and provide significant leadership to UNSW Philanthropy staff, Faculty/Division staff and other key stakeholders in relation to fundraising activities.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to junior Development colleagues.
- Play a proactive and pivotal role in the development of the philanthropic culture across UNSW by proactively engaging and collaborating with stakeholders.
For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role, please refer to the Position Description at JOBS@UNSW.
Skills and Experience Summary:
Level 8 –
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience in development and donor relations, preferably in the university sector.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively with high-net-worth individuals (including their legal and financial advisors), successfully closing gifts of $100K and achieving high fundraising targets in a competitive environment.
- Strong track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with senior staff, influential donors, and external organisations for successful fundraising outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability in building a highly targeted and robust pipeline of prospects through effective prospect research.
- Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing high-level, confidential materials (e.g., briefings, proposals).
- Flexibility to travel locally, regionally, interstate, or internationally as needed for donor engagement.
Level 9 – (in addition to the above)
- Demonstrated success in closing gifts of $250K and achieving high fundraising targets in a competitive environment.
- Extensive experience in development and donor relations within the university sector.
- Proven ability to effectively manage complex projects, which involve several interest groups to achieve strategic goals.
- Demonstrated success coaching and mentoring junior Development colleagues
Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions + leave loading
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
How to Apply: Submit your CV along with a 1-2 page cover letter addressing your suitability for the role in relation to the required ‘skills & experience’ via the application portal before the 11:55pm on Monday 20th January 2025.
Applications may be reviewed and progressed as we receive them so please do not wait to apply.
A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.
Get in Touch: For queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: tai.james@unsw.edu.au
Applications sent via email will not be accepted, please apply online via the job portal.
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
