Deputy Director, Planned Giving

Wearetheuniversity

Strategic leadership in planned giving
Managing planned giving lifecycle
Securing multiple seven-figure commitments
This is a critical leadership role focused on evolving and scaling the University’s bequest program to support priorities for generations to come

Job Summary

  • This is a critical leadership role focused on evolving and scaling the University’s bequest program to support priorities for generations to come.
  • The role requires setting strategic direction, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring integration between communications, donor experience, stewardship, and operations.
  • The University of Sydney has Australia's most successful fundraising program in higher education and is progressing towards ambitious philanthropic milestones.

Matching Summary

This is a critical leadership role focused on evolving and scaling the University’s bequest program to support priorities for generations to come.

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • Strategic leadership in planned giving
  • Managing planned giving lifecycle
  • Securing multiple seven-figure commitments
  • Leading and developing high-performing teams
  • Donor engagement and stewardship
  • Balancing short-term and long-term fundraising goals
  • Stakeholder engagement across academic and professional environments

Nice-to-have

  • Collaborative and accountable culture fostering
  • Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Programmatic mindset for fundraising evolution
  • Donor-centric approach
  • Navigating complex donor conversations

Key Requirements

  • Extensive planned giving and/or major gifts experience
  • Demonstrated ability to secure multiple seven-figure gifts
  • Proven leadership and team development experience
  • Experience with estate administration and donor intent
  • Ability to deliver against financial and activity targets
  • Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency

Work Rights

Must be Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian Permanent Resident

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter