Manager, Strategic Philanthropy & Prospect Research - Advancement

Job Description

• Lead the design and delivery of major philanthropic campaigns, building capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in fundraising.
• Drive innovation in donor engagement and prospect research, leveraging data, digital tools, and creative strategies to maximise impact.
• Translate complex institutional priorities into compelling cases for support and practical fundraising solutions.

Western Sydney University is a modern, world-class institution located in the heart of Australia's fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students, approximately 3,500 staff, and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top 2% of universities globally.

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

The Opportunity

The Manager, Strategic Philanthropy and Prospect Research is a senior leadership role within the Office of Advancement, with primary responsibility for leading the design, development, and delivery of major philanthropic campaigns across the University. This role plays a central part in advancing Western Sydney University's strategic fundraising ambitions, with a core focus dedicated to campaign planning, execution, reporting, and evaluation.

Working across the University's Faculty structure, including Schools, Institutes, and Research Centres, the Manager, Strategic Philanthropy and Prospect Research will lead end-to-end campaign development, from prospect identification and alignment with key philanthropic priorities through to successful delivery and campaign reporting. This includes setting campaign objectives, defining priority projects, building target prospect lists, and creating coordinated donor engagement pathways that inspire action and investment. The role will oversee the creation of compelling cases for support, as well as targeted marketing and communication strategies that effectively connect prospective supporters to the University's vision and impact.

In addition to campaign leadership, the Manager will direct the University's prospect research and donor intelligence activities, ensuring that campaign strategies are informed by robust data, detailed donor profiling, and evidence-based cultivation plans. The position will drive alignment between donor interests and institutional priorities, ensuring that every campaign is underpinned by a well-qualified and strategically managed pipeline of prospects.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement, the Manager will work in close collaboration with internal stakeholders to co-create and maximise philanthropic outcomes. This includes facilitating cross­ university engagement in campaigns, coordinating stewardship activities, and maintaining the highest standards of data governance, ethical fundraising, and relationship management. Through this integrated approach, the role will deliver transformative outcomes for Western Sydney University and its communities.

This is a full-time (35-hour week), ongoing position based at our Parramatta South campus, with hybrid working arrangements available.

Please refer to the Position Description for further information.

About You

You are a contemporary philanthropy leader with a proven record of designing and delivering major fundraising campaigns in complex, mission-driven environments. You thrive on building trust through ethical governance, robust data management, and evidence-based donor engagement. Your strategic vision inspires cross-university collaboration and drives transformative outcomes for communities.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, or cause-related sales/marketing, ideally within a university or similar sector.
• High-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, network, and negotiate with senior leaders, donors, and external partners.
• Outstanding written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor agreements.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with a “can do” attitude and a track record of supporting teams and meeting ambitious targets.
• Deep knowledge of the fundraising sector, philanthropic trends, and diverse funding sources.
• Creative and innovative approaches to campaign development, with a history of successful outcomes.
• Sound judgement and the ability to make independent decisions on complex issues.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases, and reporting tools.

Desirable:

• Experience with donor intelligence, prospect research frameworks, and data-driven pipeline development.
• Familiarity with campaign readiness frameworks, compliance, and ethical fundraising standards.
• Professional membership or certification in fundraising, philanthropy, or governance.

Why Join Us?

At Western Sydney University, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of philanthropy and driving strategic fundraising initiatives that deliver real impact for our students, researchers, and communities. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues across faculties, institutes, and research centres, championing a culture of philanthropy and innovation.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead transformative campaigns that advance the University’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Build and manage high-value donor relationships, contributing to long-term success and sustainability.
• Work in a dynamic, supportive environment that values ethical practice, diversity, and continuous improvement.
• Make a meaningful difference in a region renowned for its energy, diversity, and ambition.

Join us and help deliver outcomes that matter—for Western Sydney and beyond.

Remuneration Package: HEW Level 8 $138,029 to $153,227 p.a. (comprising Salary of $116,636 to $129,479 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Christian Burden, Executive Director, Advancement via [email protected].

Recruitment Enquiries: For any recruitment-related enquiries, please email the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Closing Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility  

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For an ongoing/continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident and provide evidence at time of application.  

Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.