Director of Development - Arts and Culture

• In this time of rapid change and complex international challenges we need a bold leader and collaborator that drives real-world solutions through the power of philanthropy
• Located on the Camperdown / Darlington Campus.
• Full-time continuing with a competitive salary package including leave loading and a generous employer’s contribution to superannuation

We now have a leadership opportunity for a Director of Development (Arts and Culture), to join our Advancement portfolio. This is an exciting time to join one of the most successful fundraising team in Australia. Following the nation’s first $1 billion-dollar fundraising campaign, the Advancement portfolio has launched their next transformative comprehensive campaign For Good.

The Director of Development (Arts and Culture) is a senior role in the portfolio, responsible for the fundraising success of the University across the Arts and Culture portfolio, which includes the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University Schools and University Museums. Building on a number of established relationships and a strong trajectory of major and principal gifts, this position will establish, manage and nurture philanthropic relationships with existing and prospective donors for the Arts and Culture portfolio.

The incumbent will take a leadership role in fundraising across the Faculty and Schools and will use their skills and experience to close gifts of $1 million +, with a focus on significant major and principal gifts to achieve substantial personal fundraising targets. The incumbent will also grow and develop a team of high performing Development Officers, who work collaboratively with the wider Advancement Portfolio to achieve the University’s philanthropy and engagement goals.

Working closely with academic leadership, this position is also charged with growing a culture of philanthropy across the Faculty and Schools to increase awareness of and engagement with the fundraising process.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Director of Development (Arts and Culture) who:

• has extensive background in fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to identify and negotiate major and principal gift opportunities. Can demonstrate their success in closing multiple $1 million+ gifts and meeting stretch financial targets
• has proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate a group of ambitious and goal-oriented professionals
• has the ability to think strategically and provide robust, tactical advice on fundraising strategy
• has current knowledge of best practices in development
• Can demonstrate their success in establishing, cultivating and maintaining high-level, strong relationships with influential donors
• has a background and a passion working in the arts space and can demonstrate this in their covering letter

About us

The Advancement team at the University of Sydney is one of the most successful fundraising programs in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign and embarking on the next, For Good, the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.

For 175 years, we've united great minds for the power of good. Together with our remarkable community, we're creating transformative real-world impact.

Universities have always played a pivotal role in shaping society: educating citizens, advancing research, supporting healthcare and strengthening economies. In the coming decades, our people will continue to break the mould and create innovative solutions to modern-day challenges.

We are harnessing philanthropic and alumni support to deliver transformational change locally and beyond.

Working in the Advancement team at the University you will be part of a portfolio that raises funds for scholarships, cutting edge research and makes a real and substantial contribution to the improvement of the University, and the wider world. You will be joining a world-class team that cares deeply about making a difference and is both creative and evidence-led when it comes to improving performance. 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Sponsorship may be available for this role and we encourage all those interested in relocating to Sydney, Australia to apply.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, to obtain a copy of the job information pack or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Partner by email to [email protected]

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 30 November 2026 11:59 PM