Philanthropy Manager

• Full-time, 5 year fixed term position at HEW 9
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements
• Salary: $137,681 - $147,032 per annum, plus 17% super and leave loading

Secure major philanthropic investment that advances education, research, student success and community impact.

 

The Opportunity
You will lead sophisticated major gift strategies that convert Western Sydney University priorities into donor-centred funding opportunities across education, research, student success, Indigenous leadership, community engagement, innovation and institutional development. You will work closely with senior leaders to shape compelling cases for support, major gift proposals, campaign narratives and donor briefings that attract significant philanthropic investment and demonstrate urgency, credibility and measurable impact.

You will manage a significant portfolio of major donors and prospects, leading identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity with discipline and sound judgement. Using tailored engagement strategies and a Moves Management approach, you will build trusted relationships with individuals, alumni, family foundations, trusts, philanthropic foundations and corporate partners, while preparing senior leaders for donor engagement and balancing long-term relationship development with annual fundraising targets, campaign priorities and pipeline growth.

You will also contribute to the strategic direction of the Office of Advancement by strengthening portfolio management, stewardship planning, performance reporting, forecasting and data integrity. Working across donor experience, communications, trusts and foundations, campaigns, prospect research and advancement services, you will support flagship initiatives including Giving Day, Friends of Western Sydney and the Accelerating Ambitions strategy, while helping build a stronger culture of philanthropy across the University.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver major gift strategies and donor propositions that secure support for priority University initiatives.
• Build and progress a strong portfolio of major donors and prospects through disciplined cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Equip senior leaders with clear advice, briefings and practical support that improve donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
• Produce compelling proposals, cases for support and stewardship activity that strengthen donor confidence and long-term giving.
• Maintain accurate reporting, forecasting and CRM discipline that supports sustainable philanthropic growth.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A degree or equivalent qualification, and/or demonstrated capability in major gift fundraising or cause-related relationship management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, networking and negotiation skills, including the ability to represent the University to influential stakeholders.
• High-level written skills, including experience developing proposals, applications, gift agreements and donor communications.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with proven ability to work to targets and support others across complex stakeholder environments.
• Sound knowledge of the fundraising sector, philanthropy, funding sources and potential revenue streams.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Hiring Manager, Christian Burden, Executive Director, Advancement via C.Burden@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code REF1600N
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 26th July 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
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.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.