General Manager, External Relations

Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract_
- Reference number: 134323968**About the position**:
**As Australia’s first private, not-for-profit university, Bond University based in Robina on the Gold Coast seeks to be recognised internationally as a leading independent university, imbued with a spirit to innovate, a commitment to influence and a dedication to inspire tomorrow's professionals who share a personalised and transformational student experience.**
- Be instrumental in advancing Bond’s reach and enhancing its impact
- Build powerful partnerships and elevate the University’s national and international profile
- Enjoy a vibrant, centrally located Robina campus, along with access to Corporate Health Benefits and Salary Packaging options

**Join Australia’s top university for teaching* and enjoy staff benefits including**:

- Free staff car parking
- Salary packaging options for FBT and Non-FBT items#
- Staff wellbeing program
- Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program available for all staff
- Study assistance for staff and dependents#
- Corporate health and finance discounts
- Onsite Medical Centre and Counselling Services
- Onsite Sports Centre including gym, fitness classes and pool#

Working within the Engagement & Development portfolio, the General Manager, External Relations is a pivotal leadership role that will be responsible for advancing Bond University’s strategic engagement and philanthropic agenda. Reporting to the Director, Engagement & Development, the role leads the design and delivery of high-impact strategies to elevate Bond’s national and international profile, foster meaningful stakeholder relationships, and secure sustainable philanthropic support.

This plays a critical part in enhancing the University’s reputation and supporting future growth by fostering partnerships with business and community leaders, stewarding major donors, and strengthening alumni engagement. The position plays a central role in aligning engagement activities with Bond’s strategic priorities to ensure coordinated, measurable impact. The General Manager, External Relations will champion a culture of strategic communication, best-practice stewardship, and purposeful collaboration. It works across a diverse portfolio of stakeholders, contributing to alumni relations, industry and community engagement, donor stewardship, and philanthropic development.

**About the person**:
You are an accomplished advancement professional with a demonstrated record of delivering strategic engagement outcomes and cultivating high-value, long-term relationships. Your leadership is characterised by insight, authenticity, and a deep understanding of philanthropy, stakeholder management, and strategic communications. Energised by purpose and impact, you are inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of a reputable, independent institution.

Equally adept in the boardroom and in the field, you engage confidently with CEOs, major donors, alumni, and community leaders. You bring both strategic vision and operational rigour—designing bespoke stewardship programs, leading data-informed decision-making, and identifying new opportunities to enhance philanthropic and reputational outcomes with a view to significantly grow Bond’s philanthropic income sources.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, you are ready to champion Bond’s mission and values on a national and global stage.

You will bring:

- A relevant university degree, with a postgraduate qualification desirable.
- Relevant experience, preferably within a higher education environment.
- A track record of developing authentic relationships with decision-makers, including business and community stakeholders, donors, and philanthropic organisations.
- Experience in designing and implementing program-wide activities focused on strategic communication and engagement, as well as developing bespoke stewardship plans for individual donors.
- Ability to interrogate and manage databases—such as Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems—as well as perform research and identify trends.
- Demonstrated ability to perform due diligence to protect the University’s reputation.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Ability to identify opportunities, engage new prospects, and gain access to potential donors.
- An understanding of, and commitment to, the Fundraising Standards and the Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) Code.

This is a rare opportunity for a values-driven leader to contribute meaningfully to Bond University’s growth, reputation, and long-term success.

**Salary details**:
Level and salary will be negotiated and commensurate with skills and experience and be fully competitive in the Australian market. Salary packaging options are available for eligible employees.

**Additional information**:
**Application and submission details**:
For further details regarding this appointment, please reference the Position Description and Selection Criteria.

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