National Philanthropy Manager

• Full-time role at a globally ranked, purpose-led university
• Flexibility: hybrid working arrangement with role based at Melbourne campus
• Competitive HEW 10 salary with 17% superannuation

Are you a strategic philanthropy leader ready to make a meaningful impact at scale? We're proud to be partnering with Australian Catholic University (ACU) to recruit a passionate and experienced National Manager, Philanthropy to lead their major gifts strategy nationally.

About the Organisation

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a national university and a global leader in values-based education and research. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and one of the top 10 Catholic universities globally, ACU is known for its commitment to human dignity, ethics, and social justice. With campuses across Australia, a campus in Rome, and a thriving online presence, ACU is educating graduates who go on to make a real difference.

The Advancement and Alumni unit plays a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support and engaging a passionate alumni and donor community to deliver strategic benefits across ACU's faculties and research institutes.

Please see the below video to find out more about the Melbourne Campus:

The Role - National Manager, Philanthropy

As National Manager, Philanthropy, you'll lead the university's major gifts program and team, executing strategic fundraising plans that drive long-term philanthropic growth. You'll work closely with senior leaders, academic staff, and external stakeholders to deliver transformational giving opportunities that directly support ACU's mission.

You'll also personally manage a portfolio of significant donors and prospects - developing tailored engagement and cultivation plans to secure high-value gifts.

What Awaits You:

• Design and deliver ACU's national philanthropy strategy, aligned with the university's strategic priorities.
• Lead and mentor a small, high-performing team of fundraising professionals to meet income and engagement KPIs.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating meaningful relationships and securing significant philanthropic contributions.
• Partner with faculties, institutes, and senior university stakeholders to develop compelling funding propositions and identify new donor opportunities.
• Represent ACU professionally at high-profile donor events and external engagements.
• Contribute to the Advancement Leadership Team, helping shape the strategy and operational excellence of the broader unit.
• Drive best-practice systems, reporting, and fundraising operations for maximum team efficiency and impact.

Your Skills and Attributes:

• Extensive experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant gifts and leading high-performing teams.
• Strategic leadership capabilities within complex organisations, ideally in higher education, health, or social impact sectors.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire senior stakeholders, donors, and philanthropic partners.
• Deep understanding of donor engagement lifecycles, gift cultivation, and proposal development.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, drive performance, and foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to represent ACU's mission with authenticity and impact.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in development, donor relations, or business leadership.

What's in it for you?

• Salary and Benefits: Enjoy a competitive HEW 10 salary, plus 17% superannuation.
• Flexible Work Options: A hybrid working model provides the flexibility you need to balance work and life.
• Professional Development: ACU is committed to the development of its people - offering tailored training, leadership programs, and career progression pathways.
• Family and Lifestyle Support: Access to wellbeing initiatives, generous leave entitlements, and programs that support personal and family wellbeing.
• Extra Leave Opportunities: Benefit from ACU's enterprise leave provisions, with opportunities to contribute to community initiatives or mission-based service.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Be part of a values-led institution making a real and lasting difference. Your work will directly support life-changing education, research, and social impact programs.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this role submit an up-to-date resume. You can send this through the 'Apply' option. If you require further information, please contact Finlay Andrewartha at  Alma Raheem at for a confidential discussion.

Applications will be reviewed, and candidates progressed regularly so please apply as soon as possible.

At Beaumont People, we believe a diverse workplace is a happy workplace, and we love working with organisations that feel the same way.  We encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable accommodation to be made for your application to be assessed we would be more than happy to discuss how that can be arranged.

Applications will close on 3rd October 2025.