Senior Director, Advancement, HASS

Role type: Full time, Continuing

Department: Advancement

Salary: Attractive remuneration package by negotiation

Superannuation: Employer contribution of up to 17% super

• Lead strategic advancement initiatives, manage principal gift prospects, and collaborate with top university leaders

• Apply now to lead an innovative team in driving impactful fundraising and engagement strategies within the HASS cluster

• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As the Senior Director, Advancement for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Cluster (HASS), you will lead a dedicated team to shape and execute strategic fundraising initiatives, manage high-value donor relationships, and collaborate with university leaders to achieve transformative goals.

This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact in the educational sector, leveraging your leadership skills and advancement expertise.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Strategic Advancement Initiatives: Develop and execute fundraising strategies, managing principal gift prospects at the $5M+ level.
• Foster Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with Deans, Executive Directors, and other key stakeholders.
• Drive Team Success: Lead and develop a high-performing team to achieve fundraising targets and engagement objectives.
• Collaborate Across Faculties: Work closely with the Senior Advancement Leadership Team to support joint initiatives and cross-faculty collaboration.

You may be a great fit if:

You have extensive experience in leading advancement programs within higher education, showcasing strategic leadership, team development, and a proven track record in delivering significant fundraising outcomes.

You may also:

• Have a background in leading fundraising teams in educational institutions, preferably higher education.
• Demonstrate strong team leadership and development capabilities.
• Possess excellent relationship management skills for both internal stakeholders and external donors.
• Be comfortable with senior-level engagement at the principal gift level ($5M+).
• Have strategic thinking capability to lead cluster-wide advancement initiatives.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page

Your new team - Advancement

The Advancement Office aims to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni, friends and benefactors. It is responsible for the management of programs relating to alumni and benefactors and provides services to and works collaboratively with faculties and other central administration areas.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on or at hr- (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied- for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Lachlan Bryce hr- Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 3 November :01AM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: PD - JR Senior Director, Advancement