Development director jobs

About the opportunity 

This is an exhilarating time for Advancement as we have recently embarked on our second comprehensive campaign. Your leadership will be vital in cultivating complex relationships with high-net-worth individuals, industry collaborators, and innovative organisations, building a vibrant ecosystem of supporters committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, maths and business.

The Director of Development, STEM and Business is a senior role in the team, responsible for growth of the University’s fundraising program within the University’s Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and the University of Sydney Business School.

Building on several established relationships and a strong trajectory of major philanthropic gifts, this position will establish, manage and nurture relationships with existing and potential donors for the STEM and Business portfolios.

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.

You will bring a wealth of experience in major gift fundraising, a proven track record of closing gifts, and a strategic mind adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments. You will be a creative, inspiring leader, motivating and developing a team of development professionals dedicated to achieving bold goals.

The following overview of Activities and Accountabilities are designed to deliver outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic goals:

• Demonstrated success in closing multi-million dollar gifts and meeting stretch financial targets.

• Ability to think strategically and provide robust, tactical advice on fundraising strategy.

• Current knowledge of best practices in development.

• Expert influencing skills and the demonstrated ability to coordinate and optimise outcomes from competing objectives across the institution through collaboration, negotiation and priority setting to mitigate internal competition.

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate a group of ambitious and goal-oriented professionals.

• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner in writing and in person.

• Demonstrated success in establishing, cultivating and maintaining high-level, strong relationships with influential donors.

• Experience building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and senior leadership to achieve the organisation’s goals.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications would be beneficial.

About us

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

Since its inception 175 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence.

Why us

When you join the University of Sydney, you become an integral part of a community in which you are fully supported to achieve your career ambitions. You’ll be in a workplace where development is encouraged, and intellectual pursuits foster a sense of purpose and confidence including:

• 35-hour work week

• flexible working model

• up to 36 weeks paid parental leave.

• tax-efficient salary packaging options

• ongoing training and development in-house and external

• subsidised parking on campus

• access to Relocation Assistance and sponsorship if needed

Note for candidates from overseas

• The University will cover costs and travel for the final shortlisted candidate interviews.

• We will also assist with a temporary visa for this position, assist with immigration and family relocation costs

Closing date: 11:59pm Tuesday 27th January 2026

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 

If you are passionate about the power of philanthropy to impact the future of research and education, and if you seek a rewarding opportunity to inspire change across multiple sectors, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us in shaping a legacy that will benefit generations to come, in a vibrant university renowned for its innovation, diversity, and opportunities.

Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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.

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, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact, Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations.

© The University of Sydney

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

Director of Development

Contract: Permanent
Function/Team: Development
Location: London, UK
Hours: Full time, inclusive of breaks
Reporting to: CEO

Salary: £54,649 - £61,726

STOP THE TRAFFIK prevents vulnerable communities from being recruited, trafficked, and exploited. Our targeted prevention efforts disrupt the criminal business of human trafficking, making it too high-risk and low-profit to be viable.

As a core member of the Executive Team, the Director of Development will lead on organisational income generation and operational development. Working closely with the CEO, Presidents, this role will oversee all fundraising, partnerships, communications, and internal operations, ensuring STT is financially strong, strategically aligned, and operationally effective.

Leadership & Team Management

· Work closely with the CEO to deliver the organisation’s strategic plan, focusing on sustainable growth, financial health, and operational excellence.

· Work with the Presidents to grow funding and pro-bono support to scale organisational capacity for impact.

· Create and deliver a three-year development strategy, with a focus on diverse and sustainable income.

· Line manage and lead head of, manager, and project officer roles.

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Provide strategic advice to the Head of Development & Communications.

· Support on the management of our STT Prevention Ambassador Network, which should generate philanthropy and donation opportunities.

· Identify new strategic partnerships and funders to nurture, with a focus on growing our philanthropy stream.

· Oversee and grow income across trusts and foundations, philanthropy, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.

Finance

· Oversee financial strategy and operations, ensuring sound financial management withregular reporting to Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees.

· Oversee budgeting and financial planning with support from manager roles and Oasis Charitable Trust.

Communications & Brand

· Oversee our brand and storytelling, ensuring a consistent, impactful voice across audiences.

· Support external representation of STOP THE TRAFFIK, including speaking engagements, donor presentations, and media opportunities.

Governance & Impact Measurement

· Support the CEO and Board of Trustees through accurate reporting and transparent communication on performance.

· Manage the Senior Leadership Team meetings ensuring alignment to strategy.

· Lead cross-organisational improvement projects to strengthen operational efficiency and impact measurement.

· Lead how we measure our prevention-focused impact, strengthening our theory of change, monitoring & evaluation processes, and overseeing our annual impact report with support from our Communications Managers.

Benefits:

· A friendly, supportive team environment.

· Opportunities to collaborate with global partners and experts.

· Autonomy to take initiative and propose process improvements.

· Access to a healthcare cash benefit scheme (including partner/children coverage).

· Corporate eye-care scheme.

· Life insurance.

· Non-contributory Group Personal Pension Scheme (7% employer contribution).

· 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (increasing to 33 days with service).

· Cycle to Work scheme.

· Season Ticket Loan.

· Option to switch 2 bank holidays to suit personal needs.

· Flexible working policy reflecting staff needs.

· In-house and external training opportunities.

Further details about STOP THE TRAFFIK can be found on our website.

If you have the relevant experience, are highly resourceful, adaptable, pro-active, and a critical thinker able to work in a fast-paced environment, please send a CV and brief cover letter (both as pdf format) that evidences your ability to be successful in this role.

Only applications sent via email will be considered to ensure an equitable review process. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for this role on a rolling basis.

We cannot sponsor applicants at this time.

Registered Charity No. 1127321

Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.

Director of Development
Employer: King’s College, Cambridge
Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 – £100,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record.
Location: Cambridge, UK

King’s College, Cambridge is embarking on the next chapter of its long and influential history and is seeking a Director of Development who can imagine, articulate and drive a bold philanthropic vision for the College.

For more than five centuries, King’s has been a place where ideas, discovery and creativity flourish. Its Chapel stands as one of Europe’s great architectural achievements; its Choir is recognised globally; its students and scholars have shaped culture, science and society. The College is now looking for a development leader who can help secure the resources that will enable it to thrive for generations to come.

Joining King’s at a moment of real momentum, you will build on the achievements of the recent £100 million campaign and design the next strategic phase of fundraising. This will include championing initiatives that broaden access, strengthen support for students, enhance academic excellence, and protect the unique historic fabric of the College.

You will have substantial experience in securing major gifts, a confident and motivating leadership style, and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with a vibrant global community of alumni and build new partnerships with individuals and organisations who share King’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, innovation and positive societal impact.

King’s is a place that encourages independent thought, creativity and meaningful contribution to society. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. Central to our mission is ensuring that exceptional students, whatever their background, can flourish.

As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This position offers more than professional advancement - it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting contribution to an institution whose commitment to education and innovation has shaped the world for over five centuries.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1 February.

First round interviews are expected to be held the week of 23 February with second round interviews the week of 2 March 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search. No agencies please.