Are you ready to create extraordinary experiences for some of the nation’s most influential philanthropists? The University of Sydney is seeking a Donor Relations Specialist to work directly with our Principal Gifts team and deliver bespoke stewardship and impact reporting that inspires continued generosity.

 This is not just another role. It’s your chance to craft creative, long-term, high-impact engagement strategies for our top-tier donors—building relationships that accelerate their next gift and leave a lasting legacy.

 What makes this role exciting?

• Strategic Impact: Partner with the Principal Gifts team, Development Directors and your Donor Relations colleagues to influence the donor journey and drive repeat giving.

• Creative Freedom: Design tailored experiences and communications that demonstrate impact and inspire engagement. 

• Relationship Mastery: Collaborate with senior internal stakeholders, navigating complex priorities with confidence.

• Agility and Independence: Manage your portfolio proactively, balancing responsiveness with strategic focus.

About You

The University values trust, accountability and excellence. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a positive, enthusiastic team player who:  

• Proactive and innovative in donor engagement.

• Skilled at building strong internal relationships and working effectively with a range of stakeholders.

• Flexible and agile in responding to changing priorities.

• A strong communicator with a flair for storytelling and creativity.   

Why join us?  

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on donors and gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. You’ll have the chance to work with a supportive team, develop new skills, and contribute to building lasting connections with our alumni and supporters worldwide.  

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is one of the most successful fundraising programs in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign and soon to embark upon 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. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

Applications intending applicants are welcome to seek further information about the position and for recruitment-related enquiries, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott at [email protected]

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

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.

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

The team supports University wide initiatives and surveys and drives alumni connections via reunion activities and volunteering opportunities such as mentoring. We develop experiential campaigns to engage our alumni around the world via our digital channels, local events, and with opportunities to reconnect on campus.   

The wider team is the Alumni and Supporter Experience team which engages with alumni and the broader community through a wide range of communications, events, community giving and engagement programs.    

How to apply   
Intending applicants are welcome to seek further information about the position and for recruitment-related enquiries, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott, Recruitment Consultant, [email protected].  

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close