• Impactful, values-based university ranked in the top 2% worldwide
• Develop major giving strategies, amplifying alumni and philanthropic impact
• Sydney and Melbourne based

The Organisation

ACU was established in 1991 as a publicly funded institution with the aim of promoting academic excellence, serving communities and acting as a catalyst for positive societal change. ACU is a dynamic, young university animated by faith and built on the principles of Catholic social teaching, bringing a unique perspective to higher education that acknowledges the need to develop the whole person.

With world-class educators and innovative campuses, ACU creates supportive and immersive learning environments that challenge students to solve real-world problems that crates high impact researchers, entrepreneurs and employable graduates, all with a strong moral compass benefiting Australia and the wider world.

ACU is committed to engagement and collaboration, building partnerships with local and global institutions, encouraging knowledge exchange for the creation of dynamic initiatives, innovative solutions, and tangible outcomes. The university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, every day – regardless of faith, tradition or circumstance.

At ACU we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming environment for everyone. At the same time, we are a university committed to standing for something clear. We stand up for people in need and causes that matter. Our Mission is at the heart of the University, and informs all our actions – integrating the dignity of the human person, the common good, and ethical and social justice considerations into student learning and teaching, research and service.

The Role

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, the Director, Advancement leads the strategic planning, management and execution of all philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on advancing the university’s Catholic mission and its strategic direction defined in Vision 2033.

The Advancement Directorate leads a comprehensive fundraising program, builds and nurtures relationships with major donors, faith-based stakeholders, foundations, alumni and corporate partners, as well as overseeing planned giving and capital campaigns.

With a deep commitment to ACU’s mission, robust leadership and best practice fundraising, coupled with the ability to manage a team within a mission-driven environment, you will cultivate a culture of giving, that reflects ACU's values of service, truth and the pursuit of excellence.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, senior executives and other key internal stakeholders.

Skills and Experience Required

You bring extensive fundraising experience, demonstrating a strong capacity to implement a comprehensive advancement strategy. You have proven experience in philanthropy in either a tertiary, charitable, faith based or similar sector, with significant leadership and management experience.

You have superior stakeholder management skills and partnering capability, including the ability to influence internal and senior executive leads and a network of complex stakeholders including donors, alumni, sponsors, community organisations and business partners.

You’re also able to demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of best practices, ideally within the context of Catholic values or mission-driven institutions
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with a track record of fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Strong organisational and analytical skills to manage complex projects and track metrics for success
• Ability to communicate the university’s mission in ways that inspire commitment and support from diverse audiences
• Understanding of the business environment in which ACU operates and ability to apply commercial acumen
• Commitment to Catholic values, community service and ethical practices in philanthropy.

If you’re passionate about spearheading philanthropic initiatives aligned with ACU’s mission and values, we encourage you to apply. Please submit a covering letter and CV to [email protected] using the subject line: Director, Advancement - Australian Catholic University - Sydney / Melbourne enquiry via EthicalJobs in the first instance or contact Kelly Gentle or Richard Green at NGO Recruitment on 02 8243 0570 to receive a candidate information package.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.