Senior Manager, Strategy and Governance

• Support the Director, Philanthropy in the strategic direction and operational capability of a growing philanthropy program.
• Shape the systems, governance and intelligence that enable sustainable philanthropic growth.
• Drive innovation, business intelligence and process improvement across the Office of Philanthropy.

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of philanthropy at the University of Newcastle.

As Senior Manager, Strategy & Governance, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the systems, intelligence, governance and operational capability that underpin the University's advancement and philanthropy program. Working closely with the Director, Philanthropy and senior leaders across the University, you will help translate strategic ambition into sustainable philanthropic growth and meaningful outcomes for students, researchers and the wider community.

This is a role for a strategic thinker who understands that successful philanthropy is about more than securing gifts. It is about building the trust, infrastructure and organisational capability that enables those gifts to create lasting impact.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy, you will lead the Strategy & Governance team and provide strategic oversight across:

• Advancement strategy, operational planning and business performance
• Governance, risk management, compliance and philanthropic gift assessment
• Prospect research, portfolio strategy and business intelligence
• CRM, data platforms, reporting and advancement systems
• Gift implementation, fund administration and donor stewardship
• Organisational capability, innovation and continuous improvement

You will work across the full advancement lifecycle, ensuring the University's philanthropic activities are aligned with institutional priorities, donor intent, regulatory requirements and sector best practice.

A key focus will be strengthening the systems and processes that enable informed decision-making, effective fundraising and sustainable growth. From optimising CRM and data capabilities to leading business process transformation, you will identify opportunities to improve how the Office of Philanthropy operates and deliver solutions that make a measurable difference.

Make a Meaningful Impact

You will provide strategic leadership for the University's gift governance framework, ensuring philanthropic gifts and partnerships are assessed, established and administered with the highest standards of integrity, accountability and stewardship.

You will also provide strategic and operational oversight of the transformational Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, helping ensure the program continues to deliver on its philanthropic intent and create meaningful opportunities for students.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a program with significant impact, while working closely with internal stakeholders, donors and philanthropic partners to ensure the University's commitments are delivered effectively and sustainably.

About you

You will be an experienced strategic leader with a strong understanding of advancement, philanthropy, governance, business operations or a related discipline. You will bring the ability to connect strategy with execution and to lead teams through complex, enterprise-wide priorities.

You will also be a confident and collaborative leader who can navigate complexity, build strong relationships and bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to achieving strategic outcomes.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 9 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at NuSpace, Newcastle Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• A remuneration of $140,791- $150,846 + superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kate Meyers, Director, Philanthropy via email  Kate.Meyers@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 27^th September 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role 

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive. 

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. 

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University. 

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable. 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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