Philanthropy Manager

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Philanthropy Manager, you will lead the implementation of the University’s major gift strategy, shaping high‑value fundraising initiatives that drive long‑term philanthropic impact.

You will guide meaningful engagement with donors who have the capacity to make significant contributions, ensuring their interests align seamlessly with the University’s research, student, and community priorities.

In this role you will:

• Develop and implement a targeted major gift program, managing a portfolio of high‑value donors and securing significant philanthropic commitments.
• Build and steward strategic relationships with individuals, corporates, and foundations, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and complex negotiations that lead to transformational giving.
• Lead donor engagement strategies, crafting compelling proposals and equipping staff with the tools and insights needed to advance key fundraising opportunities.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify impact stories, shape campaign priorities, and progress opportunities for significant philanthropic investment.

This continuing position is full time and will be located at the City Campus (Awabakal land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Extensive experience in major gift fundraising or a related field, with a proven record of meeting income and engagement targets through a donor‑centred approach.
• Strong strategic, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage complex philanthropic discussions with sound judgement.
• Exceptional communication capabilities, demonstrated success in developing persuasive proposals, and the confidence to lead high‑level engagement that results in securing significant gifts.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 8 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

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: 

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

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 are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

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 attached Position Description.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kade Hinds, Senior Manager, Philanthropy on (02) 4985 4289 or via email at kade.hinds@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Sunday 22 March 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

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