Deputy Director, Philanthropic Proposals

Deputy Director, Philanthropic Proposals

HEO10

• Use your writing and proposition development skills to drive discoveries, innovations and advancements in research
• Work with academic leaders and lead a small team

About the Opportunity

As our next Deputy Director, Philanthropic Proposals you will lead strategic proposition development and the creation of sophisticated proposals for philanthropic gifts, working across the University’s major gifts ($100k+) and principal gifts ($10M+). The role is highly strategic and influential, working with academic partners and frontline fundraisers to develop transformative ideas that can be enabled by philanthropy. These proposals articulate the potential impact of ambitious initiatives across the University, to prospective donors.

About the Portfolio

The portfolio is responsible for building relationships with donors that drive financial support for education, research, and other initiatives at the University, including cancer research, restoring vision, reviving ancient languages, solving the hunger crisis, saving endangered species, diabetes prevention, and more.

The portfolio ran the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign, the team are now planning the next, which will see even more impressive targets. It is an opportune time to join a successful, growing team, and to make a major contribution to the incredible real-world impacts that philanthropy makes possible:

Interested. Tell me more

You and your team will draft and manage fundraising proposals for major and principal gifts covering, for example, scholarship programs, multidisciplinary research projects, or the development of buildings and other infrastructure. These proposals may be to high-net-worth individuals, foundations or companies.

You would work collaboratively with development colleagues, academic leaders, and University staff to ensure the articulation of compelling philanthropic opportunities for donors in multiple formats, for example proposal documents, letters, presentations, and occasionally videos.

As the University of Sydney executes its 2023 Strategic Plan (https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/2032-strategy.html ) the Deputy Director, Philanthropic Proposals will play an increasing role in supporting the articulation and development of University and Faculty strategic initiatives in a philanthropic context.

Increasingly, our donors are seeking to understand the real impact of their potential philanthropy and desire a sophisticated business case underpinning their funding. This role will be responsible for driving innovation and improvement in our propositions and proposals, matching the increasing sophistication and maturity of philanthropic giving in Australia.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Deputy Director, Philanthropic Proposals who: 

• Understand and are highly motivated by how philanthropy has the power to change the world

• Bring detailed research skills to inform translating highly technical source material into a donor centric narrative; balancing details with the big picture

• Posses exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrable ability to independently engage and influence University senior colleagues as required, varying from interviewing top researchers about their work, to coaching development colleagues in proposal development activities: proposition development, structure, format, budgeting

• Has experience in continual process improvement and in adapting to sector trends

• Have demonstrable experience writing in formal and informal styles, and consistently produce high quality, engaging content

• Apply an eye for accuracy, detail and a flair for design to the visual presentation of documents

• Employ sound project management to ensuring timely development, production, delivery, peer review and approval of proposal documents

• Hold at least 5 years of experience in copywriting/journalism/ communications in philanthropy, NGO, Grants, Research, Government, or another related field.

• Have managed a small team and have a demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members

• This role supports colleagues across the broad spectrum of University disciplines, however, a keen interest or formal background in science would be advantageous, as many proposals are in support of scientific, engineering, or medical disciplines.

Closing date for applications

11:59pm, Sunday 10th March 2024

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.

EEO statement

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.

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 support filling out this application, please contact Sarah Scott - Recruitment Operations, on 0481476329 or by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 10 March 2024 11:59 PM