Impactful and Values-Based University Ranked in Top 2% Worldwide
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a dynamic, young university animated by faith and built on the principles of Catholic social teaching. Our unique perspective on higher education 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, producing high-impact researchers, entrepreneurs, and employable graduates with a strong moral compass benefiting Australia and the wider world.
Our commitment to engagement and collaboration builds partnerships with local and global institutions, fostering 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.
The Role: Director, Advancement
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, the Director, Advancement leads the strategic planning, management, and execution of all philanthropic initiatives, focusing on advancing the university's Catholic mission and its strategic direction defined in Vision 2033.
The Advancement Directorate oversees 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.
To succeed in this role, 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.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop major giving strategies to amplify alumni and philanthropic impact
* Lead the strategic planning, management, and execution of all philanthropic initiatives
* Build and nurture relationships with major donors, faith-based stakeholders, foundations, alumni, and corporate partners
* Oversee planned giving and capital campaigns
* Cultivate a culture of giving that reflects ACU's values of service, truth, and the pursuit of excellence
Requirements:
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 possess superior stakeholder management skills and partnering capability, including the ability to influence internal and senior executive leads and a network of complex stakeholders.
You're also able to demonstrate:
* A strong understanding of best practices 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