Director Advancement

About VU:

At Victoria University, our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drivers embedded in our Strategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

The Opportunity:

As the Director of Advancement, you will lead the development and enhancement of VU’s Advancement program, consisting of philanthropy, fundraising and alumni engagement. Your role will be responsible for developing and implementing VU’s multiyear advancement strategy. Your role will lead Victoria University’s approach to increasing philanthropic income, including sourcing major gifts, leading the development of fundraising programs and campaigns, developing and strengthening relationships with current and prospective donors, and leading enhanced engagement with Victoria University alumni. You will establish and grow strong relationships with key external and internal stakeholders; driving a philanthropic culture within VU, and fostering deep collaboration to build a shared sense of ownership for the philanthropic goals and initiatives across Victoria University.

An example of duties you may perform will include:

• Develop and lead a high-performing team who work collaboratively, exhibit University values and attain key performance indicators using a results driven and solution focused culture.
• Provide expert advice to the Vice-Chancellor’s Group and the Chief Engagement Officer.
• Identify new philanthropic funding sources. Work collaboratively across VU, including with Major Partnerships, Government Relations and Research to leverage revenue opportunities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with high-net-worth donors, alumni, and friends of the University; lead VU wide initiatives to ensure that relationships with donors and alumni are managed professionally.
• Build robust internal networks at VU across Academic and Professional staff, and consistently encourage buy-in at all levels to ensure that Advancement goals can be achieved.
• Provide team and organisational leadership to set ambitious revenue goals; monitor and proactively lead to ensure that revenue targets are met or exceeded.
• Track emerging trends and changes in the philanthropic landscape, including shifts in tax policy, charitable giving incentives, and donor expectations. Adjust fundraising strategies and policies accordingly to maintain compliance and maximize fundraising effectiveness.

About You:

You are a strategic and driven leader, with proven senior leadership experience in the philanthropy and fundraising sector. You have demonstrated experience leading the successful development and implementation of complex, multiyear philanthropy and fundraising strategies, and achieving ambitious revenue generation and stakeholder engagement objectives.

Driven by superior verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to inspire and influence, you thrive on successfully engaging diverse stakeholders, from major donors and other eminent stakeholders to Board/Council members.

Aided by data driven decision making and financial acumen, you have proven ability to manage a multi-million dollar fundraising budget and ensure the effective allocation of resources to maximise results.

You are attracted by the opportunity to work for a university of inclusion that steadfastly puts its students first, is deeply committed to serving it’s communities and protecting country, and is a thriving place to study and work!

Conditions and Benefits:

This full-time position will be offered on a 5-year fixed term contract basis. An attractive remuneration package is on offer, including an employer superannuation contribution of up to 17%.

VU strives to create a family friendly, diverse and inclusive workplace where all staff can succeed. VU offers a range of benefits and leave that aim to enhance and support you’re your work and personal life.

For further information on our employee benefits, flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging please visit https://www.vu.edu.au/staff/benefits-services-for-staff

How to Apply:

To view a copy of the position description, and/or to apply for the role, please visit our Career Website.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• Your resume.
• A statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria listed in the position description.
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licenses, and registrations.

Applications close on 31 January 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST)

Who to Contact:

For queries relating to the position and its requirements, please contact Patrice O’Brien, Chief Engagement Officer at [email protected]

Our Commitment to Protecting Country:

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.

Victoria University is committed to inclusion, equity and diversity. VU encourages applications from women, gender diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from under-represented backgrounds in this field.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at VU:

Victoria University believes that diversity of the workforce adds value to the University and creates a stronger, richer working environment for everyone. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that our employees have positive, barrier-free work environments that accommodate their access needs. Employees who require adjustments are encouraged to discuss their needs with their line manager.