Development Manager - Foundations and Grants

• Full-time, Fixed-Term position at HEW Level 8 until 8 November 2026.
• Parramatta South campus with occasional requirements to work at other sites.
• Salary: $118,969 – $132,069 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Secure philanthropic funding from foundations and grants to support students, research and priority University projects.

The Opportunity
In this role, you will contribute to Western Sydney University’s fundraising priorities by developing philanthropic opportunities with trusts, foundations and grant makers. Working within the Office of Advancement, you will help raise significant new funds for student success, research, capital and refurbishment projects, and University-specific philanthropic initiatives.

You will manage a portfolio of major trust and foundation prospects, developing clear cultivation and solicitation plans that move donors through the pipeline. You will commission and use prospect research, monitor relevant media coverage, meet prospects one-to-one, and ensure communications, research and gifts are recorded accurately in Raiser’s Edge.

You will work closely with the Development Team, Advancement colleagues, Faculties, Schools, Institutes, Research Services and Finance to identify opportunities and prepare high-quality proposals, briefings and follow-up. You will also support Deans and senior staff in meetings with high-level prospects and contribute to stewardship that encourages donors to continue their support.

What Success Looks Like:

• Significant philanthropic funding is raised from trusts, foundations and grants.
• Prospect portfolios are managed through clear cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Donor communications, research and gifts are recorded accurately in Raiser’s Edge.
• New fundraising opportunities and priorities are identified and progressed.
• Deans and senior staff are supported with proposals, briefings and prospect meetings.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A degree or equivalent qualification, or demonstrated capability in major gift fundraising, sales, marketing or cause-related relationship management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, networking and negotiating skills, with the confidence to represent the University to influential external stakeholders.
• High-level written skills in developing funding applications, proposals and gift agreements.
• Knowledge of fundraising, philanthropy, funding sources and potential revenue streams.
• Competence with Microsoft Word, databases, email systems and reporting, with Raiser’s Edge experience advantageous.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Christian Burden, Executive Director, Advancement via C.Burden@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1562V.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 12 July 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.