Full-time continuing opportunity Located in Camperdown with flexible working arrangements HEO 10 - Base salary of $162,528 plus 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The University of Sydney is seeking a Senior Manager, Advancement Policy & Operations to play a pivotal role within Advancement Services.
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Advancement Services, you will provide guidance across governance, policy, compliance, risk management and Gift Operations, ensuring the University's fundraising, donor engagement and financial stewardship activities are supported by robust operational frameworks and best-practice processes.
This is a unique opportunity to influence and strengthen the operational foundations that enable philanthropic success.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Risk and Advancement, leading initiatives that improve governance, streamline operations and enhance organisational effectiveness.
Key responsibilities
- Partner with the Deputy Director, Advancement Services to deliver strategic and operational priorities
- Lead governance, policy and compliance activities across Advancement Services
- Manage the relationship between Advancement and the Office of General Counsel, establishing effective legal engagement and escalation pathways
- Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of gift acceptance policies, procedures and controls
- Lead risk management and assurance activities relating to fundraising, donor administration, privacy and financial stewardship
- Provide oversight of Gift Operations, including gift processing, receipting and donor administration
- Drive operational excellence through process improvement, automation and service enhancement initiatives
About you
- Significant experience in governance, compliance, legal operations, risk management or business operations
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks
- Strong understanding of risk management, compliance and assurance practices
- Experience leading business improvement and organisational change initiatives
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted partnerships across diverse groups
- Experience managing and developing teams
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- Experience in higher education, public sector or similarly regulated environments will be highly regarded
About Advancement
Advancement at the University of Sydney connects philanthropic supporters, alumni and partners with opportunities to make a meaningful impact through education, research and community outcomes. Advancement Services plays a critical role in enabling fundraising success by providing governance, operational, compliance and donor support services across the portfolio.
Why join us?
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Access to professional development and career growth opportunities
- Generous leave provisions and wellbeing initiatives
- A collaborative and purpose-driven working environment
- The opportunity to contribute to philanthropic outcomes that support world-class research and education
Sponsorship / work rights Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applications Close Monday 16 November 2026 11:59 PM
The University of Sydney values excellence, trust and accountability.
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.
The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made.
Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html
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Senior Manager, Advancement Policy and Gift Operations in Sydney employer: University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is an exceptional employer, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, offering a supportive and culturally safe environment that fosters professional growth and community engagement. With generous benefits such as cultural leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to Indigenous professional development programs, employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Indigenous health education. Joining this prestigious institution means being part of a dedicated community committed to improving health outcomes and embedding First Nations perspectives into the curriculum.
