Academic ConnectDevelopment Officer (Medicine and Health)
Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Duration: Continuing
Remuneration: Level 7 from $113,926 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
Location: Kensington, NSW (hybrid)
About UNSW: UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Why Your Role Matters: Join a hardworking and passionate fundraising team supporting the Faculty of Medicine & Health at UNSW. We’re a close-knit, values-driven group committed to making a real difference in health and medical research through meaningful philanthropic partnerships. The Development Officer plays a key role in advancing UNSW’s fundraising goals. Reporting to the Development Manager (Medicine & Health), the role manages a portfolio of around 100 prospects and donors of making significant gifts and works closely with academic leaders and colleagues to cultivate and secure major and planned gifts. This position sits within the Division of Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement (SIEE), which champions diversity, inclusion, and social impact across UNSW and with partner communities.
What You’ll Do: Build and manage a portfolio of prospective major donors in securing significant gifts. Develop and deliver tailored cultivation and stewardship plans. Work with academic and development colleagues to identify opportunities and craft compelling proposals. Focus on external engagement and donor relationships, with minimal internal operational work. Develop and deliver an annual work plan aligned to activity and revenue targets.
What We’re Looking For: Relevant degree and experience in development or donor relations, ideally in higher education. Fundraising experience with strong relationship-building skills and emotional intelligence. Proven ability to engage donors and secure significant gifts. Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills across diverse groups. Strategic thinker with a passion for social impact and health research. Exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and ability to deliver in a fast-paced environment. Creativity, initiative, and the ability to influence within a complex organisation. A genuine commitment to being part of a high-performing, supportive team.
Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: Flexible working options. Career development opportunities. 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments. Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period. Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness). For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits.
How to Apply: Submit your CV & a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for the role (no more than one page) by 11.55pm 24th August 2025. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application. Contact: Amy Denney a.denney@unsw.edu.au - Talent Acquisition Team. Please apply directly through the website, applications sent to the contact above will not be accepted. UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.