"Executive Director, Advancement Services"

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney, Advancement Portfolio is seeking an exceptional Executive Director, Advancement Services to deliver operational excellence across philanthropy and alumni engagement. This strategic role oversees the infrastructure that enables philanthropy and alumni engagement, driving performance across prospect development, data and analytics, gift administration, and business systems. It is a prime career opportunity for someone on a journey to becoming a COO.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Advancement, you will lead high-performing teams, champion digital transformation, and ensure Advancement is future-ready and campaign-capable. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned operations leader or aspiring COO to shape the systems, governance, and culture that underpin one of Australia's most ambitious fundraising efforts.

Working in close partnership with Development, Alumni Experience, ICT, General Counsel, Faculty Gift Administration and Finance, the Executive Director leads high-performing teams and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation. They ensure Advancement is future-ready, agile, and aligned with institutional priorities, enabling impactful engagement and campaign success.

With a strong focus on customer experience, service delivery, quality, and strategic foresight, the Executive Director plays a critical role in shaping advancement strategy, process improvement, and optimising donor and alumni experiences with the University. Their leadership supports a resilient, inclusive, and high-performing environment where excellence and innovation thrive.

The objectives for the Executive Director, Advancement Services are to:

• Deliver operational excellence by aligning systems, processes and resources with institutional priorities
• lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across Advancement Services.
• drive data strategy and governance, ensuring robust frameworks for data quality, security, and compliance, and enabling insights that support fundraising and engagement.
• champion digital transformation, overseeing the implementation of secure, scalable IT systems and enterprise platforms that enhance operational agility.
• enable data-driven decision-making through advanced reporting, analytics, and business intelligence to support campaign planning and performance tracking.
• streamline and optimise business processes, policies, and workflows to improve service delivery and stakeholder experience across the portfolio.
• support prospect development and campaign execution by ensuring CRM systems and data infrastructure are effectively utilised and future ready.
• contribute to strategic planning and resource management, integrating budgeting, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation to drive sustainable impact.

About you:

• demonstrated change and project management skills, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders and build strong, productive partnerships.
• proven senior leadership in staff management, HR issue resolution, and navigating change with adaptability. Experience within the Australian Higher Educational setting is preferred.
• strong business acumen, systems thinking, and digital fluency, with expertise in data governance and transformation.
• commitment to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery and operational strategy.
• exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with a strong ability to build trust and deliver clear, impactful messaging.

Work rights

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

This position is continuing. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

How to apply

Odgers is assisting the University of Sydney with this appointment. Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via www.odgers.com/95157

For further information and a confidential conversation please contact Dr Alistair Clark on Alistair.Clark@odgers.com or Diana Kovalova on +61 421 643 624 or Diana.Kovalova@odgers.com.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 12 February 2026.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.