Director, Development - Principal Gifts

Monash • Clayton, NC

5d • $208,932

About The Position

Monash Advancement is driving unprecedented levels of advocacy, philanthropy and alumni engagement, both nationally and globally. Through meaningful engagement opportunities for our global network of alumni, donors and stakeholders, we enable Monash to deliver world-class education and research with transformative impact. Building on the success of our first billion-dollar campaign, #ChangeItForFutureGenerations, we continue to strengthen connections that elevate the University’s profile, reputation and capacity for positive change. The Director, Development - Principal Gifts is an exciting opportunity to cultivate relationships with Monash University’s most generous and transformative donors, building a strategic program focused on securing and stewarding philanthropic gifts in excess of $5 million. This pivotal leadership position will shape the next phase of Monash’s philanthropic growth, ensuring the University is positioned to attract and cultivate transformational investment as it prepares for its next campaign. With responsibility for leading engagement with a portfolio of principal gift donors and prospective donors, the Director will draw on a deep understanding of Monash’s research and academic strengths and priorities to align donors interests with opportunities of mutual, long-term impact. As the University’s specialist advisor on principal giving and high touch philanthropy, the Director will work closely with colleagues across Advancement and with University and Faculty leaders to co-create bespoke funding opportunities that advance both Faculty and University-wide objectives, supporting the delivery of Impact 2030.

Requirements

• A standout track record in principal and major gifts fundraising in sectors such as education, health and research backed by deep expertise in principal gift strategy, policy and philanthropic best practice within large, complex organisations
• Demonstrated experience in building and scaling new functions or strategic initiatives, with the ability to establish frameworks, processes and governance from the ground up, drive continuous improvement, and embed a culture of excellence and accountability
• Exceptional relationship building skills at the highest levels, with high EQ and the gravitas to engage, influence and steward ultra‑high-net-worth donors and senior University leaders, and to lead negotiations to establish philanthropic funding partnerships that align donor interests and motivations with institutional priorities
• A capacity to operate as a strategic advisor and institutional connector, able to deeply understand Monash’s academic strengths, research priorities and cross‑faculty initiatives, and translate these into compelling philanthropic opportunities while navigating complex internal environments with diplomacy, insight and a collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate high‑performing teams across both direct and indirect reporting lines, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed