Philanthropy Project Coordinator

About the Opportunity

The Office of Advancement is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Philanthropy Project Coordinator to play a key role in supporting the University’s major fundraising initiatives. This position offers the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that advance the University’s mission, foster community partnerships, and create long-lasting philanthropic impact.

The Philanthropy Project Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the development and coordination of major fundraising projects led by the Office of Advancement on behalf of the University. This includes:

• Implementing and managing the Advancement Project Planner.
• Developing project content in collaboration with Academic Staff sponsors.
• Overseeing and managing key project-related tasks and actions.
• Coordinating project meetings and tracking follow-ups.
• Preparing project minutes and notes.
• Supporting project marketing and promotional strategies, including events.
• Maintaining the Office of Advancement’s collaborative SharePoint site.
• Generating project reports and tracking progress using the Raiser’s Edge CRM.
• Assisting in the development of project budgets and reporting for the Executive Director and Academic Lead.

Working alongside the Executive Director, Advancement, you’ll help bring to life innovative philanthropic projects that support student success, research excellence, and community engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-driven team in a dynamic university environment where your work will directly contribute to positive change.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 31 July 2026. The position will be based at Western’s Parramatta South Campus, although travel to other campuses of the university may be required. Please review the position description for further information.

About You

You’ll be a collaborative and organised individual with a passion for purpose-driven work and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. Specifically, we’re looking for someone with:

• A degree in Business Administration, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
• Training or certifications in project management, fundraising strategies, donor management software, and CRM systems.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating or managing fundraising projects, campaigns, or initiatives, preferably in a non-profit or educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, alumni, faculty, and staff through effective communication and understanding their motivations.
• Ability to organise and manage multiple projects simultaneously, utilising project management tools and software effectively.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams such as marketing, finance, and external partners.
• Strong analytical skills to assess fundraising trends and effectiveness, identifying problems and implementing solutions promptly.
• Passion for the university’s mission, proactive and self-starting attitude and creativity.

Benefits

Joining our team comes with a range of exceptional benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities, including secondments, structured training, and leadership programs to enhance your skills across the University.
• Staff Benefits: Enjoy health and fitness programs like Fitness Passport, library facilities, staff discounts through partnerships such as those with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Zoo, along with a wide variety of other goods and services.

Drive Purpose, Deliver Impact – Join Us in Shaping the Future Through Philanthropy. Apply now, ensuring you address each of the screening questions in your application.

Eligibility

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility You must provide evidence of your fulltime working rights in Australia at time of application.

About Company

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Division of Western Sydney and External Engagement

The Division of Western Sydney and External Engagement plays a key role in building and strengthening relationships with communities, partners, and stakeholders across the region and beyond. Through a broad portfolio that spans government relations, alumni engagement, philanthropy, marketing and communications, student recruitment, and strategic partnerships, the Division supports the University’s mission to drive positive impact, regional development, and global connectivity.

The Office of Advancement, within this Division, works collaboratively with Indigenous, local and global communities, industry, and education partners to drive transformative projects and initiatives. From Western’s Alpha platform to The Academy, Widening Participation, and Philanthropy and Community Engagement, the Office supports the University’s mission to enrich Greater Western Sydney’s social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

Remuneration

Remuneration Package: HEW Level 7 $124,203 to $133,967 p.a. (comprising Salary of $104,953 to $113,204 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Contact Information

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Christian Burden, Executive Director, Advancement, via 0481 940 809 or c.burden@westernsydney.edu.au.

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to Tiana Woodward, Senior Advisor Talent Acquisition, via email t.woodward@westernsydney.edu.au.

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 24th August 2025.