Director, Development Principal Gifts

Director Development - Principal Gifts

Job No.:672561

Location:Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration:3 year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration:$208932 pa Level 10B (plus 17% employer superannuation)

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

The Opportunity

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 Universitys profile reputation and capacity for positive change.

The Director Development - Principal Gifts is an exciting opportunity to cultivate relationships with Monash Universitys 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 Monashs 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 Monashs research and academic strengths and priorities to align donors interests with opportunities of mutual long-term impact. As the Universitys 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.

About You

To be considered for this role you will have:

• 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 ultrahigh-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 Monashs academic strengths research priorities and crossfaculty initiatives and translate these into compelling philanthropic opportunities while navigating complex internal environments with diplomacy insight and a collaborative solutionsfocused mindset
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to mentor inspire and motivate highperforming teams across both direct and indirect reporting lines fostering a culture of collaboration accountability and excellence

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the Universitys philanthropic future at the principal level - creating a new function strategy and culture to best position the University for its next phase of strategic philanthropic growth.

About Monash University

At Monash work feels different. Theres a sense of belonging from contributing to something ground breaking a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity and welcome and celebrate everyones contributions lived experience and expertise. Thats why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Some 20000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95000 students four Australian campuses and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.

In our short history we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the worlds best tertiary institutions. We rank in the worlds top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Learn more about Monash.

Today we have the momentum to create the future we need for generations to come. Accelerate your change here.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply please refer to How to apply for Monash Jobs.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people culturally and linguistically diverse people people with disabilitiesneurodivergent people and people of all genders sexualities and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments please contact us at in an email titled Reasonable Adjustments Request for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role as determined by the University.

Enquiries:Dani Howden Senior Director Development

Position Description:Director Development - Principal Gifts

Applications Close: Monday 16 March 2026 11:55pm AEDT

Supporting a diverse workforce