Associate Director of Advancement

About Queen’s College
Founded in 1887, Queen’s College is a vibrant residential community proudly affiliated with the University of Melbourne. More than accommodation, Queen’s is a place of shared life, where academic ambition, intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership, and care for others are part of the same human story. Grounded in the ethos of community and service, Queen’s brings together students, staff, alumni (known as Wyverns), and supporters who believe education should shape not only capable graduates, but thoughtful, generous, and engaged citizens.

About the Role
Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement, the Associate Director, Advancement is a senior leadership role within Queen's College's Advancement team, acting as 2IC to the Executive Director. You will lead the College's Major Gifts and Bequests portfolio — cultivating, soliciting and stewarding relationships with alumni, parents and supporters capable of significant philanthropic contributions.

You'll personally manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, developing tailored strategies that build long-term relationships and support the College's comprehensive campaign, student support initiatives and campus development.

You will:

• Provide senior leadership within the Advancement Office, ensuring operational continuity in the Executive Director's absence

• Lead and manage the College's Major Gifts and Bequests programs, including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of key donors

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, building meaningful, long-term relationships

• Oversee the implementation of planned giving initiatives, engaging bequestors and prospects through the Sugden Society and related programs

• Develop and execute targeted fundraising strategies supporting the comprehensive campaign and long-term development goals

• Support the Executive Director in preparing donor materials, proposals, reports and presentations

• Collaborate with colleagues across alumni relations, communications and events to deliver an integrated, donor-focused program

• Represent Queen's College at donor events, campaign activities and community engagement opportunities

About You:

• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and donor engagement within a university, college or comparable not-for-profit environment

• Proven experience cultivating, soliciting and stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals and/or bequest donors

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders

• A strategic thinker with strong organisational and project management skills, attention to detail and a results-oriented approach

• Flexibility to attend after-hours events and travel as required

• A tertiary qualification in business, marketing, communications, not-for-profit management or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

It would be great if you had:

• Experience in a residential college, higher education or mission-driven environment

• Familiarity with fundraising databases and CRM systems

• Understanding of philanthropy trends, donor motivations and bequest giving in the Australian context

Why Join Us
At Queen’s, you’ll be part of a warm, collegial environment where your work directly contributes to the success of our students and the strength of our community. You’ll enjoy meaningful work, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on a historic Melbourne institution, whilst building genuine, lasting relationships with some of the College's most generous supporters. We are in great location on beautiful grounds in Parkville with great access to public transport and free on-site parking.