CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

•       Dynamic and innovative university

•       Inspire and develop a high performing advancement team

•       Newly created leadership position

About the organisation

RMIT is a global university of technology, design and enterprise in which teaching, research and engagement are central to achieving positive impact and creating life-changing experiences for its students. A leading and truly global multi-sector university, RMIT now has more than 90,000 students and over 10,000 staff globally. The University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and vocational education, applied and innovative research, and engagement with the needs of industry and the community. 

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Engagement, and working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and wider executive team, the Chief Advancement Officer is responsible for repositioning RMIT’s Advancement strategy both publicly and internally. This newly created senior leadership role offers a unique opportunity to drive transformational growth leading a high performing team across philanthropy, alumni engagement, and advancement services. Spearheading a high-impact portfolio of principal and major gifts, the appointee will build and inspire a top-performing advancement team grounded in best practice fundraising processes and principles. With a bold vision and strategic expertise and aspirational growth agenda, this role serves as a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and executive team, driving revenue, enhancing reputation, and maximizing impact through powerful industry partnerships and alumni connections.

About you

You are a dynamic and accomplished philanthropic executive with a proven track record of leading high-performing major gift fundraising teams across large complex organisations such as education or healthcare. Your expertise in growing and securing principal gifts, expanding fundraising and campaign initiatives, and driving operational excellence sets you apart as a strategic leader in the field. With a deep understanding of how to navigate and thrive within a complex modern university, you bring a visionary approach to philanthropy. Your calm gravitas, resilience in achieving ambitious objectives, and a commitment to building philanthropic revenue and meaningful relationships, will see you poised to elevate the University's Advancement to the next level.

For more information, please contact Kylie Kilmartin at SHK on 0401 167 433or click ‘Apply for this job’. Please submit your resume in Microsoft Word format. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.