Fundraising Specialist (Innovation and Grants)Future Students, Engagement & Technologies
Continuing, full-time
$ 98,632 to $ 110,443 per annum (HEO7)
Plus 17% employer superannuation
Salary packaging options are available
20 days family and domestic violence leave available per annum
20 days gender affirmation leave per annum
10 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave per annum
5 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum
Armidale/Sydney based role. Flexible or hybrid work arrangements available
Relocation assistance provided
Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position
The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations. In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education. UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development. We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce. From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Womens Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE. You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference. Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in theAbout the roleThe Fundraising Specialist (Innovation and Grants) develops and implements strategic fundraising initiatives to secure financial support for UNE's applied AI lab and innovation hub, while also identifying and pursuing relevant grant opportunities across all university faculties and research areas. This role, reporting to Manager Advancement, Alumni and Events and working closely with the Director LabNext70, specialises in building and maintaining strong donor relationships through comprehensive stewardship programs, serves as the primary interface between donors and UNE stakeholders, coordinates targeted fundraising programs, develops compelling grant applications, conducts prospect research, and ensures donor and grant funds are used effectively to advance UNE's mission and strategic priorities. An interest in AI adoption, development and innovation is key to the success of this role.About youAs Fundraising Specialist (Innovation and Grants), you will lead the University's fundraising initiatives for UNE's applied AI lab and innovation hub, while also developing grant applications to support university-wide projects and priorities. Your role will focus heavily on building and nurturing long-term relationships with donors and funding bodies through comprehensive stewardship programs that demonstrate impact and accountability. Your efforts will acquire and retain alumni, staff, corporate partners, and community donors through strategic marketing approaches and compelling grant proposals.You will need to be passionate about AI and innovative technology, with a genuine enthusiasm for how these tools can transform education. You will need to be a visionary who can articulate how philanthropy can propel UNE to the next stage of educational excellence through technological advancement. Your ability to translate complex technological concepts into compelling funding narratives will be essential as you connect donors' aspirations with UNE's innovative future.Your role will be pivotal in shaping the University's future, enhancing its impact and reputation across all disciplines including innovation and AI, and cultivating deep, mutually beneficial relationships with donors and funding bodies. You will help position UNE as a leader in applying cutting-edge technology to address educational challenges in regional Australia and beyond.About the Faculty/GroupThe Future Students and Engagement team integrates Student Liaison, Future Students team, Marketing, Growth, Corporate Communications, Advancement, Alumni and Events into a seamless operation which oversees the prospective student journey from awareness through to enrolment and continues along the Alumna journey. The operations, activities and engagements are managed in a coordinated way so that efficiencies and scale can be brought to every UNE touchpointAbout ArmidaleArmidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidales natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visitEnquiries and additional informationTo discuss this role please contact Samantha Crick, phone: (02) 6773 1094, email: scrick2@une.edu.auClosing Date: Midnight, Sunday 14 September 2025Reference No: 225136For further information about this position, please see the Position Statement below.Please visit for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.To ApplyPlease submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:Your application should be comprised of:Option 3:
Covering letter.
Responses to selection criteria.
Current CV.
Commitment to Inclusion and DiversityUNE is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people.About Our ProcessAt UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement. Please visit our to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.National Police CheckIf you are the successful candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a prior to your commencement. Please note that people with criminal records are NOT automatically barred from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).