Cranbrook School is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven fundraising professional to lead its philanthropic strategy and advancement program, in support of the Head of School, School Council and the Cranbrook Foundation Board.

Reporting to the Director, Communications, Community and Engagement, you will build enduring relationships within the Cranbrook community, foster a culture of giving, and achieve annual and long-term income targets that support the School’s strategic priorities, including scholarships, capital development and educational excellence.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this senior role, you will:

Develop and deliver a strategic plan for philanthropy and an annual advancement operational plan with transparent targets, timelines and measures of success.

Lead major gifts, annual giving, capital and special-purpose campaigns, and bequest and planned giving programs, including a legacy society.

Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors across all giving levels, and manage your own portfolio of major gift prospects including parents, alumni and friends of the School.

Advise the School Executive and Foundation Board on philanthropic opportunities, risks and priorities, and prepare regular reports and a KPI dashboard.

Work with the Community & Events Manager and Marketing to deliver donor events, alumni engagement and giving appeals that complement one another.

Ensure compliance with privacy, charitable fundraising and tax-deductibility requirements, and with the School’s gift acceptance and ethical fundraising policies.

Lead the Advancement and Database Coordinator to maintain high-quality donor data, analytics and reporting.

ABOUT YOU

You will be an accomplished fundraiser with a proven record of building donor relationships and achieving income targets, ideally in an independent school or educational setting. You bring:

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in advancement or development

Experience partnering with senior leadership and boards





Exceptional interpersonal, written and presentation skills

The discretion, integrity and professionalism needed to represent the School as an ambassador for its philanthropic vision

This role includes regular evening and some weekend commitments for School and donor events, and occasional travel for donor visits.

ABOUT CRANBROOK SCHOOL

Founded in 1918, Cranbrook School is a multi-campus Anglican independent day and boarding school for students in Pre-School to Year 12. In 2026, the School welcomed girls into Years 7 and 11, with full coeducation across the campus by 2029.

Guided by its enduring vision to be a world‑class school that nurtures and enables every student to fulfil their potential and thrive, Cranbrook offers a values‑led education enriched by academic excellence and extensive sporting and co‑curricular opportunities. The School’s motto, esse quam videri – “to be, rather than to seem to be” – underpins its commitment to authenticity, character and service. This well‑rounded educational approach provides an educational experience that celebrates each individual and prepares every Cranbrookian for a purposeful life of contribution within and beyond the School gates.

Overlooking Sydney Harbour and set on approximately 13 hectares in one of Sydney’s most prestigious eastern suburbs, the School currently educates over 1,800 students across four campuses: two Pre‑Schools – St Michael’s and St Mark’s – a Junior School campus in Rose Bay, and the Senior School Campus in Bellevue Hill. The School’s two Boarding Houses provide care and accommodation for 75 students from Years 7 to 12.

Cranbrook School is a child safe organisation. We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students and are committed to protecting our students from abuse and harm.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK AND WORKING RIGHTS

The successful applicant for this position will be required to hold a current NSW Working with Children Check clearance. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or hold a visa with appropriate working rights.

📌 Advancement Manager (New South Wales)
🏢 Cranbrook School
📍 New South Wales