Higher education advancement leader | CASE educational partner | CDMP practitioner | GAICD

Sue Birch headshot

Sue Birch brings extensive experience in higher education advancement and the not-for-profit sector, having worked as both a practitioner and consultant. She combines deep expertise in governance, strategy, technology and data management with a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by mission-driven organisations.

A CASE Educational Partner, Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) – Practitioner and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Sue draws on recognised industry frameworks and best practices to help organisations strengthen capability, improve performance and achieve their strategic objectives.

Before establishing Sue Birch Consulting in 2020, Sue held operational and senior management roles within advancement teams at leading Australian universities, including Monash University, RMIT University, the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. During this time, she led multidisciplinary teams through periods of growth, organisational change and campaign preparation.

Today, Sue partners with not-for-profit organisations to build the governance, leadership, data and technology foundations that strengthen organisational capability, maximise impact and support mission delivery. While bringing particular expertise in higher education advancement, she also works with a broad range of not-for-profit organisations seeking to enhance performance and achieve sustainable outcomes.

Professional certifications and qualifications

Sue’s qualifications span business, governance, data management, technology and philanthropy, reflecting the multidisciplinary expertise she brings to helping organisations strengthen capability, improve performance and achieve strategic objectives.

Professional certifications and qualifications

  • Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) – Practitioner (2026)
  • Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) – Data Quality Specialist (2026)
  • Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) – Data Governance Specialist (2026)
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course (2025)

Academic qualifications

  • Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies), Queensland University of Technology (2014)
  • Master of Technology (Information Technology), RMIT University (2006)
  • Graduate Diploma in Software Development, RMIT University (2005)
  • Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (2005)
  • Diploma of Information Technology, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE (2001)

Professional memberships and partnerships

Sue maintains a range of professional memberships and partnerships to stay informed of emerging trends, maintain current industry knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the not-for-profit sector.

Business and governance

  • Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) member
  • Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry member

Data and technology

  • Australian Information Security Association (AISA) member
  • DAMA International member

Higher education advancement and fundraising

  • CASE Educational Partner
  • Educate Plus member
  • Fundraising Institute Australasia (FIA) member

Industry volunteering

Sue is a CASE Laureate, recognised for her contribution to the advancement profession. She also contributes her expertise in a volunteer capacity through participation on industry boards, advisory panels and committees, supporting professional development, sector collaboration and organisational excellence across the not-for-profit sector.

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