Partnership and Sponsorship Manager

• Based in Redfern, Sydney 
• 4 to 5 days a week 

About the role 

The Partnership and Sponsorship Manager will be charged with expanding and managing support for the Walkley Foundation, working with a committed and focused boutique team. This is a frontline  responsibility for a hands-on fundraiser with exceptional contacts and the ability to secure sponsorship by  explaining our mission and its importance. 

The role of public interest journalism is of crucial importance today. The Walkley Foundation is the  leading organisation in Australia committed to ensuring the highest standards at a time when journalists  and news organisations are being challenged by a multitude of issues. The media landscape and  consumer habits are changing against a destabilising backdrop of misinformation, disinformation, cries of  fake news and the rise of AI. As an independent foundation working with all the media organisations in  Australia, the role of the Walkley Foundation is more important than ever. 

The Walkley Foundation has long been supported by many of Australia’s leading companies who  recognise the importance of excellence in public interest journalism. It is the role of the Partnership and  Sponsorship Manager to manage these relationships and to secure additional funding for our work.

The successful applicant will have a passion for journalism and 5 + years experience in a senior  Sponsorship or Corporate Engagement role in the news media, the arts, education or a related industry.  They will be a clear communicator who can confidently advocate for Australian journalism, journalists and  the Walkley Foundation in a role that will support the Australian media sector. 

They will be a strategic thinker and ideas person, with excellent contacts in the corporate and media world,  and a proven track record in developing ongoing sponsorship partnerships and reaching revenue targets.  A budget-minded focus is essential as are financial and business-management skills. 

For more information on the Walkley Foundation – www.walkleys.com 

Purpose of the Role 

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Partnership and Sponsorship Manager will have strategic  and operational responsibility for expanding and maintaining the Walkley Foundation’s relationships  with corporate sponsors and media organisations. Their funding underpins the administration of awards  and training programs and ensures the foundation can maximise its impact and underpin activities that  enhance quality journalism at a time when the media and the world are in a state of flux. They will  develop and act on the clear message that supporting the Walkley Foundation is important. 

As part of a small team, they will work closely with other senior staff who administer the 

country’s leading journalism awards programs, develop tailored professional development programs  and a raft of communications aimed at enhancing knowledge. They will play an active part in events  management and care of corporate sponsors at the annual Walkley Awards gala dinner and the Mid Year Celebration of Journalism. They will be responsible for the primary relationship with Corporate  

Sponsors and Partners.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop a three-year plan for financial growth, via corporate sponsorship in association with the  CEO and CFO. 
• Develop a sponsorship plan in association with the CEO and CFO and the board of directors, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. 
• Secure an immediate pipeline of appropriate new sponsors and partners and link them with  relevant programs and awards. 
• Ensure budget targets are met. 
• Maintain strong relationships with our existing highly valued corporate partners and sponsors. ● Develop partnerships with government and educational institutions. 
• Work with other members of the team to build new opportunities. 
• Advocate for journalism and journalists and share this passion with our partners. 
• Develop a keen understanding of industry issues, trends and developments. 
• Position the Walkley Foundation as a first port of call for organisations with a commitment to  public interest journalism, ethical reporting, social justice and political integrity. 
• Manage the business, the contractual and the relationship aspects of corporate partnerships. ● Risk manage issues related to sponsors with full visibility of the CEO and board.  
• Manage high-level partner events with networking as required. 
• High-level financial competency including the tracking and monitoring of the sponsor Foundation relationship at all stages of engagement. 
• Clear reporting to the CEO, the CFO and the board about the achievement of current financial  targets. 
• Budgeting for forward years in association with the CEO and the CFO. 
• Exceptional skills in numeracy and literacy. 
• Strong public speaking and verbal presentation skills. 
• Event management experience. 
• A sponsor and partner-centric approach who ensures that engagement with the foundation is a  positive experience.
• A team player and self-starter who can work closely with colleagues in a boutique and lively  workspace. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include occasional evenings and interstate travel.