Sponsorship Manager

The Ethics Centre is seeking a Sponsorship Manager to join the team behind Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI), Australia’s original and longest-running ideas festival. This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven professional who can connect bold brands and philanthropic partners with one of the country’s most distinctive cultural events. 

Reporting to the Festival Director, you’ll be responsible for developing, securing and managing sponsorships and philanthropic support for Festival of Dangerous Ideas. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the Festival’s financial sustainability through strategic partnerships that align with FODI’s mission and values. 

Working closely with the Festival Director and broader team, you’ll identify new funding opportunities, manage existing relationships, and ensure all partner benefits are delivered across marketing, programming and events. The role will also include attending and hosting partner activities during the 2026 Festival. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Identify, research and secure new sponsorship, partnership and philanthropic opportunities for FODI. 

• Develop compelling proposals and tailored partnership packages. 

• Manage and grow relationships with existing sponsors and partners, ensuring all contractual benefits are delivered. 

• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate sponsor activities across marketing, communications and event delivery. 

• Provide regular updates and post-event reports to stakeholders and partners. 

• Maintain accurate partnership records and documentation. 

About You 

You’re a confident and strategic relationship builder with a passion for ideas, culture and collaboration. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy crafting opportunities that deliver mutual value for partners and creative projects.

You’ll bring: 

• Proven experience in sponsorship, partnerships or fundraising (ideally in the arts, cultural or events sector). 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills. 

• A demonstrated ability to develop and close sponsorship proposals. 

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for the mission and values of The Ethics Centre and FODI. 

Desirable: 

• Networks within corporate, philanthropic or arts sectors. 

• Experience in sponsorship contract management and benefit delivery. 

• Interest in contemporary issues, ethics and culture. 

Why Join Us 

At The Ethics Centre, you’ll be part of a dynamic team creating spaces for fearless, thoughtful and respectful conversation. You’ll help bring big ideas to life, from the country’s most daring festival to programs that challenge and inspire audiences to think differently. 

The Ethics Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Applicants must be based out of Sydney, NSW, and have the right to live and work in Australia.   

A position description for this role, including salary package details, can be downloaded here.