The Role

The Partnerships Develop Manager plays a key role in establishing new commercial relationships that accelerate Black Dog Institute’s impact. The role identifies, secures and shapes high-value corporate partnerships that align business objectives with evidence-based mental health outcomes.
This is a strategic, outward-facing and commercially focused position centred on understanding organisational motivations, creating tailored partnership opportunities, and cultivating senior-level relationships that support long-term investment. Working within the Philanthropy & Partnerships team, the role builds a new-business pipeline, contributes to revenue growth, and strengthens the Institute’s presence across corporate Australia.

Duties & Responsibilities

New Business & Commercial Growth

• Develop strategic approaches to engage and secure new corporate partners aligned to Black Dog Institute’s priorities.
• Lead proactive outreach, positioning the Institute as a trusted partner delivering credible, science-backed mental health solutions.
• Design tailored partnership concepts and investment proposals that clearly communicate value, impact and alignment.
• Maintain a structured new-business pipeline, ensuring prospects progress through a thoughtful, relationship-centred approach.
• Conduct market scanning and research to identify emerging opportunities, sectors and partnership trends.
• Contribute to annual revenue growth through acquisition of multi-year, high-value partnerships.
• Represent the Institute at meetings, briefings, industry events and relevant networks.
• Ensure all interactions, proposals and forecasting are accurately captured in the CRM.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement

• Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Account Managers to ensure smooth transition from acquisition to account management.
• Collaborate with Research, Digital, Implementation, Marketing and other internal teams to shape partnership offerings and bring concepts to life.
• Work collaboratively with, and in support of, the wider fundraising team, and other BDI teams to deepen the engagement of partners.
• Translate complex scientific or program information into accessible, commercially compelling material.
• Share insights on market trends, partner needs and prospect behaviour to inform organisational strategy.
• Contribute to a culture of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement across the Philanthropy & Partnerships portfolio.
• Maintain multi-level stewardship contacts with businesses and corporates.
• Build credibility with senior business leaders through clear communication, insight and commercial acumen.
• Tailor engagement approaches to meet the needs and motivations of prospective partners.
• Ensure integrity and transparency across all partnership commitments and proposals.
• Champion Black Dog Institute’s mission and impact in all external interactions.

Operational

• Support delivery of budgeted new-business revenue through disciplined pipeline management and prioritisation.
• Contribute to forecasting, annual planning and revenue modelling.
• Track performance metrics including conversion rates, prospect value and partnership ROI.
• Provide insight-led reports highlighting progress, risks and opportunities to strengthen acquisition activities.
• Have a thorough understanding of BDI’s Partnerships Policy and Risk Assessment Framework.

Work Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all WHS legislation and BDI WHS Policy and Procedures.
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Director, People & Culture, or delegate and the reporting tool Rely.
• Work In a safe manner, applying duty of care.

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business.

Skills & Experience Required 

Essential Criteria

• At least 5 years’ experience in corporate partnerships, business development, commercial strategy or sponsorship.
• Demonstrated success securing high-value partnerships or commercial agreements.
• Strong written communication skills and experience delivering tailored proposals.
• Proven ability to engage and build credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Commercial mindset with experience managing pipelines, forecasting and revenue delivery.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships.
• CRM proficiency (Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce or similar).
• Tertiary qualifications in business, marketing, communications or a relevant field.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in mental health, research, education or the non-profit sector
• Understanding of workplace wellbeing or health-related partnerships.
• Experience designing integrated partnership propositions involving products, programs or thought leadership.

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au.

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply

To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.

Please note: All offers of employment are subject to background checks, which may include police checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications, as relevant to the role’s requirements.