Senior Manager, Partnerships – Fixed Term Contract

Senior Manager, Partnerships – Fixed Term Contract

Based in Perth | Hybrid & Flexible Work | 5 Weeks Annual Leave

About Us

Perth Festival is your summer invitation to otherworldly experiences. We're a not-for-profit multi-arts festival that brings world class international and local performance, music, film, visual arts and literary events to Perth, Western Australia, every summer.

As Australia's longest-running arts festival, for 70 years we have been celebrating Perth, its people and its culture on the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River). Founded by The University of Western Australia and grounded on Noongar Boodjar, we are uniquely placed to celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world by championing rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and contemporary arts practice.

We have cultivated decades of cultural growth through commissioning major new works and engaging diverse audiences.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Senior Manager, Partnerships to lead our Partnerships team and drive growth in corporate and government support for the Festival.

Reporting to the Head of Development, this senior role is pivotal in delivering our Partnerships strategy. You will lead a  dynamic team to achieve annual contributed revenue targets, build and nurture high-value relationships, and secure meaningful partnerships that help bring extraordinary art to life.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on strategy, relationship-building, and delivering results in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and monitor a long-term Partnerships strategy aligned with the Festival's vision and income targets.
• Team Leadership: Guide, mentor, and manage the Partnerships team to deliver on financial and partnership goals, providing coaching and development opportunities.
• Partnership Account Management: Lead a portfolio of major partners, ensuring exceptional stewardship through proposals, contracts, activations, reporting, and renewals.
• Business Development: Identify and secure new corporate sponsors and government partners through high-quality proposals, pitches, and presentations.
• Relationship Stewardship: Build year-round engagement with existing and prospective partners through events, activations, and bespoke experiences.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Head of Development, Artistic and Executive Directors, and Board members to leverage networks and cultivate new business leads.
• Representation: Act as an ambassador for Perth Festival at partner events, industry functions, and Festival activities.

About You:

To succeed in this role, you'll bring a blend of strategic thinking, leadership skills, and hands-on partnership management. You'll have:

• At least 3+ years' experience in a similar role, with proven success in securing and managing significant corporate or government partnerships.
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide a team towards ambitious goals.
• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with confidence in engaging senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience preparing proposals and reports.
• Strong organisational and financial management skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities.
• A tertiary qualification in marketing, business, or commerce (or equivalent experience).
• Knowledge of Western Australia's corporate landscape and/or arts sector (desirable).
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or culturally diverse communities (desirable).

What We Offer:

• The chance to play a leading role in one of Australia's most iconic arts organisations.
• A collaborative, inclusive workplace that values creativity and innovation.
• Opportunities to engage with leading local, national, and international artists.
• Additional annual leave benefits.

How to Apply

Perth Festival is a dynamic environment that engages with some of the most incredible professionals, artists and art in the world. We work hard, we love what we do and we empower our team to work flexibly in a way that suits their lifestyle.

Please respond to the selection criteria listed above and click "apply" to submit your application including a resume and cover letter.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our People & Culture Team

Application closing date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Our commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity:

Perth Festival promotes inclusion and values diversity, and our recruitment process focuses on the skills and abilities that help to attract, develop, and retain our workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Perth Festival does not condone or tolerate victimisation, sexual harassment, or direct and indirect discrimination.