Partnerships Officer

Women & Children First (W&CF) is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation supporting women, children and families. For 50 years we've been providing crisis accommodation, transitional housing, outreach support and specialist casework for those at imminent risk of homelessness — particularly women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Our two refuges and specialist support services are based on Sydney's Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore however, we support women and children not only locally but across Sydney, throughout NSW, and interstate when needed.

Our work also extends beyond crisis response, offering family support programs that help carers navigate parenting challenges and other big life events such as separation and grief. Through our education and prevention initiatives, we empower communities to recognise, prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.

As a child-safe organisation, W&CF is committed to the safety, wellbeing and rights of children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are always prioritised.

About the role

The Partnerships Officer (0.5FTE) is a newly created position that will play a key role in strengthening the organisation's community and corporate relationships, supporting programs, coordinating volunteer engagement, and supporting fundraising initiatives that bring both financial and in-kind support to Women & Children First.

Working within a growing Fundraising & Communications team, this role will build and maintain meaningful partnerships across local businesses, schools, community groups and corporate supporters. You will also coordinate our volunteer program, ensuring volunteers are well-supported, valued, and integrated across our services throughout the year.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys building relationships, is self-motivated, highly organised, and thrives on connecting people and purpose to create lasting community impact.

About you

• You are genuinely passionate about connecting people, purpose and partnerships to create social impact.
• You have experience in partnerships, community engagement, fundraising or stakeholder management.
• You're not afraid to pick up the phone, start a conversation, or pitch an idea to a potential partner or group.
• You are a confident communicator with the ability to build rapport across different audiences.
• You are highly productive and proactive and thrive on getting the job done and meeting goals.
• You're nimble, resourceful, and not easily thrown when new opportunities arise or priorities shift.
• You work well both independently and collaboratively within a small, values-driven team.
• You are committed to the mission, values and child-safe principles of Women & Children First.

Essential skills and experience

• Experience in partnership management, business development, community engagement, fundraising or volunteer coordination.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, CRM systems (including automated marketing tools) and Canva confidently.
• Confident using LinkedIn Business to build connections. Experience with Meta Business Suite is desirable.

Other requirements for the role

• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and Police Check.
• Current driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel around the Northern Beaches and North Shore suburbs and Sydney metro areas when needed.
• Flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend events, with time off in lieu provided.

Why join us?

• The chance to help create lasting community impact through meaningful partnerships and individuals willing to donate skills and time.
• A supportive, flexible and inclusive work culture.
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 in everyday expenses annually, plus $2,650 for meal and entertainment).
• Additional annual leave day to celebrate your birthday and one wellbeing day each year.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development opportunities.

Considerations when applying:

• Your cover letter should outline your relevant experience and why you'd like to join Women & Children First.
• Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• Applicants must have permission to work and reside in Australia.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.