head of partnerships

Department for Environment and Water

Job reference: 701293

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Join us to lead our work in Commercial Partnerships, Event Management, Sponsorship and Philanthropy

Drive revenue, build partnerships, and grow a greener future.

We're looking for a visionary leader to take the reins of our revenue strategy, which incorporates partnerships, events, and philanthropy at one of South Australia's most iconic cultural and scientific institutions.

This is not your average business development role — it's your chance to shape the financial future of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) by blending commercial creativity with public purpose.

What you'll lead:

• Bold business innovation and new revenue streams
• A vibrant and profitable calendar of public events
• Strategic partnerships with new and existing corporate and philanthropic partners
• A compelling value proposition for science, conservation, horticulture, and education
• A high-performing team covering events, philanthropy, and partnerships
• The growth of a long-term endowment through the Botanic Gardens Foundation

What we're looking for:

• A strategic thinker who knows how to turn ideas into income
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and navigating public institutions
• Experience in commercial ventures, fundraising, or major event delivery
• Proven leadership in building high-performing teams and lasting partnerships
• A passion for aligning commercial success with mission-driven cultural and scientific values

If you're ready to blend partnerships with purpose, deliver impact through innovation, and help grow one of the state's most treasured public institutions — this is the role for you.

Apply now and lead the growth of something extraordinary.

What can we offer you

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia
• Be part of a committed, collaborative and supportive team working with the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work-life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career

Contract:

Contract to 29 October 2027

Essential Criteria (including qualifications)

• Demonstrated significant senior level experience in business development, fundraising, media, sales, tourism or similar, in a competitive commercial environment. Business management, enterprise development and commercialisation knowledge and experience and their application to cultural institutions is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience of the principles and practice of philanthropy and an awareness of the Australian philanthropic environment.
• Highly developed analytical ability, including ability to quickly understand and apply new information and concepts and interpret and apply legislation and policy, including the numeracy skills to analyse and prepare budgets as well as financial and business forecasts.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, presentation and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies in a wide variety of settings, including experience in effective, supportive and empowering staff management.
• Sound expertise in providing concise and comprehensive written and verbal briefings and advice on complex and sensitive issues to Executive level staff and/or Boards.
• Time management, analytic and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing timelines.
• Passion to make a positive impact in the community and a willingness to work within Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium's values and behaviours to advance its mission.

Special Conditions:

• May be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• May be required to work outside of the normal hours of work.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to provide a Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry (DEW will cover the cost of renewal).

Remuneration:

ASO8, $121,107 min - $125,679 max p.a.

Enquiries to:

Rhianna Pezzaniti, Deputy Director Public Engagement

Application Instructions:

Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 19/10/2025 11:45 PM