Head of Partnership Sales

• Lead the next evolution of Essendon's commercial partnership program
• Drive major sponsorship, digital and community revenue growth
• Experience professional growth and exclusive perks

About us

The Essendon Football Club – "The Bombers" – are a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we're more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity, and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision.

The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. Our heritage sets us apart, shaping our ethos and inspiring our journey. We strive to be better every day, pushing the boundaries and relentlessly pursuing excellence. But amidst the intensity of competition, respect remains paramount. We care about our impact on others, whether it's our teammates, opponents, or our community. When we 'Don the Sash', we do so with unity, passion, excellence, and respect guiding our every move, Always Striving toward our next triumph on the premiership stage.

About the role

As our Head of Partnership Sales, you'll spearhead the next evolution of Essendon's commercial program by driving meaningful growth across our sponsorship, community, digital and B2B partnership portfolios. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the acquisition of new commercial partners, working closely with the Head of Business Development to bring innovative, high-value opportunities to life across the Club.

In this senior leadership role, you will shape and execute strategies that grow revenue across traditional and non-traditional streams, from commercial partnerships and event sponsorships to community program commercialisation and digital-first advertising initiatives. You'll develop bespoke proposals, pitch compelling partnership solutions to market, and ensure each program aligns with a prospective partner's marketing objectives and the Club's strategic direction.

You will also play a key role in strengthening the EFC Network, driving new B2B partners into the program and championing a commercial ecosystem that delivers meaningful outcomes for our valued business community.

As a trusted leader, you'll coach and develop the sales team, drive budgeting and pipeline reporting, and champion a commercial ecosystem that delivers genuine value for our partners. This is your opportunity to drive significant impact for an organisation fuelled by unity, passion, excellence and respect, and help shape the commercial future of the Essendon Football Club.

About you

You're a proven, strategic and relationship-driven sales leader with a strong track record of securing high-value partnerships within sport, media or agency environments. With at least five years' experience in commercial sales, you bring a deep understanding of the evolving sports partnership landscape, emerging digital trends and the ability to translate opportunity into tangible commercial outcomes.

You're energised by new business growth, thrive in fast-paced environments, and bring an extensive professional network, including c-suite connections, that enables you to open doors and build long-term, trusted relationships. Innovative thinking comes naturally to you; you're comfortable developing bespoke partnership solutions, pitching with confidence, and negotiating with skill.

A natural coach and leader, you know how to build, motivate and elevate high-performing teams. You're organised, analytical and financially literate, with strong planning and reporting capabilities. You pride yourself on attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with ease.

Above all, you're a relationship-first operator who loves connecting people, collaborating, creating impact and contributing to a culture that's Always Striving for more.

The Perks

• Extra Time Off? Absolutely On top of standard leave, EFC People get up to 10 additional leave days each year, aligning with Footy Department mini-breaks or at the discretion of our Executive Team.
• Family Comes First. We know family is your priority, and it's ours too. That's why we offer generous paid parental leave for both primary and non-primary carers.
• Fitness & Wellbeing Perks. Take care of your mind and body with our Wellbeing program, run in partnership with Converge. Plus, enjoy access to our state-of-the-art elite fitness facilities and heavily discounted access to Windy Hill Fitness Centre for you and your partner.
• Level Up Your Career. At EFC, we never stop learning All team members have access to EFC Learning Programs, with face-to-face and online learning designed to support your professional growth.
• And That's Not All Enjoy exclusive discounts from our Commercial Partners, plus two Flexi Home & Away memberships giving you access to all Essendon home & away games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG. Add in free onsite parking at our state-of-the-art HQ, The Hangar, and exclusive inner sanctum events and experiences

Please keep reading…

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they tick every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't currently meet all the criterial, please still consider applying.

At the Essendon Football Club, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.

To Apply

Please submit your application as soon as possible as shortlisting will commence immediately. Please include in your cover letter why you are a great fit for this role, and why you want to work with Essendon Football Club. Cover letters should be no more than one page, outlining what you can bring to this position.

With our commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld. This includes ensuring all our people hold a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

All applications will be treated with respect and confidentiality, and we endeavour to provide timely responses.

We politely ask not to be approached by recruitment agencies at this time.