Work Integrated Learning

Company Description

At Umbrellus, we design the next generation of regenerative infrastructure rooted in care for land, community, and material innovation. Using living mycelium and agricultural byproducts, we create biodegradable trellises, modular livestock shelters, and sculptural lighting that are grown, not manufactured. Our systems restore ecosystems, reduce waste, and offer climate-ready alternatives. Partnering with RMIT University and supported by LaunchVic's 2025 CivVic Labs, Agriculture Victoria, The Industry Growth Program, and Climate Launchpad Australia, we advance scientific research and real-world applications across multiple sectors. We help shape a more restorative future through circular design and climate resilience.

Role Description

Umbrellus is seeking a for-credit
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Business Development & Partnerships intern
to help build and convert a
cross-sector pipeline spanning viticulture & agrifood, festivals & events, councils/government
, and
design/hospitality
. In this hands-on placement, you'll map target partners, craft thoughtful outreach, book meetings, and prepare concise one-pagers/mini-decks; coordinate pilots and site visits (e.g., vineyard trellis trials, small event installs) while keeping our CRM immaculate; surface relevant grants and procurement opportunities; and turn call notes into clear next actions and weekly pipeline updates. You'll gain founder-level BD experience across regenerative hardware (mycelium technology and agricultural byproducts-based shelters and trellises) and help shape a partnerships narrative that's credible and outcomes-focused.

What you'll do (integrated across industries)

• Build targeted partner lists and run thoughtful outreach to vineyards, agrifood producers, festival producers, councils, NGOs, hotels and design showrooms.
• Book meetings, prepare concise one-pagers and mini decks, and keep our CRM spotless (Notion/HubSpot).
• Coordinate pilots and site visits (e.g., vineyard trials, festival installs), capturing learnings and next steps.
• Support grant/program scouting (agri/climate/council) and light tender/procurement research.
• Turn call notes into clear actions; help shape our partnerships narrative.

What you'll learn

• End-to-end B2B partnerships: mapping, outreach, qualification, pilots, MoUs.
• Sector nuance: vineyard operations & trials, festival ops & safety, council procurement, hospitality/design buying cycles.
• How to communicate impact and circular design credibly (without greenwash).
• Founder-level context: prioritisation, pipeline reviews, and iteration.

You are

• Currently enrolled at an Australian university and eligible for a for-credit WIL placement.
• A crisp writer with strong research and follow-through; comfortable speaking with farmers, festival teams, council officers and design buyers.
• Curious, organised, and respectful of stakeholders' time.

Practical details

• Unpaid for-credit WIL (university-approved). We'll sign your WIL agreement; standard university insurance applies during the placement.
• Hybrid: Southbank + remote. Occasional Victorian site or event visits (where feasible). Pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

How to apply (one email, three items):

• Send Resume, CV and portfolio to
• 150–200 words on a real partnership you landed or how you'd land one for Umbrellus.
• A bullet-plan to secure
  4 farms, 3 vineyards and 1 festival pilot
  in 8 weeks (target orgs + outreach angle + milestones).
• Send to
  
  with subject:
  WIL — BD & Partnerships (Your Name).
  Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Inclusive hiring

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. If access needs would help you perform at your best, tell us - happy to accommodate.

Compliance note (Australia):
This opportunity is a
vocational placement for academic credit arranged/approved by your university.
Under the Fair Work framework, such placements can be lawfully unpaid when they meet the definition and the primary benefit is to the student; otherwise, paid employment rules apply. (See Fair Work Ombudsman guidance and your university's WIL procedures.)