Organisational Background

Australian Schools Plus is a national not-for-profit organisation established in 2014 in response to the 2011 Gonski Review, which highlighted the deep and persistent educational inequities across Australia. Grounded by the belief that every child deserves every opportunity to thrive, we’re committed to giving all children access to quality education and breaking entrenched cycles of disadvantage affecting communities nationwide. We partner with schools, education sectors, philanthropy and government to tackle the greatest education challenges, improve student outcomes and drive reform at both the local and systems level.

• Hybrid work model (Sydney based)
• Full-time
• Additional time off for wellbeing and birthdays

Position Summary

The Manager - Strategic Partnerships is a critical member of Schools Plus’ fundraising and partnerships team and is responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of strategic relationships within the corporate and philanthropic sector through bespoke relationship management and grant submissions. It will also involve helping to build and represent Schools Plus in relationships across the education sector, industry bodies and other stakeholders. Excellent communication, fundraising and stakeholder engagement skills will be required. Thinking strategically is critical and being comfortable working autonomously whilst maintaining strong and collaborative relationships with the wider Schools Plus team is a must.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Lead the acquisition of new long-term partnerships – ability to screen potential partners, develop engagement and communication plans, and facilitate a smooth transition of the relationship along the donor journey from acquisition to retention and growth
• Identify and maintain prospect list and conduct prospect research to determine strongest alignment with Schools Plus’ mission
• Manage a portfolio of existing relationships with partners that provide financial or non-financial support to Schools Plus. Development of annual engagement plans of top tier partners and supporters for retention and growth
• Ensure the achievement of annual income targets and key initiatives - highly motivated, creative and results-driven
• Lead pitch and proposal development involving the broader Schools Plus team including Education, Marketing and Operations depending on the opportunity
• Write grant applications across all revenue tiers, prepare and deliver high industry standard presentations and proposals
• Ensure regular high-quality reporting and communications to partners
• Support team across the broader fundraising spectrum beyond corporate and philanthropic organisations to include major donors, gift-in wills, and government funding opportunities
• Identify potential marketing and communications, public speaking opportunities
• Input into the annual fundraising and partnerships strategy and workplan, with ownership of the strategic partnership’s portfolio
• Maintain knowledge of competitive landscape, partners and market trends relevant to Schools Plus strategic positioning, identifying opportunities for growth and access to channels across multiple income streams, such as cause-related marketing, workplace giving and advocacy campaigns

School Relationships

• Establish and maintain relationships with the education community stakeholders including education departments, principals’ associations, education peak bodies and individual schools as required

Data and Process Management

• Manage and update Schools Plus’ Salesforce CRM relating to your area of work to ensure all data is of highest integrity
• Input into continuous improvement of donor relations and fundraising processes

Team Collaboration and Management

• Collaborate effectively with Schools Plus’ wider team
• Attend and actively participate in various meetings/team gatherings and implement actions as required including input into organisational strategy, reporting to board, etc.

Skills and Experience

• Significant expertise and experience in developing supporter relationships, particularly in relation to corporate and philanthropic organisations
• Strong relationship building experience to grow senior level relationships with supporters, schools and other key stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to support donor communications (including writing of proposals, grants and reports) and partnerships
• Driven and can work autonomously with proven success and experience in leading, and working collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve a common goal
• Strong Microsoft and CRM skills, including budgeting in Excel, developing PowerPoints, and utilising a CRM system to track the donor journey
• Passion for the not-for-profit sector and education equity

How I Operate

• I operate with integrity and commitment across everything I do
• I am accountable and cooperate with the broader organisation
• I am creative, energetic and have a can-do attitude
• I can navigate ambiguity by being strategic and resilient

next steps

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about working for Australian Schools Plus. Please include salary expectations.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. 

For any questions relating to the role, please contact Lucy Timms, email: [email protected] using the subject line: Manager - Strategic Partnerships enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Australian Schools Plus is committed to diversity and inclusivity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.