Partnerships Manager

UNICEF is the world’s largest children’s charity working to protect vulnerable children, globally and here in Australia. Run entirely on voluntary donations, we work to improve the lives of every vulnerable child, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day our teams are on the ground in 190 countries working with local partners to deliver lifesaving help and create lasting change. From vaccinating children in war zones to providing early childhood education access in Indigenous communities, donations help us to protect every child, no matter what.

We are offering a full time 12-months contract position based in Melbourne, working in a flexible environment, built around the diversity of our team and their needs. This role is currently based in Melbourne with regular travel required, primarily to Sydney, as well as occasional interstate and international travel. A competitive salary commensurate with the not-for-profit sector is offered together with a broad range of wellbeing benefits. 

What we are looking for 

We're looking for someone who is proactive, relationship-focused and confident working autonomously, while collaborating effectively across a complex organisation to build meaningful, long-term partnerships. 

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, the Partnerships Manager (VIC) will play a key role in growing UNICEF Australia's corporate partnerships program across Victoria. You'll build and manage strategic relationships with corporate partners and foundations, identify new opportunities, and deliver exceptional stewardship that drives impact for children and sustainable revenue growth. 

Your day will include

• Identifying and securing new corporate partnerships and corporate foundations to grow support for children.
• Building trusted, long-term relationships with partners and uncovering opportunities to create shared value. 
• Managing and growing a portfolio of corporate partners through exceptional stewardship, engagement and impact reporting. 
• Developing partnership strategies and tailored engagement plans that deliver strong outcomes for partners and UNICEF Australia. 
• Collaborating across Fundraising and the wider organisation to deliver compelling partnership opportunities and experiences. 
• Using your knowledge of UNICEF's work to inspire partners and support meaningful impact for children

We would like you to have the following skills and experience

• Appropriate tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Communications or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in corporate partnerships, philanthropy, major gifts, account management, relationship management or business development, ideally managing high-value stakeholder relationships.
• A proven ability to build, steward and grow strategic relationships, identifying opportunities that deliver long-term value and impact. 
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and navigate a complex organisation. 
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with confidence engaging a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. 
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities in a complex environment.

What will it feel like to work at UNICEF Australia

• An environment and culture built on the importance of teamwork, collaboration and shared purpose
• Sector leading salary packaging and a competitive salary commensurate with the NFP sector
• A flexible and inclusive environment, built around the diversity of our team and their needs, supporting our people to bring their best selves to work every day.
• A positive and values-driven work culture which celebrates our achievements and recognises our teams
• A wellbeing package which includes such things as access to Birthday leave, EAP, nutrition, exercise, financial and legal support
• Commitment to our child-first philosophy with generous paid parental leave and offering 
• The opportunity to support a global impactful cause and make a difference for every child 

How To Apply

To apply for this fantastic opportunity please select "Apply" and submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Your Cover Letter, outlining your relevant experience and highlighting a summary of your strengths
• Your CV 

For further information on this position, please be in touch with our People & Culture Team: recruitment@unicef.org.au.

We welcome you to contact us to discuss any requirements that will ensure you can participate fully in our recruitment experience. 
 
Applications for this position close Wednesday 9 September 2026.
 
All applicants are required to be legally entitled to work in Australia. UNICEF Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation and adheres to strict safeguarding principles. All successful candidates will be required to undergo rigorous background checks (including National Criminal History Checks and Working with Children Check) and sign and abide by our Code of Conduct on Child Safeguarding & Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

UNICEF Australia is committed to ensure all our People, from any background, feel heard, considered, and able to contribute to their full potential. We are striving to build a truly inclusive workplace, one that our team feel they can bring their best self to work and is reflective of the wider community that we serve.