Manager, Strategic Partnerships

• Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position until 30 October 2026
• Hybrid role - 3x days per week at Western’s Parramatta City (1PSQ) Campus & 2x days per week working from home or another Western Campus 
• Remuneration: HEW Level 8 $138,029 to $153,227 p.a. | Includes 17% Superannuation & Leave

About the Opportunity
Western Sydney University is seeking a Manager, Strategic Partnerships to join the Partnerships team to lead the development, stewardship and growth of external partnerships across industry, government, education providers and community organisations. The position is designed to advance strategic objectives by identifying high value opportunities, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering partnerships that create measurable outcomes for learners and communities. The role oversees a defined portfolio, balances growth with quality assurance, and ensures agreements are well structured, compliant and outcome focused.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 30 October 2026. This is a hybrid role requiring 3x days per week at Western’s Parramatta City (1PSQ) Campus and 2x days per week working from home or another Western Campus. 

For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Manager, Strategic Partnerships - Position Description.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, the Manager, Strategic Partnerships will:

• Build and manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities, from prospecting through to agreement and implementation.
• Lead partner development activities, including due diligence, stakeholder engagement, business case development, and negotiations.
• Coordinate cross-functional input to ensure programs are viable, sustainable, and aligned to strategic priorities.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting in CRM systems, track performance against KPIs, and prepare briefs and presentations for leadership.
• Monitor risk and compliance, ensuring contracts and partner activities meet legal, policy, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing insights and refining partnership frameworks.

Who we’re looking for
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or experience in partnerships, business development, or stakeholder engagement, ideally within complex or multi-sector environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across industry, government, education, and community sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills, with the capability to develop compelling proposals and agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, as well as project management skills, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools and databases.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven approach, with sound judgment and a strong sense of responsibility.

Why Join us?
Western Sydney University highly values equity and inclusiveness and strives to contribute to tackling inequalities and promoting wellbeing within our own institution. If you share our passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive world, and if you are ready to contribute to meaningful change, join us in our mission to promote equity, inclusiveness, and wellbeing.

Joining our team comes with a range of exceptional benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities, including secondments, structured training, and leadership programs to enhance your skills across the University
• Staff Benefits: Enjoy health and fitness programs like Fitness Passport, library facilities, staff discounts through partnerships such as those with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Zoo, along with a wide variety of other goods and services.

Remuneration Package: HEW Level 8 $138,029 to $153,227 p.a. (comprising Salary of $116,636 to $129,479 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Lynn Erkens, Director, Business Development, via [email protected].

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to Tiana Woodward, Senior Advisor Talent Acquisition, via [email protected].

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 4th January 2026.

Interviews: Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 5th January 2026.

Commencement: The successful applicant will begin their new role on Monday 12th January 2026.

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.