Partnerships Lead

Netball Queensland & the Queensland Firebirds; Queensland; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sporting organization in Queensland is seeking a Partnership Lead to enhance commercial relationships and deliver value to partners. The role involves managing stakeholder engagement, supporting activation at events, and leveraging partnership opportunities. Candidates should have relevant experience in commercial roles and excellent communication skills. Join us to contribute to the dynamic sport of netball and its sustainable development.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

18 weeks paid primary carer leave

Access to employee assistance programs

Modern office facilities

Tickets to events at Nissan Arena

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial or sponsorships role.
• Ability to set priorities, plan work programmes, and meet deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of Netball Queensland partnership program.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Collaborate on sponsorship servicing obligations.
• Contribute to activation plans and fan engagement strategies.
• Track partnership activities to demonstrate ROI.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Project management

Commercial acumen

Digital marketing

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, marketing or communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT NETBALL QUEENSLAND

Netball Queensland (NQ) is the peak state sporting organisation responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of netball throughout Queensland.

We take seriously our position as custodians of netball in Queensland and prioritise our responsibility to promote inclusion, gender equality and diversity. We are committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment through transitioning diversity, equity and inclusion from a function to a practice.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan launched in April 2022 has formalised our commitment to reconciliation by embedding a framework to turn our intentions into practical, meaningful actions and outcomes.

At NQ our purpose is to enrich lives through netball, and we aspire to be the most played and supported sport in Queensland. Our 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan defines what ‘winning’ means for our organisation and outlines the choices that will make it happen and create value.

The incredible Nissan Arena is the home to our history‑making Queensland Firebirds netball team as well as NQ's operations and delivery of community sport and major events>

At NQ our values and behaviours are important to our cultural identity and where we grow, play, inspire and lead our great game of netball.

As we strive for our Queensland Firebirds to be Queensland’s favourite sporting team and work to build thriving netball communities, we know that we must assemble the right team. A career at NQ represents a unique opportunity to succeed in a high‑performance environment while enjoying a flexible work culture and directly contributing to the sustainability of netball in Queensland.

Further information on Netball Queensland, Nissan Arena and the Queensland Firebirds can be found at netballq.org.au, nissanarena.com.au, and firebirds.net.au.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Partnerships & Fan Experience Manager, the Partnership Lead is responsible for supporting the operational delivery of outstanding commercial value and other benefits to Netball Queensland’s partners.

As a key member of an energetic and passionate team, you will be committed to delivering excellence across a diverse portfolio of commercial partnerships. Through comprehensive planning and exceptional stakeholder management – both internal and external – you will bring partnership agreements to life, curating experiences that leverage traditional assets and innovative campaigns.

Given our strong focus on events throughout Queensland, you will also play a pivotal role in delivering partner activations at major event days.

The successful candidate must bring proven experience in a recent commercial or sponsorships role. This is an opportunity for someone looking to build a long‑term career in the sports industry, contributing to meaningful commercial outcomes and working closely with partners who share a passion for sport.

Salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate, with $80,000 plus superannuation provided as a guide.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and execute the delivery of the Netball Queensland partnership program, including understanding key objectives and managing day‑to‑day relationships with external stakeholders and partners.
• Deliver excellence in customer service and stakeholder engagement to maximise the commercial outcomes of the partnership portfolio, minimise risk, and support successful renewals.
• Collaborate with the wider Commercial, Marketing, and Events team to implement sponsorship servicing obligations across the organisation, ensuring all deliverables are on brand, on time, and on budget.
• In partnership with the Partnerships & Fan Experience Manager, contribute to the ideation and execution of annual activation plans and digital fan engagement strategies that align with the objectives of both Netball Queensland and its partners. This includes successful delivery at Queensland Firebirds match days, major carnivals, and events.
• Support, track, and monitor all partnership activities, including end‑of‑season and annual reviews, to demonstrate ROI and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Identify new commercial assets and leverage opportunities that drive outcomes for existing and prospective sponsors, contributing to Netball Queensland’s goals for brand growth, fan engagement, and commercial sustainability.
• Match days include Queensland Firebirds Suncorp Super Netball matches and HART Premier League games at Nissan Arena.
• Major events involve collaboration with the Competitions Team to deliver exceptional Netball Queensland State Events, Carnivals, and competitions across Queensland.
• Promote and support a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.

ABOUT YOU

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, marketing and communications or related field.
• Recent experience in a similar commercial and sponsorships role.
• Strong ability to set priorities, plan work programmes, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a solid understanding of digital marketing.
• Excellent communication skills, including face‑to‑face, telephone, written reports, and general correspondence.

WHY WORK FOR NETBALL QUEENSLAND?

To achieve our vision of becoming the most played and supported sport in Queensland, Netball Queensland must have the best and brightest team on and off the court. As an employee at Netball Queensland your rewards will be:

• Culture: a high‑performance culture defined by NQ’s values and accepted behaviours and norms.
• Flexibility: a hybrid work model that recognises the benefits of working in the office and working remotely.
• Family: 18 weeks paid primary carer leave and 4 weeks paid secondary carer leave.
• Wellness: access to employee assistance programs and a fully equipped high‑performance gym.
• Growth: professional development opportunities and a strong commitment to support your career growth.
• Reward and Recognition: remuneration reviewed annually in line with our performance review and career discussion process, regular feedback provided and wins celebrated.
• Facilities: modern office facilities in Nissan Arena.
• Location: easily accessible location with onsite parking and public transport.
• Benefits: tickets to events at Nissan Arena and sponsor discounts.
• Social: social committee who organise quarterly all‑team events.

And above all, the opportunity to directly impact our great game of netball and ensure its sustainability for generations to come!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Blue Card

As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. It is essential that anyone employed at NQ understand their responsibility in relation to child safety. We require that all applicants hold a Working with Children (Blue) Card or be able to obtain one as soon as possible and before commencing employment with NQ.

Diversity and Inclusion

Netball Queensland recognises that diversity and inclusion are drivers of success and prioritises creating a workplace where all individuals have fair opportunities to thrive and contribute. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQ communities.

Hours of Work

The sport industry operates outside of traditional business hours, including weekends. To succeed in this role, you must be willing and able to work when and where sport is happening. We have a flexible approach to ensuring our people can balance their family life and personal commitments alongside the demands of the industry.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role your application should include:

• A letter of introduction of no more than 2 pages that addresses the key areas of responsibility and demonstrates your relevant experience.
• An accompanying resume.

Please submit your application to [e-mail]