About Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) is the governing body in Australia responsible for the development and growth of wheelchair rugby. Recognised as a National Sporting Organisation (NSO), WRA is dedicated to providing athletes with a disability the opportunity to participate and excel in wheelchair rugby from grassroots to international competition. WRA is a registered charity and not-for profit recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Learn more here: wheelchairrugby.com.au

The Position

WRA is seeking an ambitious and motivated Partnerships Lead responsible for driving WRA’s growth and sustainability through performance partnerships, strategic partnerships, sponsorships and revenue generation. This position requires a dynamic and commercially minded professional who can secure and manage key relationships with corporate, government, performance and community partners.

The Partnerships Lead will oversee the full lifecycle of partnerships – from identifying opportunities, negotiating contracts, delivery and renewal, ensuing alignment with WRA’s Organisational and High Performance Strategic Priorities. 

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and sponsors.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all partnership engagements, ensuring consistent communication and delivery of outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership performance, providing regular reporting and insights.

Contracting and Negotiation

• Lead negotiations with prospective partners to secure mutually beneficial agreements.
• Draft, review and manage contracts to ensure compliance with WRA policies and legal requirements.
• Oversee the execution of contractual obligations and ensure their delivery.

Sponsorships

• Design and manage sponsorship packages that align with WRA goals, high performance objectives and partner expectations.
• Work with marketing and operations teams to activate sponsorships effectively and maximise visibility and return on investment.
• Work across local, state and national level sponsorships and partnerships.
• Evaluate sponsorship outcomes and provide recommendations.

Revenue Generation

• Develop and implement strategies to grow and diversify revenue streams through partnerships, sponsorships and grants.
• Identify new markets, sectors and organisations to expand partnerships.
• Create tailored proposals and pitches that clearly articulate value and return on investment.
• Drive fundraising initiatives both for organisational sustainability and individual athlete support.

Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to WRA’s Strategy by identifying opportunities and risks in partnerships
• Work closely with CEO and Leadership to ensure partnerships align with WRA’s brand and objectives.
• Support State Leads to leverage and optimise partnerships and sponsorships at a state and local level.

General

• Attend meetings and represent WRA as required.
• General administration tasks as pertaining to the role.
• Any other duties within the employee’s capabilities which is fair and reasonable to expect the employees to undertake as directed by the CEO from time to time.
• Ensure compliance with WRA’s policies, guidelines and procedures.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience in revenue generation, partnership management and sponsorship.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a team environment and at times autonomously with competence, integrity and efficiency.
• Knowledge, understanding and interest in the Australian sports industry in order to be able to communicate in both written and verbal means effectively  
• Ability to network and develop and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and group training skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills supported by interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer and IT skills including knowledge of database management and Office functions.
• Must be available for weekend and weeknight work when required.
• Must be an Australia Citizen / Permanent Resident or already have the appropriate working rights with Australia to be considered for this position.

Desirable

• Driver’s licence
• Working with Children Check

Commitment to Child Safety and Integrity

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, of all ages, ability and background, in our care who access activities, programs, services or facilities for which WRA is responsible for.

WRA has a zero tolerance to child abuse and neglect in any form. We support the rights of children. They have the right to take part in wheelchair rugby in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment, where they are respected and valued. Child safety and protection remains a priority for WRA now and into the future.

WRA commits to making sure that everyone involved with delivering wheelchair rugby in Australia understand the important responsibilities they have in relation to child safety. Everyone has a role in ensuring that we keep our sport as safe and enjoyable as possible.

WRA’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy seeks to promote and protect the rights of all children and young people in our care and prevent abuse from occurring by fostering a child safe culture. The Policy gives guidance on the processes and procedure that aim to ensure children and young people’s safety and wellbeing across all areas of WRA’s work.

The Policy can be accessed here: wheelchairrugby.com.au/integrity

While this role is not a child-related role, under our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy you may be required to undergo a police check and have a valid Working with Children check.