Careers at the St Kilda Football Club represent a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic culture, where we recognise every individual impacts team success. It's a place where we lift, support, and challenge each other to be greater. And in that pursuit of greatness, we embrace the grit our journey requires.
The timing and potential of this opportunity is unprecedented. Last year was the year of exploration in our AFL program, and the year our AFLW team inspired with their most successful season yet. In 2024 we start in earnest the build towards our second and subsequent premierships.
Within our cultural DNA is the ability to harness the power of collaboration, diversity and effort to impact what matters to our football Club. While on-field performance is the club's absolute priority, we recognise the important role we play in the community and embrace our responsibility to promote mental fitness through the Danny Frawley Centre, social inclusion via the Healthy Futures Hub and continue our long-standing commitments to First Nations people and gender equality.
We understand who we represent, and the privileged position we hold as custodians of a football club built on more than 150 years of history.
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and strategic Partnership Development Lead to join our team, reporting directly to the Head of Commercial Partnerships. In this role, you will be responsible for attracting new commercial partners to the football club and driving the growth and retention of existing club partners. Your performance will contribute directly to support our playing group to be the best Saints ever.
About you
You have a proven track record in identifying, targeting and securing new commercial partners. Ideally you have experience within the sports or entertainment sectors. Your strong ability to initiate and foster relationships with corporate stakeholders will set you apart. You thrive in negotiation, are a clever communicator, and take great pride in your presentation skills. You are excited to navigate a fast-paced, competitive environment. You bring brilliant relationship building skills and you enjoy the thrill of the chase, hunting down new commercial opportunities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identify, target, and secure new commercial partners that resonate with St Kilda Football Club's brand and business objectives.
- Craft tailored sponsorship proposals, ensuring synergy with partners' strategic priorities.
- Analyse market trends to uncover untapped sectors and industries for future partnerships.
- Cultivate and nurture relationships with corporate stakeholders and prospective partners.
- Engage in networking opportunities to generate leads and establish robust business connections.
- Serve as an ambassador for the club at industry events, promoting our commercial potential.
- Collaborate with marketing, digital, and events teams to develop compelling partnership proposals.
- Partner with community and football departments to capitalize on commercial opportunities linked to grassroots programs.
- Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of partnership initiatives, driving continuous improvement.
What you need
- 3+ years of experience in business development or sales, preferably in a focused sales role.
- Strong financial management skills, including budget and reporting capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
- Strong experience using PowerPoint or Canva to develop engaging presentations.
What we offer
- Fantastic culture of grounded people, passionate about what they do
- On site LINTON STREET café
- Free access to Aquatics Facilities and Recover Centre at our Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing
- Free parking onsite & state of the art gym access
- Bring your Pet to Work Fridays!|
- Discounted Saints memberships and merchandise
- Up to 40% discount on selected NEW BALANCE products
- Saints-only Linen House product pricing
- Boost your sleep with 50% off Tempur pillows through our Saints Sleep Program
- Crown Hotels 15% discount & 20% discount on food & beverage at participating Crown restaurants
Please keep reading...
Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized folks tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
To apply
Applications should include a current CV with a cover letter that addresses why you are interested in working with St Kilda Football Club, why you would be an asset to our culture and how your skills/experience would be benefit the position.
Applications will close Friday 8th November. Short-listing of candidates will commence prior to the closure of this role, so please do not delay submitting your application.
The St Kilda Football Club is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQ communities.
We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and fostering a "child safe" culture. It is essential that anyone involved with the St Kilda Football Club understands their responsibility in relation to child safety and supports such an environment. All employees of St Kilda Football Club are required to have a valid Working With Children Check.
