Governance Institute of Australia is the only independent professional association with a sole focus on whole-of-organisation governance — best practice culture and ethics from the boardroom to the staff room.
We are a leading professional membership association dedicated to the support and empowerment of anyone who is responsible for governance and risk management.
Our events, education programs and extensive resources provide our 7,500+ members and over 45,000 subscribers with the tools and knowledge to drive strong, accountable performance in their role and enhance their career in the future.
About the role
We are seeking a commercially minded Business Development Manager/State Manager to drive growth and act as the local representative and face of Governance Institute across the NSW/ACT region.
This role has a strong revenue and business development focus. You will be responsible for growing membership, sales of our training courses to individuals and organisations, and building sustainable corporate relationships that contribute to revenue and long‑term engagement. You will actively connect with the NSW/ACT business community, position Governance Institute’s value proposition, and convert opportunities into measurable outcomes.
This role suits an influential relationship‑builder who enjoys having commercial conversations, working towards sales targets, identifying opportunities, making outbound calls, finding solutions for clients and closing a deal. You will represent Governance Institute confidently with senior stakeholders and present tailored solutions that meet organisational needs.
Key responsibilities
Revenue Growth & Business Development
* Drive revenue growth across NSW/ACT through member acquisition, renewals, and expansion of organisational and corporate relationships.
* Identify, develop and convert sales for in‑house training and education solutions with organisations operating in governance and risk environments.
* Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients and members, managing opportunities through to close.
* Actively promote Governance Institute’s products and services within the local business community, positioning them as commercially valuable and outcomes‑focused.
Member Engagement & Retention
* Lead efforts to attract, engage and retain members across NSW/ACT, with a clear focus on value, relevance and long‑term retention.
* Maintain strong relationships with senior members and organisational contacts, identifying opportunities to deepen engagement and increase lifetime value.
* Provide local market insights to inform national initiatives, product development and growth strategies.
State Council & Stakeholder Management
* Work strategically with the NSW/ACT State Council to support regional business priorities aligned to national objectives.
* Act as secretariat to the State Council, including agenda preparation, reporting and governance support.
* Build strong relationships with council members and key influencers within the governance and risk community.
Skills and experience
* Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
* Demonstrated success in business development, sales or revenue‑generating roles, ideally within professional services, education or membership‑based organisations.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify opportunities, influence decision‑makers and close deals.
* Exceptional relationship‑building skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and organisational leaders.
* Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present tailored solutions.
* Experience managing budgets, forecasts and performance reporting.
* Strategic, proactive and solutions‑focused, with the ability to operate autonomously in a dynamic environment.
Why work with us?
We offer a hybrid, flexible work environment within a supportive and collaborative culture. We also provide our team with:
* Free access to Governance Institute's courses and events
* NFP tax effective salary packaging arrangements
* Group Salary Continuance Scheme
* Group Life and Disability Insurance Scheme
* Free flu shots
* Annual salary review
* Interactive portal for recognition, employee discounts, and accessing wellness support
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
To apply:
Please apply via Seek or .
Only applicants with full and permanent working rights in Australia will be considered.