Position Overview
Do you thrive in partnership sales, account management and team leadership? As Surfing Australia continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced high-performing individual to secure, deliver and grow partnerships, while leading a team to drive commercial outcomes and meaningful impact.
Reports to: Chief of Sport & Partnerships
Department: Partnerships
Location: Surfing Australia Head Office. High Performance Centre – Casuarina, Tweed Heads NSW
Role: Full-time
Roles that report to this role: 2x Partnerships Specialists and onsite partnerships teams
Start Date: August 2026
About Surfing Australia
Surfing Australia is a National Sporting Organisation formed in 1963 to establish, guide and promote the development of surfing in Australia. Our purpose is to create a healthier and happier Australia through surfing. Our vision is to continue to be one of Australia's most loved sports, creating authentic heroes and champions to inspire the next generation to learn a skill for life. From grassroots participation to Olympic podiums, we work to develop, promote, and grow the sport at every level.
Our events objective is to deliver the world's best competition pathway and surf lifestyle portfolio creating stoked competitors and new surf fans.
Visit surfingaustralia.com to learn more about our history, our strategic pillars and what we deliver to Australia's surfing community.
Primary Purpose of this role:
Lead the acquisition, retention and growth of strategic partnerships that generate sustainable revenue, enhance brand value and support Surfing Australia's strategic objectives.
This role reports to the Chief of Sport & Partnerships and is based at Surfing Australia's High-Performance Centre and Surfing Australia HQ in Northern NSW at Casuarina, NSW. The role will manage two direct reports within the Partnership team and work very close across the Events, Media, Marketing and other key departments at Surfing Australia.
This role requires some domestic travel and weekend work throughout the year across Australia to deliver partnerships across events and programs. (Approximately 5-6 weekends is required to be worked per year).
Key Responsibilities
Sales and New Partnerships
* Secure new partners aligned with Surfing Australia's purpose and values
* Build custom partnership proposals for brands that deliver on their business outcomes
* Pitch Surfing Australia events, programs, media and other assets direct to companies to partner with Surfing Australia
* Conduct market research, ideation and identify the most suitable companies to partner with Surfing Australia
* Create new sellable inventory and opportunities for partners across Surfing Australia key initiatives
* Monitor and track lead generation across the organisation and report on partnership opportunities
* Conduct internal meetings and share learnings, results and ways forward
* Improve existing systems and implement new ones to increase efficiency and better support partnerships
Partner Account Management
* Account manage a range of existing and new partnerships
* Provide high-quality client service to partners and lead the partnerships team on selected events and programs
* Develop and enhance reports for events, programs and partnerships
* Provide internal briefs and delivery schedules for events, programs and marketing teams
* Travel and work on site to deliver major events with the wider Surfing Australia team
* Manage budgets and track costs across all partnerships
* Support government relations, pitches and budget submissions
Lead, manage and develop the Partnerships Specialists team (currently two staff)
* Manage team workflow, systems and processes across the department
* Lead delivery of the Partnerships annual business plan in line with the broader organisational strategy
Key Relationships
Internal: CEO, Chief of Sport & Partnerships, Partnerships Specialists, Events Department, Marketing, Media & owned Channels Department, High Performance Centre Manager, Director of High Performance, Head of Podium Programs, Head of Participation & Community, Program Managers
External: Existing partners, companies and brands, advertising, media and sales agencies, surf industry stakeholders, state branches, suppliers, and government (local, state and federal)
Key Role Measurables
Primary Measurables
* Revenue and Net Profit from new partnerships
* Partner Renewals and Length / Term of partnerships
* Partnerships Team Development and Management
* Budget Management and cost of goods
Secondary Measurables
* Strong partner satisfaction and retention, supported by survey or feedback results
* Strategic alignment of new partners with Surfing Australia's values, brand and priorities
* Effective delivery of agreed partner activations, campaigns and benefits
* Partnerships increasing impacts for members, competitors, athletes and programs/initiatives
* Effective cross-functional planning and delivery of partnership commitments
Person Requirements
Qualifications / Memberships
* Relevant University degree / Tafe Diploma preferred but not essential
* Membership of non for profit, professional sports, sales &/or industry groups an advantage
* Strong understanding of surf culture and the Australian surfing ecosystem highly regarded
Type of Experience
* 5+ years proven track record of sales
* 5+ years client servicing and renewals (media &/or sports sponsorships preferred)
* 5+ years in creating professional proposals, reports and presentations
* 5+ years leadership and people management
* Experience in major events planning and delivery
* Experience in media buying, media agencies and or digital advertising sales
* Experience in delivering partnerships onsite including pre, during and post events
* Experience in Surfing events and competitions is desirable
Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Excellent direct sales and lead generation knowledge
* Ability to sell media, content and marketing packages
* Experience and ability to build premium presentations, proposals and reports
* Comfortable with presenting and pitching to multiple stakeholders
* Ability to manage, develop and motivate a team and align to business plans
* Passion about connecting with people & learning about different brands/business
* Strong knowledge of the Australian sports sponsorship and media landscape
* Preferred working in direct advertising or sponsorship sales position
* Established networks within the Australian advertising, media and/or sponsorship sectors highly regarded
* Understanding of and ability to build a local, state and federal Government sport investment framework
* Understanding of and ability to build a philanthropic and donations sport strategy
* Influential and effective written and oral communication skills
* Strong stakeholder insight, commercial judgement and relationship management skills
* Competent in basics of marketing strategy, planning & measurement
* Prioritization and organisational skills and strong project management abilities
* Consistently look to innovate and streamline processes
* Able to work in a team environment and independently
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office + CRM/database
* Understanding of sales software – lead generation focused
* Experience and understanding of how AI and automation can support our partnerships department
* Able to build strong relationships quickly
* Self-motivated, outcomes-focused and committed to continuous improvement
* Understanding of event and program media and marketing
* Understanding of content and digital production – shortform and long form
* Ability to deliver on annual business plan and link to overarching strategy
* Knowledgeable on our state branches and our federated structure
* Knowledgeable on Australian beaches, surf conditions & communities
* Knowledgeable on Australian Boardrider clubs
* Knowledge of the Surfing Industry and brands
Required Working with Children Check and Australian Drivers License
What we offer
* Competitive salary with opportunities for professional development
* Complimentary on-site gym facilities available
* Opportunities for personal/career development
* Great work culture and annual program
* Dynamic team environment
* Domestic Travel opportunities
* Events and Programs all placed at amazing beaches around Australia
* Networking opportunities and ability to attend major events
EEO Statements
Surfing Australia is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its activities. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultural and/or linguistic people with a disability, and those with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Surfing Australia requires all applicants to undergo background checks and screening prior to or during any appointment to meet our responsibilities under the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework, Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
Surfing Australia is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children that are involved in our sport. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish a child safe culture and practices.
Closing date for applications Tuesday 23rd June 5pm 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr