Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement

Lifeline Canberra is a not-for-profit organisation providing crisis support and suicide prevention services to thousands of Australians each year.

Through its dedicated team of around 20 employees and 900+ volunteers, Lifeline Canberra plays a critical role in supporting those experiencing crisis, while working to create a community where no one has to face their darkest moments alone. Last year Lifeline Canberra answered over 41,000 calls from people in crisis, representing over 21,000 hours of vital phone support, all staffed by highly trained volunteers.

With a strong reputation for impact, innovation and community connection, Lifeline Canberra has built a sustainable and diversified financial base through corporate partnerships, philanthropic support, major community fundraising initiatives, retail operations and a growing training business.

Summary:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement leads business development, communications, events and fundraising for Lifeline Canberra and Lifeline Narrm (Melbourne), strengthening income generation and community connection to support organisational growth. The role requires an executive with substantial experience across these functions, and an ability to lead highly motivated teams.

This individual will be a strong communicator, negotiator and project manager.

This role will report to the CEO.

Responsibilities:

- Participate as an effective member of the executive leadership team.




- Implementation of relevant elements of the organisation’s Strategic Plan
- Build and maintain external relationships alongside the CEO (Government, business, Patron, ambassadors, donors, sponsors, clients and community agencies).
- Lead the preparation and execution of strategic plans for fundraising programs, sponsorship, events, and marketing and communications.
- Oversee consistent organisational messaging and brand presentation across the portfolio, and work with the CEO to coordinate responses to sensitive issues and media enquiries.
- Lead the preparation and execution of the sales and marketing plan for corporate and community training.
- Oversee donor and sponsor stewardship, including relationship management, fulfilment of agreed commitments, and communication of the impact of their support.
- Enhance our Patron and Ambassador engagement.
- Agree annual objectives with the CEO for fundraising income, sponsorship, training sales, event outcomes and communications effectiveness. Monitor progress against these objectives and report results, risks and corrective actions.
- Develop and manage budgets for the functions within the role’s remit, monitor income and expenditure, and assess the financial performance of fundraising activities, events and training.




- Exercise financial authority within approved delegations.
- Lead and support the staff teams within the portfolio, setting clear responsibilities and priorities, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional development.
- Support the CEO’s engagement with the Board by preparing portfolio reports and briefings, and attending Board meetings as required to discuss results, risks and strategic priorities.

Experience Required:

- Executive leadership experience within the not-for-profit, government or commercial sectors.
- Proven capability and extensive experience in fundraising, communications, marketing and corporate relationship development.
- Demonstrated ability to lead staff teams, develop current business and grow sales of services such as corporate and community training, and manage budgets and financial performance.
- Event planning skills and advanced time management skills.
- Proven ability to establish and nurture high-level relationships.
- Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication.

The position requires leadership, enthusiasm, energy, creativity, innovation, imagination, and a commitment to high quality productions and presentations. To be successful in this position the incumbent will be required to work and be available irregular hours including some early mornings, late evenings and weekends. Representation at a variety of public forums and functions outside business hours is expected.

Applications close by 11:59pm 3rd December 2026.

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📌 Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement (Canberra)
🏢 Lifeline Canberra
📍 Canberra