Executive Manager - Partnerships

Centacare is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Manager – Partnerships to lead our approach to partnerships, business development, funding opportunities and stakeholder engagement.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who understands that successful business development in the community services sector is about more than generating leads. It is about building meaningful, long-term relationships, identifying opportunities that align with organisational purpose, and translating those relationships into sustainable outcomes for the communities we serve.

You will work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and program leaders to identify and develop new funding and partnership opportunities, lead high-quality tenders and funding submissions, support contract negotiations and maintain a strategic pipeline of opportunities and renewals.

A key focus of this role will be developing strong relationships across a relatively small but highly connected funding and stakeholder environment, including government and funding partners, community leaders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), councils, chambers of commerce, Catholic social service organisations, the Diocese and Parishes.

 

About Centacare

Since 2001, Centacare, a Social Services Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, has been a vital part of the local community. We provide a wide range of social welfare services to support individuals, families, and the broader community.

As a Catholic agency, we welcome everyone—regardless of religion, circumstance, ethnicity, economic situation, age, gender, or ability.

Our work is guided by our core values:

Dignity | Community | Cooperation | Support

These principles shape how we deliver programs and support those who need us most.

 

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead Centacare’s strategic partnerships and business development approach, aligned with organisational strategy, mission and long-term sustainability.
• Identify and develop new funding, program and partnership opportunities, including grants, tenders, contracts and other growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government departments, funding bodies, philanthropic organisations, community leaders, ACCOs, councils, Catholic organisations, the Diocese and Parishes.
• Lead the development and negotiation of funding and partnership opportunities, including high-quality grant and tender submissions and new contract arrangements.
• Maintain a strategic pipeline of funding opportunities and contract renewals, assessing opportunities against organisational priorities, capability, financial sustainability, risk and mission alignment.
• Collaborate with program executives and managers to strengthen stakeholder relationships, align partnership and contract management with service delivery, and develop business cases for significant opportunities.
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, monitoring government priorities, sector trends and emerging community needs while contributing to organisational strategy, risk management and growth.

 

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, community services, social services, public administration or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in business development, partnerships, funding, tendering, stakeholder engagement or a related senior management environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining strategic relationships with government, funding bodies and other key stakeholders.
• High-level strategic, analytical and commercial/business development skills.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare compelling tenders, submissions, business cases and executive reports.
• Highly developed negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills, with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and translate these into practical organisational strategies and/or partnerships.

Desirable

Experience in one or more of the following will be highly regarded:

• Community services, health, disability or not-for-profit sectors.
• Catholic or other mission-based organisations.
• Developing partnerships with ACCOs.
• Developing cross-sector or multi-agency partnerships.
• The social, economic and service delivery environment of regional and rural NSW.

Key Metrics

Success in this role will include:

• Development and implementation of a strategic partnerships and business development approach.
• Growth and diversification of Centacare’s funding and partnership opportunities.
• Demonstrated contribution to organisational growth, sustainability and achievement of strategic priorities.

 

Our Benefits

We are committed to the organisation’s growth and our team members’ wellbeing. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Increase Your Take-Home Pay – Access generous salary packaging benefits of up to $18,500 per year for everyday living and entertainment expenses.
• Be Part of Positive Change – Join a dynamic and evolving organisation committed to growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Flexible & Supportive Culture – Work in a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven environment where your contribution is valued.
• Career Development Opportunities – Expand your skills and advance your career through continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Wellbeing Matters – Enjoy access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
• Recognition & Celebration – Be acknowledged for your contributions through our WOW Awards program, celebrating outstanding achievements and impact.

 

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit:

• A covering letter/statement addressing the Essential Criteria
• Your resume

For more information or role-related queries, contact our P&C Team at h.woods@centacarenenw.com.au.

This is a rolling recruitment process — interviews will be scheduled as suitable applications are received, so don’t wait to apply!

Applications close: 4:00 PM, Wednesday 16th September 2026

 

Safeguarding

The Diocese of Armidale is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and to preventing those in our care from experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm. Centacare is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children and vulnerable people.

All individuals working in the name of the Diocese are required to comply with the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and to actively contribute to a safe and respectful environment for children and vulnerable persons.

Employment screening requirements apply to this position and include a National Police Check, a valid NSW Working With Children Check, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check where required. These clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

Click Apply below to begin your application via SEEK and join a team that values dignity, solidarity and the common good.