The Head of Partnerships

About the Role

The Head of Partnerships plays a critical role in supporting Opera Australias financial sustainability by leading the development acquisition and renewal of corporate partnerships.

This role is responsible for delivering a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy that aligns with Opera Australias fundraising objectives and artistic vision. Working closely with internal stakeholders corporate partners the Board and Executive leadership you will cultivate long-term mutually beneficial relationships that enhance the impact and reach of Opera Australia.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage Opera Australias corporate partnerships portfolio including cash and contra arrangements ensuring strong stewardship retention and growth

Develop and deliver partnership renewals contract negotiations and tailored sponsorship proposals in collaboration with the Development Director CEO Board and key stakeholders

Meet budgeted sponsorship targets and oversee forecasting budgeting and performance reporting

Identify research and secure new corporate partnership opportunities aligned to Opera Australias strategic and fundraising priorities

Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with corporate partners sponsors and senior stakeholders

Ensure delivery of all contractual benefits with professionalism and attention to detail maintaining accurate partnership records and reporting

Collaborate closely with Marketing Communications Events and Artistic teams to maximise partner activation recognition and impact including the delivery of partner events

Lead support and develop team members while representing Opera Australia at partner functions industry events and performances as required (interstate travel may be required)

About You

57 years proven experience in corporate fundraising partnerships sponsorship sales business development or relationship management

Strong understanding of corporate giving CSR and sponsorship trends

Excellent communication negotiation and presentation skills

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strong long-term corporate partnerships

Highly organised and proactive with strong project management skills and exceptional attention to detail

What We Offer

Being Australias National opera company we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious Creative Collaborative Brave and Inclusive and we are dedicated to supporting your journey at OA.

Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows

Hybrid and flexible work environment

Strong diversity and inclusion priority

Generous Leave Policy including First Nations Cultural & Ceremonial Leave Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave Education Leave Womens Health Leave Gender Affirmation Leave and more

16 weeks paid Parental Leave and continued payments of superannuation if using Unpaid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted private health insurance

Access to salary packaging through SmartSalary

Discounted retail goods through our Swag Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses

If this sounds like you click Apply to send through your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 4 March 2026.

For any enquiries about this role please contact our People team at

About Opera Australia

Opera Australia is one of the worlds most celebrated opera companies with an ambition to bring an Australian stamp to telling great stories through music and song and a commitment to develop and nurture new generations of Australian talent on and off the stage.

Opera Australia is the largest and busiest performing arts organisation in Australia with over 800 opera performances a year including opera seasons in Sydney and Melbourne Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour musical theatre opera concerts and a range of other activities. Through its touring arm the Company reaches out to communities in regional Australia and also delivers an extensive program to school students. Opera performances are broadcast and distributed nationally and internationally.

The Company manages the Opera Australia Orchestra and also works in partnership with Orchestra Victoria. The Company works with leading directors and designers and employs a large number of highly skilled people in the areas of scenic construction and painting wardrobe and wig-making stage production and management and administration. Overall the Company plays a vital role in developing and sustaining a specialist skills base in this unique area of the performing arts.

For more about OA please refer to our website:

Opera Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team come from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences life experiences self-expression and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera recruiting for our team we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education opinions culture ethnicity race sex gender identity and expression.