Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity dedicated to saving species from extinction and connecting people with nature. We welcome more than half a million visitors through our gates each year, and with a number of exciting projects on the horizon, we’re evolving our organisation to deliver even greater conservation, education, and community impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE...

Reporting to the Partnerships Manager, the Partnerships Lead (0.8 FTE) will play a pivotal role in growing, nurturing, and maintaining a portfolio of valued corporate partners. You will help ensure long-term engagement and deliver meaningful outcomes for both partners and Zoos SA.

In this high-impact, varied, and dynamic role, you will manage existing partnerships while proactively identifying and securing new opportunities across all levels, including Major Partners, Corporate Partner+, and Corporate Partners. You will also contribute to key account management, stewardship events, and strategic partnership initiatives, working closely with internal teams to maximise funding opportunities and deliver impact.

This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference for Zoos SA and the wildlife we protect.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate partners, fostering strong engagement, long-term retention, and mutually valuable outcomes.

• Identify, develop, and secure new partnership opportunities that align with Zoos SA’s mission and strategic goals.

• Plan, implement, and oversee partner engagement initiatives, including events, activations, and stewardship programs.

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned partners, ensuring delivery of contractual obligations and regular communication.

• Collaborate with internal teams across Fundraising, Marketing, and Operations to develop proposals and deliver partnership initiatives.

• Represent Zoos SA externally at partner events, industry forums, and senior-level meetings.

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on partnership outcomes, providing insights to optimise value.

ABOUT YOU...

The successful candidate will have:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in partnerships, sponsorship, or business development, ideally in a not-for-profit, purpose-led, or complex stakeholder environment.

• Proven ability to manage, grow, and retain a portfolio of corporate partnerships, including cash, contra, and in-kind arrangements.

• Experience in securing new corporate partnerships and identifying opportunities aligned with organisational strategy.

• Established corporate networks and commercial acumen to assess partnership value and ROI.

• Strong organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to work autonomously while collaborating across teams.

• Confidence in representing Zoos SA and the Partnerships Team at corporate events, forums, and high-level meetings.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM or database management systems.

It is desirable that you also have:

• Tertiary qualifications in business, sales, marketing, communications, social impact, or a related field.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, or conservation initiatives.
• Interest in the not-for-profit sector and relationship development experience.
• Experience with Asana, SharePoint, or  Suite CRM platforms.

HOW TO APPLY...

Please attach your resume and write a cover letter answering the following questions:

• What motivates you to work in partnerships within a conservation-focused organisation like Zoos SA?

• Share an example of a partnership initiative or project you’ve contributed to — what was your role, and what impact did it have?

 This will help us assess your suitability for this role.

Zoos SA is passionately committed to equal employment opportunity. We believe diversity, inclusion and reconciliation are fundamental to our rich organisational culture and values, and we demonstrate this commitment through all our employment practices, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please get in touch with Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and [email protected]

 APPLY NOW!!

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday, 7 February 2026. Please note that Zoos SA reserves the right to close applications early if required.