Head of Partnerships

12-month fixed-term contract

About the Lowy Institute

The Lowy Institute is Australia’s leading international policy think tank. It is independent, non-partisan and at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute produces world-class research and provides distinctive perspectives on the trends shaping Australia and the world.

Our work engages governments, media, and policy communities in Australia and internationally, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

The opportunity

We’re looking for a talented Head of Partnerships to lead the Institute’s corporate and government membership program and business development function for 12 months, covering parental leave. This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished professional to join the Institute and drive key stakeholder engagement activities and promote the work of the Institute.Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Partnerships will have exposure to all aspects of the Institute’s research, events and commentary, and serve as a key external facing representative.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Institute’s corporate and government membership program, working closely with the research and events teams to deliver engagement opportunities for members
• Partner with the Executive team to identify new corporate and government membership and grant funding opportunities. Manage grant application processes, working with the COO to bring together inputs from across the Institute.
• Manage relationships with senior leaders across government and business, and help secure the funding, memberships and sponsorships that sustain the Institute’s work.
• Work with the COO to secure sponsorship for the Institute’s key activities and events.
• Lead the Institute’s individual supporters program and identify ways to expand membership.

You will be a positive self-starter who enjoys working in a small team and managing several projects at once.

You will also demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Experience partnering with senior executives to deliver tangible outcomes
• At least five years’ experience in stakeholder management, with a track record in business development, sponsorship or fundraising
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels across government and corporate Australia
• Sound commercial and financial acumen

Highly desirable

• Previous experience working in international affairs or exposure to policy making
• Experience working in cross-functional teams

This is a 12-month full-time position based in Sydney. The successful candidate will join the Institute at a level commensurate with skills and experience.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to recruit@lowyinstitute.org (Opens in new window) by 26 November 2026.

We encourage early applications.

For more information about the role, please contact Lowy Institute recruitment at the same address.