Manager, Strategic Partnerships

Primary purpose of the position

The Manager, Strategic Partnerships leads and coordinates ANROWS’ engagement with government, peak bodies, research organisations, and the DFSV sector to ensure the organisation’s research and evidence are taken up and embedded into policy, program, and service development. The role develops and delivers high-impact engagement strategies that strengthen ANROWS’ influence and ensure our work is relevant, timely, and connected to the realities of decision-making contexts. The Manager oversees the Strategic Partnerships team and works closely with the Knowledge Translation and Strategic Communications and Media managers to ensure an integrated approach to stakeholder engagement.

About ANROWS

ANROWS is an innovative research organisation that was established as an initiative of Australia’s first National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 (the National Plan) by the Commonwealth Government and all state and territory governments of Australia. ANROWS is a unique research organisation, being one of the only national organisations across the world tasked with building, translating and disseminating the evidence base on women and children’s safety to inform policy and practice. As a registered harm-prevention charity and deductible-gift recipient, ANROWS also runs a research program funded by philanthropic funds (ANROWS Research Fund to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children) and is periodically contracted by service providers and other Government stakeholders to conduct evaluation and research projects.

About the position

This is a 1.0 FTE position (37.5 hours per week) reporting to the Deputy Director, Communications & Engagement, and is located at the ANROWS Sydney CBD office. Remote or hybrid will also be considered. The appointment is from the date of commencement until 30 June 2027, with the option to extend, subject to continued funding, beyond that date.

Remuneration and leave entitlements

The salary range for this position is $140,140 to $147,738 per annum plus 12 per cent employer contributions to the employee’s chosen superannuation fund with the option to salary sacrifice. ANROWS staff are entitled to four weeks’ annual leave, in addition to personal and sick leave.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of ANROWS’s government and sector engagement strategies.

• Oversee the development of annual and project-specific stakeholder engagement plans aligned to organisational priorities.

• Provide high-level advice to the Director and Deputy Director on strategic engagement opportunities, risks, and priorities.

Relationship management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key federal, state, and territory government agencies, peak bodies, service providers, and research partners.

• Represent ANROWS in high-level forums, briefings, and sector events.

• Ensure that ANROWS partnerships reflect trauma-informed approaches and commitment to intersectionality.

Team leadership and coordination

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Strategic Partnerships team, setting clear objectives and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

• Coordinate with the Managers of Knowledge Translation and Strategic Communications and Media to ensure alignment in engagement, messaging, and product delivery.

• Oversee stakeholder mapping, relationship tracking, and CRM systems.

Impact and evaluation

• Monitor and report on partnership activity, including reach, influence, and impact.

• Identify and address gaps in engagement to maximise uptake of ANROWS evidence.

• Use feedback from partners to inform organisational strategy and product development.

Capabilities and Experience

Essential criteria

1. Tertiary qualification in public policy, political science, communications, social sciences, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

2. Demonstrated experience in high-level stakeholder engagement, partnership management, or government relations, preferably in a policy or research context.

3. Strong understanding of Australian government processes, intergovernmental systems, and the policy cycle.

4. Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.

5. Proven leadership and people management experience, with a track record of fostering team capability and collaboration.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences and contexts.

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge of domestic, family, and sexual violence policy, research, and sector contexts.

2. Experience in CRM or stakeholder management systems.

3. Familiarity with feminist, trauma-informed, and/or culturally responsive approaches.

Values and Cultural Fit

• Commitment to ANROWS’ vision of ending violence against women and children through evidence-informed action.

• A values-driven professional who works collaboratively, with integrity and respect.

• Commitment to gender equity, intersectionality, and cultural responsiveness.

Further information

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Meredith Nash via email at meredith.nash@anrows.org.au

How to apply

To be considered, please submit the following:

• A cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria outlined above

• An up-to-date copy of your CV

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview.

Criminal history check

The successful applicant will be offered the position subject to a National Police Check.