About the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation

The mission of the WBCF is ‘to create experiences that connect and inspire our people and community”. Our community investment at the Bulldogs is different from others. Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is a separate entity that works hand-in-hand with the Club and utilises the Bulldogs brand as a platform to engage a wide range of participants and positively influence their lives. The Foundation is registered as a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR status and has its own Board.

The Foundation works in partnership with government, corporate and community agencies to deliver evidence-based services and programs to over 5000 people annually through four streams i.e. Health & Wellbeing, Diversity & Social Inclusion, Youth Leadership & Development and Community Advocacy.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply.

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) is seeking a driven and dynamic Head of Marketing & Business Development at WBCF to join our team in a newly created role as we embark on an exciting growth journey.

The Head of Marketing & Business Development is a vital WBCF leadership role, collaborating closely with the Board, GM of Community and Government Relations, and Head of Programs and Community Engagement. This newly established role will lead strategic marketing, business development, and revenue generation efforts. You'll champion WBCF's transformation into a Social Enterprise, ensuring a robust social mission thrives alongside innovative business practices

Your leadership will be instrumental in securing $1.5 million by 2025 through strategic partnerships (corporate sponsorships, government grants, and non-traditional collaborations) that amplify brand visibility. You'll also expand our digital footprint by growing the database (target: 55k) and cultivating a thriving social media presence (target: 15k followers, 8k average monthly interactions). Additionally, you'll unlock the commercial success of the upcoming community facility by aligning marketing and partnership strategies with organisational goals of engaging 5,500+ participants and facilitating 25k+ face-to-face interactions annually. You'll spearhead WBCF's transformation into a Social Enterprise and oversee our collaboration with Victoria University to develop a comprehensive program impact evaluation framework.

You will foster collaboration by leading a high-performing team and cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This will include cultivating robust relationships with internal stakeholders, particularly within the Club's Commercial and marketing/comms departments. Ultimately, this role will play a pivotal part in achieving financial sustainability while creating a positive and enduring impact on the communities WBCF serves, particularly in the context of our facility redevelopment.

Key responsibilities include

Revenue Generation and Partnership Strategy: Develop and execute revenue generation strategies through diverse partnerships, including commercial, government, and non-traditional avenues. Prioritise financial sustainability by driving social enterprise initiatives and leveraging key stakeholders for mutual growth especially in the context of our new facility.

Marketing Strategy and Brand Management: Craft engaging narratives and visuals, effectively communicating program outcomes and achievements. Strengthen brand visibility through strategic marketing, collaborations, and impactful player engagement, amplifying the organisation's mission.

Financial Management and Governance: Contribute to budget planning, aligning with strategic plans and fostering effective resource allocation. Coordinate committee papers, ensuring robust governance and compliance to regulatory standards.

Strategy, Operations, and Impact Management: Develop and execute strategic initiatives and operational plans to achieve organisational objectives, fostering alignment and collaboration across teams. Streamline operational processes, optimise resource allocation, and implement strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and overall performance.

People Leadership, Collaboration, and Innovation: Lead and mentor the Partnership and Marketing team, empowering their professional growth. Foster transparent communication, promote collaboration across departments, and support organizational capabilities.

Team Empowerment and Growth: Cultivate a positive work environment, optimizing resource allocation and conducting constructive supervision sessions. Drive team development, aligning with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation's vision and goals.

Skills and experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Significant experience in marketing, partnerships, and strategy, with expertise in sponsorship, brand management, social impact, and/or social enterprise.
• Demonstrated Success in developing and executing sponsorship and marketing strategies, driving revenue growth and enhancing brand visibility.
• Proven ability to cultivate strategic partnerships, optimize revenue streams, and expand social enterprise initiatives.
• Track record of executing innovative marketing campaigns, effective brand positioning, and utilisation of market trends for promotion.
• Working with Children's Check required.
• Applicants from Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds are highly regarded.

What’s on offer

• Free onsite parking at Victoria University Whitten Oval!
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Flexible working arrangements – 2 days work from home opportunity available dependant on role
• Work Life Leave provided and encouraged to those who are required to work weekends
• Deals & Discounts with corporate sponsors - 42% off Asics footwear, 45% off Asics apparel
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including - Access to our EAP Converge includes up to 6 free counselling sessions for you and your immediate family and regular education/initiatives sessions

If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on Apply Now.

Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and from Culturally and Linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to apply.