About State Sport Centres: The State Sport Centres Trust (SSCT) manages four of Victoria’s most iconic multi sport venues, including Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Lakeside Stadium, State Netball & Hockey Centre and the State Basketball Centre. Together, we operate and maintain more than $1 billion in community sporting assets, delivering access for everyone from elite athletes to school and local community participants. Our work is guided by four core values: Teamwork, Safety, Excellence and Respect. About the role: Reporting to the General Manager Commercial, the Business Development & Partnerships Manager is a pivotal role focused on sustainable, long-term growth and maximising the public value of our venues. This is a relationship-led position designed for a professional who thrives on stakeholder engagement and operational facilitation. You will not focus on short-term "deals," but rather on the disciplined work of identifying under-utilised sporting precincts, venues and stadiums and will grow our programs, partnerships, function spaces and service offerings to increase sporting activity within our facilities. This role plays a key part in identifying new markets and growing existing usage by building relationships with existing sporting partners, associations and schools to maximise usage across peak and non peak periods. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Venue Utilisation: Identify and secure new daytime and off-peak bookings from schools, community clubs, corporate groups, existing sporting bodies and emerging recreational markets to ensure our venues remain active and vibrant throughout the day. Hospitality & Function Growth: Lead the commercial development of our catered functions and events business. You will work closely with our catering partners to showcase our unique function spaces to existing and new user groups, increasing both utilisation and ancillary revenue Stakeholder Facilitation: Act as a primary consultant for community sporting bodies and schools, providing them with the guidance and venue resources they need to host successful tournaments, award events and participation programs Data-Driven Outreach: Collaborate with the internal commercial and business analysis teams to identify specific sports and demographics that would benefit from increased access to SSCT venues Collaborative Management: Work across multidisciplinary teams—including Facilities, Finance, and Venue Operations—to ensure a seamless transition from initial enquiry to successful event delivery About You: You are a commercially astute professional who understands that true business development in a community setting requires patience, resilience, and a hands-on approach. You are motivated by the "behind-the-scenes" work of networking and resource coordination that leads to tangible community impact. Technical Skills & Experience: Relationship Management: Proven experience in managing complex stakeholder environments, particularly within the sport, education, or community sectors Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to identify revenue opportunities and participation trends that align with community needs Operational Insight: An understanding of (or the ability to quickly learn) the logistics involved in event and function management within major venues Communication: Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to represent SSCT professionally to high-level sporting bodies and grassroots volunteers alike Required skills and Qualifications: Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Current Victorian Driver’s Licence (desirable) Shortlisted candidates may be subject to pre-employment screenings, including criminal record, social media, and adverse media checks. Why is this a great place to work? You will love working at the State Sport Centres. Here’s just a few reasons why: Our Patrons and Teams: You’ll be surrounded by elite athletes daily and supporting a wide range of elite sports and world-class events, as well as community sport and recreation You’ll be challenged daily and can develop yourself as a person as well as gaining valuable career skills You’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team of people who are great to work with Our Venues: Free parking MSAC Gym and Performance Membership including family and friends’ discounts Discount at SSCT food & beverage and retail outlets Complimentary court hire for casual bookings across SSCT venues Our Workplace: Training and professional development Flexible working arrangements Employee Assistance Program providing free confidential support for your mental health Inclusive environment recognising our diverse workforce and community Employee recognition through our Values in Action program Join us in our mission to help people to be excited about sport, engage in healthy activity and feel inspired to be their best. How to apply: Please send through a resume and cover letter supporting your application for this exciting role with State Sport Centres. We will be reviewing applications and commencing interviews as they come in, so please don't delay in applying. For further information please contact Abs Grant, Talent Acquisition Business Partner 61 3 9926 1358 SSCT values diversity, is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and from people with disabilities. The State Sport Centres Trust (SSCT) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children of young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have a zero tolerance for racism, child abuse, discrimination and inequality. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are visitors to our venues and facilities. Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check before being able to commence employment.
