Manager Grants and Sponsorship

Synopsis

• Lead the governance and performance of organisation-wide grants and sponsorship programs
• Strategic portfolio role with end to end oversight, systems optimisation and stakeholder engagement
• ($144,471 - $162,599) + 12% Superannuation

About The Role

The Manager, Grants and Sponsorships sits within the Procurement and Commercial Management branch and plays a critical role in strengthening governance, consistency and impact across the City of Melbourne’s funding programs.

This is a highly strategic and business-facing role, responsible for leading the organisation wide grants and sponsorship framework, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, and driving continuous improvement across programs. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to enhance outcomes, improve efficiency, and ensure robust governance and compliance.

This role goes beyond program administration - it is focused on portfolio oversight, policy leadership, and system optimisation, requiring sound judgement, strong stakeholder influence, and the ability to connect funding outcomes to broader strategic objectives.

A Little More About The Role

In this role you will:

• Lead and continuously improve the City of Melbourne’s grants and sponsorship governance framework, ensuring strong policy alignment, compliance and risk management
• Oversee the performance and outcomes of the grants portfolio, including program effectiveness, reporting, resource allocation and impact measurement
• Develop and embed consistent processes, workflows and reporting across all grants and sponsorship programs
• Manage and optimise the SmartyGrants system, ensuring functionality, usability and organisation wide consistency
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, funding recipients and external partners
• Provide strategic advice and insights to support decision making and improve program delivery
• Lead stakeholder engagement, communications and reporting on program outcomes and performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives informed by data, feedback and evolving organisational needs

Why join Team Melbourne?

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne - a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role - it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About You

You are a strategic and outcomes focused professional who brings a strong understanding of grants, funding or sponsorship environments, combined with the ability to influence and partner across a complex organisation.

You are comfortable working at both a strategic and operational level - able to set direction, build frameworks and also ensure effective delivery. You bring strong analytical thinking, stakeholder engagement capability, and a focus on continuous improvement.

You May Also Be

• Experienced in leading or operating within governance, policy or funding frameworks
• Comfortable managing complexity, competing priorities and cross organisational programs
• Skilled at influencing stakeholders and presenting insights to senior leaders
• Passionate about improving processes, systems and program outcomes

What Your Experience Might Look Like

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or demonstrated experience in grants, funding, procurement, partnerships, or related disciplines
• Experience managing complex programs, contracts or funding portfolios within governance and compliance frameworks
• Strong strategic and analytical capability, including process improvement and systems optimisation experience (e.g. SmartyGrants or similar)
• Proven ability to build stakeholder relationships, influence decision making and communicate effectively
• Experience in program delivery, including assessment processes, reporting, and performance tracking
• Public sector or large, complex organisational experience is desirable but not essential

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
• Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How To Apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Attach your updated resume
• Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday 1 July, 2026

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early! This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.