At Mai-Wel, we believe strong partnerships have the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create lasting opportunities.

Multiple Opportunities Available!

We're seeking two experienced, commercially minded, confident and proactive Engagement & Partnerships Specialists to strengthen Mai-Wel's visibility, referral pathways and external partnerships across the Hunter region - 1 x Full-Time (1.0 FTE) & 1 x Part-Time (0.5 FTE) position.

Reporting to the Senior Manager Engagement, these externally focused roles combine stakeholder engagement, partnership development, school and community engagement, business development and funding opportunities to support participant outcomes, organisational growth and community impact.

Success in these roles requires confident relationship builders who enjoy networking, creating opportunities and developing trusted partnerships. You'll be comfortable working autonomously, representing Mai-Wel across diverse stakeholder groups and attending networking and community events. Flexibility is essential, as networking opportunities and community events regularly occur outside standard business hours.

About the Role

As an Engagement & Partnerships Specialist, you will:

• Develop and deliver integrated engagement, partnership, school and community engagement strategies, lead strategic stakeholder relationships and facilitate organisation-wide opportunities that support participant, service and organisational outcomes
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with employers, corporate partners, schools, community organisations, industry groups and government stakeholders to create referral pathways and partnership opportunities
• Convert external relationships into qualified referrals, participant pathways and opportunities through proactive engagement, effective follow-up and timely handovers to service teams
• Identify and progress grants, scholarships, sponsorships, donations, procurement, fundraising, philanthropy and business development opportunities, including supporting business cases and submissions
• Coordinate external stakeholder engagement activities, presentations, events, forums, expos and networking opportunities across the Hunter region
• Maintain stakeholder pipelines, monitor outcomes, evaluate opportunities and report on engagement and partnership performance
• Represent Mai-Wel as a professional and visible ambassador, promoting our services, opportunities and community impact.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is:

✅ An outstanding communicator and relationship builder who enjoys networking and engaging with diverse stakeholders

✅ Highly autonomous, proactive and commercially minded, with the ability to identify, develop and progress opportunities

✅ A professional ambassador who can credibly represent Mai-Wel across business, education, government and community sectors

✅ Organised, adaptable and resilient, with strong follow-through and the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple stakeholder relationships

✅ Flexible and willing to attend early morning, evening and occasional weekend events

✅ Passionate about inclusion and creating opportunities for people to participate, connect and thrive in the community.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

To be successful, you will bring:

• A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience, including at least three years in engagement, education outreach, business development, partnerships, account management, events or a comparable outward-facing role.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships across education, community, business, industry and government sectors, with a proven ability to identify and develop opportunities that deliver positive outcomes
• Excellent communication, presentation, networking, negotiation and influencing skills, with the commercial and community judgement to identify, assess and progress opportunities, and prepare proposals, business cases, partnership initiatives or funding submissions
• Proven ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and coordinate multiple stakeholder relationships, events and opportunities, supported by strong organisational skills, follow-through and proficiency in Microsoft 365, CRM systems and related engagement tools
• Commitment to inclusive, person-centred and culturally respectful practice with young people, people with disability, families and diverse communities
• Current unrestricted NSW Driver Licence and current (or obtainable) Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Established networks across education, disability, employment, community, business, industry, government or philanthropic sectors within the Hunter region
• Knowledge of employment services, NDIS, school-to-work pathways, vocational education or social enterprise
• Experience with external funding, inclusive employment pathways, accessible events or stakeholder systems.

Why Join Mai-Wel?

We Value Our People

At Mai-Wel, you'll be joining a values-driven organisation committed to Respect, Integrity and Excellence, where people are empowered to grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits of Working with Mai-Wel

• Salary Packaging – boost your take-home pay! Access to NFP salary packaging benefits up to $15,900 (living expenses) + $2,650 (meals & entertainment expenses) tax-free each year https://calculator.accesspay.com.au/salary-packaging-calculator/
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Company Laptop & Phone
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free confidential support
• Learning & Development – on demand e-learning options to support your development
• Discounted Gym Membership & Health Insurance
• Recognition & Rewards – individual monthly and team quarterly awards
• Career Progression - opportunities across a growing organisation
• Supportive Team Culture – join a welcoming, values-driven team with a strong sense of community
• Community Engagement Opportunities – opportunity to participate in community and awareness events / fundraisers
• Free Off-Street Parking
• On-Site Café - coming soon to Maitland!

Mai-Wel is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of all genders and ages, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're a confident relationship builder who thrives on creating connections, opening doors and turning opportunities into meaningful outcomes, we'd love to hear from you!  Join Mai-Wel and help create partnerships that strengthen communities and improve opportunities for participants across the Hunter region.

Please Note: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  As there is no set closing date, this advertisement can be closed at any time.