Strategic Partnerships and Development Manager

An exciting opportunity is available for a Strategic Partnerships & Development Manager to join the Brain Cancer Centre at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

The Brain Cancer Centre (BCC) is a flagship initiative focused on improving survival and quality of life for people with brain cancer. Established in partnership with WEHI and supported by the Victorian Government, the Centre brings together leading clinicians and researchers across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct to accelerate the translation of discoveries into clinical impact.

At the core of the BCC is the Brain Perioperative Clinical Trial Program (BrainPOP), a globally distinctive platform integrating early-phase clinical trials, precision medicine and translational research infrastructure to address the critical lack of effective treatments for brain cancer.

The Strategic Partnerships & Development Manager is a senior role responsible for shaping the future direction and long-term sustainability of the BCC. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will identify, develop and progress strategic partnership and funding opportunities across government, industry and philanthropy.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications, ideally postgraduate degree in a science discipline or demonstrated equivalent experience and/or training.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing business cases for research and research Infrastructure programs with multiple stakeholders.

• Track record of successfully partnering with researchers to generate new funding leads, lead the development of research grant concepts and write successful grant applications.

• Excellent communication skills (written, visual and verbal), with the ability to present and provide updates in a clear and compelling way. 

• A sound understanding of national and international research funding opportunities, research regulatory and compliance frameworks, and grant management across the grant lifecycle

Personal Qualities:

• An inclusive work style that supports the cooperative culture throughout WEHI and that promotes collaboration with the broader sector

• Emotional intelligence and composure in complex stakeholder environments, with the ability to influence outcomes constructively and maintain well-reasoned positions under pressure.

• High degree of attention to detail with a commitment to quality

• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative and mange priorities to meet deadlines on concurrent tasks.

• Project management, planning and organisational skills, with experience establishing priorities and meeting competing deadlines

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to advance programs and initiatives.

Terms of Appointment

This position is available for one year in a part time (0.8FTE) capacity. Salary is Research Support Employee Level 8 ($118,099-$127,828). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme. 

General enquiries can be directed to Dr Jim Whittle – whittle.j@wehi.edu.au

A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date:  Sunday 17 May 2026