Position Title: External Relations Manager

Area(s): External Relations

Supervisor: CEO

Positions directly reporting to this role: 2 roles: Communications Lead and Partnerships Lead

Positions indirectly reporting to this role: None

Terms: Permanent, full-time employment

Hours: 35 hours per week plus reasonable additional hours as required

Salary: $130,000 - 140,000 plus superannuation as required by law

Location: NYSF Office, 56 Mills Road, The Australian National University, Canberra. Interstate travel is likely to be required to support NYSF programs and events, especially during January and school holiday periods.

About the National Youth Science Forum

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit charity that delivers transformative STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences for young Australians. Established in 1984, NYSF’s flagship program—the NYSF Year 12 Program—brings together students from across the country who are passionate about science and technology, offering them hands-on learning, exposure to world-leading researchers, and access to cutting-edge facilities. Through immersive events, industry engagement, and peer networking, NYSF inspires participants to explore diverse STEM pathways and make informed decisions about their future careers.

The NYSF enjoys a high level of engagement in the Australian community and receives support from a significant number of funding partners, including its founding partner, Rotary. The NYSF also works with a wide range of academic institutions, private sector companies, government organisations, individual subject matter experts, and volunteers.

The NYSF engages a range of permanent and contract employees. Casual staff are also engaged during times of surge in our workload, particularly to support the delivery of the NYSF Year 12 Program. The NYSF is supported by an active and highly regarded Board and Patrons, with each member selected for their formal expertise and outstanding achievements. A copy of the NYSF’s current strategic plan can be found here.

About the Role

As External Relations Manager, you will lead the fundraising, marketing and communications functions of the NYSF. The External Relations Team is responsible, alongside the CEO, for attracting annual partnerships in excess of $1 million plus recruiting participants to attend the suite of NYSF Programs resulting in further income of over $1 million.

You will have high-level leadership capability, be experienced in securing and maintaining significant funding, and can lead a team tasked with developing and evaluating a range of STEM-oriented partnership, stakeholder and marketing initiatives. Specifically, you will supervise and manage the following roles and functional areas:

Partnerships. The Partnerships Lead will report to you and is responsible for supporting you and the CEO to deliver high-quality partnership experiences and to both attract and maintain strong, positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including NYSF alumni, Rotary, and a range of industry, government and university partners and supporters.

Communications. The Communications Lead will report to you. You will be responsible for managing their performance and working with them to develop, deliver and analyse the communications and marketing strategies of the NYSF. Communications and marketing functions at the NYSF are critical to recruit diverse young Australians to attend NYSF Programs and to ensure our partners and stakeholders remain up to date on NYSF activities, opportunities to engage with and donate to the NYSF.

As a manager within the organisation, you will contribute to the operational success and strategic direction of the NYSF. As with all roles at the NYSF, you will be responsible for promoting a healthy and safe workplace, modelling and promoting ethical behaviour and practices in accordance with the NYSF’s Code of Conduct and the NYSF’s National Child Safety Code of Conduct and Procedures. A link to NYSF Policies and Procedures can be found here.

Key responsibilities

Partnerships & Alumni Function

Work with the CEO and Board to set the NYSF Financial Sustainability Plan and the operational KPI’s to achieve it.

Attract, build and retain partnerships, donors and valued in-kind collaborators that advance the NYSF mission and programs.

Report regularly on partnerships to the CEO, COO/CFO and the NYSF Board, including the provision of up-to-date funding information for management and Board reports against budget.

Provide high-level strategic, operational and advisory support by developing and managing outward-facing NYSF activities that involve current or prospective funding partners, NYSF alumni, stakeholders and distinguished guests from the STEM sector, government, industry and media.

Grow and diversify income streams by researching, developing and analysing new fundraising and marketing activities.

Collect, analyse and report on evaluation data for partnerships, communications and marketing initiatives to inform decision-making by the CEO and Board.

With support from the COO/CFO, ensure the NYSF is meeting its risk management obligations in relation to External Relations functions, including participating in leadership team quarterly meetings facilitated by the COO/CFO to manage risk.

Lead, manage and develop the Partnerships Lead to ensure efficient Partnerships & Alumni operations.

Communications Function

Work with the CEO and Board to set the communication and marketing function’s strategy and operational plan to meet NYSF's financial goals and KPIs.

Develop, implement, and evaluate communications and marketing strategies for NYSF across all platforms.

Provide high-level strategic, operational and advisory support by developing and managing NYSF’s communications and marketing activities.

In consultation with the COO/CFO and CEO, develop and manage the communications budget, ensuring that all expenses are within budget.

Manage the Communications Lead.

General Responsibilities

Provide leadership and professional supervision by allocating work, delegating, developing and maintaining morale, coaching, providing timely and constructive feedback, evaluating and managing performance.

Communicate the strategic context and purpose of the Partnerships & Alumni and Communications functions to ensure team alignment with organisational goals and priorities.

Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including customers, partners, and the board of directors.

Lead and model collaboration, contributing proactively to the team and organisational objectives.

Ongoing compliance with all NYSF policies and procedures.

Develop, implement and evaluate operational strategies that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

Manage and support the effective delivery of programs, projects and initiatives within the external relations portfolio and drive continuous improvement or change.

Promote and manage workplace safety, equity and diversity, and effective environmental practices in the workplace.

Other duties as directed or necessary to help the NYSF achieve its objectives and strategic plan.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

A relevant tertiary qualification and at least 3 years' experience managing partnerships and communications/marketing.

Demonstrated partnerships and fundraising success in securing large funding amounts above $100,000

A comprehensive knowledge of fundraising and corporate, government and university sectors.

Strong organisational, communication and administration skills.

Excellent copywriting, proofreading and grammar skills and high attention to detail.

A confident and friendly attitude dealing with people.

Project Management skills and strong analytical skills.

Ability to work to deadlines and handle a broad range of projects.

Intermediate computer skills (Canva, Monday and Salesforce CRM experience would be highly regarded).

Available to work during school holiday periods and outside standard hours of operation as required.

Available to travel interstate to support NYSF programs and events.

This role interacts with minors and as a result, current ‘Working with Vulnerable People’ and ‘Working with Children Checks’ and a police check are required for states where NYSF delivers programs and events. Likewise, NYSF staff and volunteers are required to undergo regular First Aid & CPR training. All regulatory checks are covered by the NYSF.

NYSF Values

The NYSF is implementing the following corporate values that will apply to all roles:

1. Communicate with integrity and openness.

Be honest when communicating with colleagues.

Tell the truth proactively and where concerns or issues arise, provide constructive feedback directly to the other people involved in a timely manner.

Appropriate sharing of information and decision rationales so colleagues understand the “why” but always ensure required confidentiality is maintained.

2. Foster trust and inclusive collaboration.

Communicate respectfully; debate ideas, not people.

Break down silos, welcome diverse views and support flexible work.

3. Drive clarity, accountability and results.

Set clear goals, roles, timeframes and approval paths; document agreed actions.

Monitor progress, reprioritise early and own outcomes for the whole organisation.

4. Champion wellbeing, kindness and compassion.

Promote work/life balance, encourage timely use of leave and respect privacy.

Resolve conflict with curiosity and empathy; step in to help colleagues when needed.

5. Recognise people and their achievements.

Let people know when they have done a good job. Tailor feedback to individual preferences.

Celebrate team successes.

Leaders should provide timely feedback, coaching and growth opportunities to lift performance.

How to Apply

Applicants should provide the following:

An up-to-date CV with contact details of at least two referees, one of which should be the current/most recent employer.

A cover letter of no more than three pages including a statement to explain how the candidate suits the role. Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] and must be received by Wednesday 12th of November 2025.