THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL PARTNERSHIPS ROLE
This is a rare opportunity for a deeply connected creative industries professional to shape JMC's industry and alumni function from the ground up, establishing the partnerships, pathways and community that will define how JMC connects with the creative industries for the next decade.
This is not a role for someone who needs to build their network. It is a role for someone whose network will open doors for our students and graduates from day one.
If you are known and respected in the Australian creative industries in music, audio, film & TV, animation, acting, theatre, gaming or entertainment business and you are ready to use that reputation to change the trajectory of thousands of creative careers, we want to hear from you.
About JMC Academy
Founded in 1982, JMC Academy is Australia’s premier institution in Creative Industries education, offering a diverse range of Degrees and Diplomas in Music, Songwriting, Audio Engineering, Film and Television Production, Acting, Entertainment Business Management, Visual Communication (Design), Animation, Game Design, and Music Production.
With a 40-year legacy, JMC Academy provides cutting-edge and technologically advanced programs that meet the global demands of the creative industries. JMC operates from 3 large footprint campuses across the east coast of Australia (VIC, NSW & QLD), teaches ~2,500 students per annum and is positioned as one of the largest private higher education providers in Australia.
With advanced-design campuses, ongoing technology upgrades, a dedicated team of academics and industry professionals, and a network of international master class lecturers, JMC Academy is committed to ensuring our graduates make their own indelible mark on industry.
Our Purpose
We educate, nurture, and inspire creative minds through innovative and globally connected learning. Our Vision: To be Australia's most recognised and connected educator of creative minds.
Our Vision
To be the global leader in creative education, chosen by creatives, trusted by industry.
Our Values: Creative Innovators | Curious & Resilient Explorers | Inclusive Community of Connectors | Empathetic & Compassionate Leaders | Honest, Accountable & of Uncompromising Quality
ROLE SUMMARY
The Head of Industry Partnerships & Alumni is responsible for building the strategic relationships and community that connect JMC Academy to the creative industries and to its most influential graduates.
This role drives business development through high-value industry partnerships, sponsorships and real-world learning opportunities, while leading JMC's alumni engagement strategy with a focus on cultivating meaningful, reciprocal relationships with prominent alumni across music, film, animation, acting, gaming and entertainment business.
You will lead and develop an Alumni Coordinator, setting the strategic direction for alumni community building while personally owning the institution's most significant alumni and industry relationships.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Industry Engagement & Partnership Development
- Develop and execute a national industry engagement strategy that creates real, reciprocal value for JMC and its creative industry partners
- Identify, pitch and secure new partnerships across music labels, studios, production companies, broadcasters, animation and VFX studios, gaming companies, theatres, festivals and entertainment businesses
- Build and activate a B2B business development pipeline — moving from relationship to proposal to signed agreement to activation
- Develop and manage partnership agreements, MOUs and sponsorship arrangements aligned to JMC's strategic goals
- Establish and chair industry advisory boards and roundtables that inform curriculum, career development and industry relevance
- Drive work-integrated learning (WIL), internship and student placement opportunities through industry relationships
- Represent JMC at industry events, festivals, award ceremonies and forums — you are the face of JMC to the creative industries
Alumni Engagement & Community Leadership
- Own and develop relationships with JMC's most prominent, influential and high-profile alumni — artists, directors, producers, executives and industry leaders whose credibility and profile elevate JMC's reputation and inspire current students
- Identify and personally cultivate a portfolio of VIP alumni who can serve as ambassadors, mentors, guest lecturers, advisory board members, industry connectors and advocates for JMC
- Develop and execute a tiered alumni engagement strategy — distinguishing between high-touch relationship management of prominent alumni and broader community engagement managed through the Alumni Coordinator
- Lead, manage and develop the Alumni Coordinator — setting priorities, providing strategic direction and ensuring high-quality execution across alumni communications, events and community programs
- Create a compelling alumni value proposition — giving graduates a genuine reason to stay connected, contribute and advocate for JMC throughout their careers
- Work with Marketing to activate prominent alumni stories across brand, recruitment and PR — turning alumni achievement into JMC's most powerful proof point
Graduate Employability & Pathways
- Collaborate with Academic and Student Success teams to embed industry partnerships into curriculum design and co-curricular experiences
- Build clear, actionable career pathways from JMC programs into the creative industries
- Monitor creative industry employment trends and advise on in-demand skills and emerging roles
Events & Sponsorship
- Lead the strategy and delivery of industry events, networking evenings, alumni gatherings, guest lecture series, showcases and partner activations
- Develop and manage sponsorship proposals and activation plans that deliver measurable value to partners and to JMC
- Brief and collaborate with the Marketing team on event promotion, brand execution and content amplification
Reporting & Performance
- Track and report on partnership and alumni engagement metrics and outcomes to the CCO and relevant stakeholders
- Manage alumni and partner data using JMC's CRM — maintaining accurate records, engagement histories and outcome tracking
- Continuously refine engagement and partnership strategies based on data, feedback and industry trends
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You're a known name in Australia's creative industries — music, film & TV, audio, animation, acting, theatre, gaming or entertainment business.
8–12 years at a senior level. A deep, current network. The kind of reputation that opens doors.
Must have
- A personal network that gets meetings and closes partnerships
- Experience managing high-profile talent and executive relationships
- Track record building high-value partnerships and sponsorships
- Ability to lead and coach a coordinator
- Confident communicator — boardroom to festival tent
- Comfortable with CRM data and reporting
- Genuine passion for creative education and talent development
Bonus points
- Existing relationships with notable Australian alumni, artists or executives
- Higher education or talent development background
- Ties to APRA AMCOS, Screen Australia, MEAA, ARIA or state music bodies
- Salesforce, HubSpot or similar CRM experience
WHY THIS ROLE
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A real mandate. Build the function, don't inherit it.
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Executive backing. Reports to the Chief Customer Officer with board-level support.
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Creative industries every day. Studios, festivals, sets — not corporate meeting rooms.
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Impact at scale. Shape outcomes for 2,500 students across three campuses.
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Lead a team. Develop the Alumni Coordinator, with room to grow.
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Competitive package. Salary aligned to experience, plus a creative community unlike any other.
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Flexible base. Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Cross-campus travel supported.
HOW TO APPLY
Sound like you? We'd love to hear from you.
Send us your CV and a short note — not a formal cover letter — telling us:
- Who you know in the creative industries, and how those relationships would benefit JMC
- What you've built — partnerships, community or alumni programs
- Why JMC Academy and this role matter to you
Non-traditional career paths welcome — if you've built your career in the creative industries rather than higher ed admin, that's exactly who we're looking for.
JMC Academy is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.
