As a Senior Partnerships Lead within Collingwood’s partnerships division, Erin Dooley shares her journey from modest beginnings to her current role at one of Australia’s premier sporting clubs. Reflecting on her past, Erin recounts her early career as a determined twenty-year-old navigating the professional world, to now balancing a thriving career alongside motherhood. Her narrative embodies elements of passion, bravery, and the significance of taking risks.
Prior to her pivotal role at Collingwood Football Club’s Partnerships team, Erin reflects on the commencement of her adventurous career journey. Hailing from Geelong, Erin pursued a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University, all the while nurturing her aspiration to become a sports journalist. During her studies, she seized an opportunity through the university’s placement program to work with the Geelong Cats, where she enthusiastically embraced various tasks, from distributing merchandise to donning the mascot suit. Her tenure with the Cats evolved into a three-year stint encompassing roles in events, sales, and sponsorship, offering invaluable real-world experience that complemented her academic pursuits.
After departing from the Cats, Erin embarked on a new chapter, initially venturing to Melbourne for a position at a creative agency. Despite the allure of financial stability, she found herself in an unsupportive environment, prompting her departure and emphasizing the importance of workplace culture.
At the age of 24, Erin returned to Geelong, where she gained financial stability through her participation in the TV game show “The Mole.” This newfound stability facilitated her dream of working in sports in London. With determination and a one-way ticket in hand, she immersed herself in networking efforts, ultimately securing a role with Westham’s corporate strategies and sales team. Despite being an outsider to football and navigating a male-dominated industry, Erin embraced the experience, forming lifelong friendships and relishing the opportunity to explore Europe on weekends.
As her visa neared expiration, Erin faced a crossroads: extend her stay in London or return home. Ultimately, she chose the latter, setting her sights on Collingwood Football Club, where she secured a role as a commercial partnerships manager for the Netball Program. Embracing the burgeoning landscape of women’s sport, Erin championed the integration of women’s programs into the club’s partnership offerings, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Reflecting on her journey, Erin acknowledges that her career trajectory has exceeded her initial expectations. She credits her strength in building relationships and her genuine interest in others’ stories as driving forces behind her success. At Collingwood, Erin finds fulfillment in the dynamic and supportive work environment, where opportunities abound, and values are upheld. Notably, she highlights the Club’s commitment to fostering women’s leadership and empowerment, citing the Women in Black and White (WIBW) committee as a testament to the power of female solidarity and support within the organization.
As Erin continues to make her mark in the industry, she remains dedicated to empowering women and fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. Through her involvement in initiatives like the WIBW committee, she endeavors to leave a lasting legacy that transcends her time at Collingwood Football Club.
