"Mata Whakawhanake - Development Manager"

Job Description:

• Can you work independently and adapt to a rapid-changing environment?
• Are you passionate about supporting the Humanities and Social Sciences?
• Do you have a background in fundraising, the arts or experience working in the not-for-profit sector?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Development (Fundraising) Team at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is looking for a Mata Whakawhanake - Development Manager to join Te Kura Tangata - Development and Alumni Relations team to support the fundraising mahi of Te Wāhanga Aronui - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

This is a 13-month fixed-term, full-time contract to cover an internal secondment.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake fundraising and engagement activities to grow philanthropic support for Te Wāhanga Aronui - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Identify, research, cultivate, and solicit major gifts for your assigned area and initiatives.
• Develop solicitation plans, proposals and stewardship plans for major gift donors, working with relevant colleagues across the fundraising team, the faculties, and other central services units.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

With experience in major gift fundraising, corporate sponsorship, or stakeholder engagement, we are seeking someone with strong relationship-building skills and fundraising experience. You’ll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, collaborating across teams, and finding creative ways to support Te Wāhanga Aronui - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ philanthropic goals. A genuine interest in connecting people to meaningful causes will help you thrive in this role.

Key requirements:

• Strong time management skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship building capabilities, and ability to connect with supporters for a wide range of backgrounds.
• Experience working in a fundraising, particularly in an educational or creative industry.

Role Description:

Click here to see further information, including salary.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy:

30 November 2025.

Contact details for vacancy:

If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Grace Brennan, Associate Director, Fundraising (grace.brennan@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply:

Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

About Us

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.