Chief Executive Officer

Top of the South Community Foundation; Nelson; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in New Zealand is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead its efforts in philanthropy and community change. The successful candidate will oversee the organization's operations, build impactful partnerships, and cultivate a strong team. This role offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of everyday Kiwis.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a for-purpose organization through growth.
• Strong experience managing budgets and financial strategy.
• Ability to inspire staff and partners towards ambitious goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the vision for the Foundation.
• Lead the development of organisational strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners.

Skills

Proven CEO/Executive Leadership

Stakeholder & Relationship Leadership

Cultural Competence

Technology & Systems Literacy

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Overview

Chief Executive Officer - Top of the South Community Foundation

Location: Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough Region, Te Tauihu

Hours: Full-time (0.7-1.0 FTE negotiable)

He whakakaha i ngā hāpori o Aotearoa

Are you a dynamic, visionary leader passionate about creating a stronger, more equitable Aotearoa NZ? Do you want to lead a for-purpose organisation that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of everyday Kiwis?

The Top of the South Community Foundation (TSCF) is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CE) to lead our next chapter. As part of a growing national and international movement, we work with everyday philanthropists to support structured giving and create positive, community-led change.

This is a unique opportunity to transition our Foundation from a hands-on, trustee-supported structure to a professionally managed organisation. The CE will be entrusted with full operational responsibility, enabling our board to focus on strategic oversight and governance. You will lead with purpose, build impactful partnerships, and shape a culture where people and performance thrive.

Our website: www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz

Our 2024-2025 Performance Report: https://www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AGM-Performance-Report-2025_Final_LR.pdf

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Vision and Strategy: Define and champion a clear, compelling vision for the Foundation that aligns with its mission, values, and strategic goals.


• Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of organisational strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and measurable community impact.


• Board Partnership: Work closely with the Board to provide operational leadership while supporting effective governance and strategic oversight.


• Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of the organisation, including culture, cultural competency, team leadership, fund development, sponsorship, financial management, marketing, and systems.


• Stakeholder Stewardship: Build and maintain trusted relationships with donors, iwi, community partners, professional advisors, and the wider community.


• Partnerships and Growth: Identify and cultivate new partnerships, revenue streams, and opportunities to expand philanthropy across the Top of the South region.


• Impact Measurement: Ensure that programs, grants, and initiatives deliver meaningful outcomes for the community, monitoring and reporting on effectiveness.

About You

Qualifications

• Proven CEO/Executive Leadership: You have led a for-purpose or comparable organisation through growth, transformation, or scaling, with a track record of delivering measurable impact.


• Strategic Visionary: You can define and communicate a compelling vision, set organisational strategy, and inspire staff, trustees, and partners to achieve ambitious goals.


• Board Partnership & Governance: Skilled in partnering with Boards, providing professional advice, and balancing operational leadership with governance oversight.


• Financial & Operational Acumen: Strong experience managing budgets, financial strategy, fundraising, sponsorships, and operational systems to ensure sustainable growth.


• Stakeholder & Relationship Leadership: Build and maintain trusted relationships with donors, community partners, iwi, hapū, professional advisors, and wider networks.


• Culture & Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing dynamic small team, fostering a culture of collaboration, unity, accountability, and continuous improvement, and building a shared sense of purpose and direction.


• Cultural Competence: You demonstrate cultural humility and have proven experience building genuine, enduring partnerships with iwi, hapū, and Māori communities, grounded in a practical understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


• Impact-Focused: Passionate about philanthropy and community-led change, able to identify opportunities to maximise the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness.


• Technology & Systems Literacy: Experience leveraging CRMs (Salesforce ideal) and data-driven insights to support operational integration and organisational decision-making. Vision to integrate AI technologies to our organisation to enhance efficiencies.

If you have the passion and experience to unlock the philanthropic potential of our region, we want to hear from you.

Remuneration: A competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with the skills and experience required for this significant leadership role. The details of the package will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply: We welcome applications from all individuals who believe they have the skills and passion to lead our Foundation into its next chapter.

To apply, please submit the following documents in PDF format, to: [e-mail]:

1. A Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your motivation for applying and addressing how you meet the experience, skills and capability required for this role, as outlined in the Position Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LXcsagvI_AIinEaWST6wABh0sWznokZq/view).


2. A current CV.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Application Deadline: Please ensure your application is received by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 15th October 2025.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.