Chief Executive Officer - Top of the South Community Foundation

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

Job summary

A leading community-focused organization in the Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough Region seeks a Chief Executive Officer to drive its vision and strategic growth. The role requires a dynamic leader with proven experience in executive management and collaboration with Boards. Responsibilities include overseeing operations and fostering community partnerships, ensuring impactful philanthropy in the region. A competitive remuneration package will be discussed with candidates.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a for-purpose organization through growth and transformation.
• Ability to define a compelling organizational vision and strategy.
• Skilled in partnering with Boards and providing strategic operational leadership.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Proven track record of building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in leading and mentoring a dynamic team.
• Cultural humility and experience engaging with Māori communities.
• Passion for philanthropy and community-led change.
• Experience leveraging data-driven insights for organizational decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion a compelling vision aligned with the Foundation's mission.
• Lead development and execution of organizational strategy.
• Collaborate with the Board for effective governance.
• Oversee organizational culture and financial management.
• Build relationships with donors and community partners.
• Identify new partnerships and opportunities for philanthropy.
• Monitor and report on program effectiveness.

Skills

Proven CEO/Executive Leadership

Strategic Visionary

Board Partnership & Governance

Financial & Operational Acumen

Stakeholder & Relationship Leadership

Culture & Team Leadership

Cultural Competence

Impact-Focused

Technology & Systems Literacy

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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: topsouthfoundation.org.nz

Our 2024-2025 Performance Report: linked here

Key Responsibilities will include:

• 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:

• 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.