Executive Assistant To General Manager — Part-Time

Department Of Corrections; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust in Dunedin is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the organisation into its next chapter. This hands-on, high-visibility role reports to the Board Chair and guides a committed team to deliver meaningful community impact across Dunedin and the wider region.

You'll drive financial sustainability, build strong partnerships with funders, sponsors and government agencies, and step in to support staff and frontline operations when needed.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership or general management experience.
• An understanding of peer led systems.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting and funding management.
• Success securing funding, sponsorships and developing sustainable income streams.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with boards, community organisations, funders or the not‑for‑profit sector.
• A collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to people and community outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support a high-performing team of staff and volunteers.
• Foster an inclusive workplace culture and provide practical support to frontline services.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship and funding initiatives.
• Deliver regular reporting, strategic insight and strengthen services and community impact.

Skills

Senior leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Fundraising

Job description

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. Lead a committed team and drive financial sustainability.

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust supports people experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, distress and isolation through peer-led services, advocacy, education and community connection. Guided by lived experience, human rights, equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the organisation is dedicated to strengthening wellbeing and creating hope across our community.

We're seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. Reporting directly to the Board Chair, you'll lead a committed team, drive financial sustainability, build strong stakeholder relationships and ensure Life Matters continues to deliver meaningful impact across Dunedin and the wider region. You'll be just as comfortable meeting with funders and corporate sponsors as you are rolling up your sleeves to support staff and frontline operations when needed.

Leadership & People

• Lead, develop and support a high-performing team of staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, safe and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide practical support and step in when required to assist peer led frontline services.
• Champion the values, peer support philosophy and lived-experience principles of Life Matters.

Financial Sustainability

• Manage organisational budgets, financial performance and reporting.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship and funding initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with funders and corporate partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Trust's long‑term financial resilience.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as an advocate for Life Matters across the community.
• Develop strong partnerships with funders, sponsors, government agencies, NGOs and community organisations.
• Enhance the organisation's profile and reputation across the region.

Governance & Strategy

• Work closely with the Board Chair and Board to deliver organisational goals.
• Provide regular reporting, advice and strategic insight.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen services, systems and community impact.

You'll bring:

• Proven senior leadership or general management experience.
• An understanding of peer led systems.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting and funding management.
• Success securing funding, sponsorships and developing sustainable income streams.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with boards, community organisations, funders or the not‑for‑profit sector.
• A collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to people and community outcomes.

If you're an experienced leader who combines commercial capability with a passion for creating positive social impact,

Applicants must have a valid work visa, permanent residency or NZ citizenship to be considered.