Fundraising Manager Wellington | Full-time | Permanent

Community Connections Supported Living Trust; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks’ annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive remuneration package

Autonomy to shape strategy

Job summary

Community Connections is seeking a strategic fundraising manager to lead the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy, reporting to the CFO. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and leadership to secure funding from grants, trusts, foundations, major gifts and corporate partnerships.

You will drive Gifts in Wills, donor stewardship, and the creation of a strong fundraising culture across the organisation, building trusted relationships and delivering measurable social impact.

Qualifications

• Five years of fundraising or related income-generating experience.
• Proven ability to develop and manage fundraising programmes.
• Experience with grants, trusts, major gifts, and corporate partnerships.
• Strong proposal writing and donor stewardship skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Community Connections’ fundraising strategy.
• Identify new opportunities and build strategic partnerships.
• Secure funding through grants, trusts and foundations; grow major donors.
• Establish Gifts in Wills programme and donor stewardship culture.
• Oversee fundraising systems, reporting and donor engagement.
• Tell compelling stories and influence stakeholders to invest.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Donor stewardship

Major gifts

Corporate partnerships

CRM systems

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Proposal writing

Storytelling

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

• Wellington-based | Full-time | Permanent
• Purpose-led organisation with hybrid working and flexible hours
• 5 weeks’ annual leave and the opportunity to build a fundraising programme from the ground up

This is a unique opportunity to build a fundraising function with the backing of an established organisation, a committed Executive Leadership Team, and an engaged Board.Think you’re perfect for the role, but not the hours? Let’s talk. While this is advertised as a full-time position, we’re open to considering a part-time arrangement for an outstanding candidate.

About Us

At Community Connections, we believe people with disabilities should have the opportunity to live the life they choose, in the community they choose. Every day, we work alongside people and their whānau to remove barriers, build capability, and create meaningful opportunities for inclusion.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will develop and deliver Community Connections’ fundraising strategy, creating sustainable income streams that support our vision and future growth. Working closely with the CEO, Board, Senior Leadership Team and operational leaders, you will identify new opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and inspire investment in the work we do.

Your focus will include securing funding through grants, trusts and foundations, growing relationships with major donors, developing corporate partnerships, establishing a Gifts in Wills programme, and creating a strong culture of fundraising across the organisation. You’ll also oversee fundraising systems, reporting, and donor stewardship, ensuring every interaction reflects our values and demonstrates the impact of our work.

This is a highly collaborative role where your ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders, and tell compelling stories will be just as important as your fundraising expertise.

About you

We are looking for a strategic and relationship-focused fundraiser manager with a proven ability to secure funding, identify new opportunities, and build partnerships that create long-term value. You will be confident turning ideas into action and can balance strategic thinking with strong delivery.

You will bring broad experience across grants, trusts and foundations, major gifts, corporate partnerships, philanthropy, or other income-generating activities. You are an exceptional communicator who can prepare compelling proposals, engage confidently with senior leaders, and build trusted relationships with donors, funders, and community partners.

Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and understand that successful fundraising is built on genuine relationships, strong stewardship, and meaningful social impact.

• At least five years’ experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grants, business development, or a related income-generating role
• Proven experience developing and managing fundraising programmes, including grant applications, donor stewardship, campaigns, and relationship-building strategies
• Experience contributing to fundraising strategy, including setting goals, managing pipelines, monitoring performance, and identifying growth opportunities
• Experience using fundraising, donor-management, or CRM systems to maintain records, track engagement, and report on performance

What’s in it for you??

This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to shape the future of an organisation that supports hundreds of people across the North Island to live meaningful, connected lives.

You will enjoy:

• The opportunity to establish and lead a new function
• A competitive remuneration package
• Flexible working arrangements
• Five weeks’ annual leave
• Genuine autonomy to shape strategy and grow sustainable income
• Close collaboration with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team
• The chance to create measurable community impact
• A supportive, purpose-led culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement