General Manager

Platinum Recruitment; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading wildlife recovery organization as General Manager, where you'll lead efforts to support endangered species in New Zealand. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and fundraising skills to ensure sustainability and engage the community. A chance to impact conservation outcomes while working alongside passionate individuals in beautiful Dunedin.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Impactful organization

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leadership roles.
• Strong background in fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization.
• Drive fundraising efforts and build partnerships.
• Engage with community and government stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Experience in non-profit or conservation sectors

Organisational leadership experience

Job description

Are you an inspiring leader with a heart for conservation and a head for fundraising?

Join one of New Zealand’s most important wildlife recovery organisations as the General Manager of the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital – where your leadership will directly support the survival of Aotearoa’s most iconic and endangered species.

Located at the Otago Polytechnic campus in Ōtepoti/Dunedin, the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital provides specialist veterinary care exclusively for sick and injured native wildlife. Every day, our dedicated team treats patients like hoiho, kea, and kererū – giving them a second chance at life in the wild. Operating as a registered charity under the Wildlife Hospital Trust, we work in partnership with mana whenua, DOC, community groups, researchers, local authorities and donors to improve outcomes for native species.

Lead a Mission that Matters

As General Manager, you'll be the strategic and operational leader of the Trust, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure our long-term sustainability and day-to-day success. Your top priorities will be providing strong, values-based leadership to our small and passionate team, and securing the funding and partnerships that make our mission possible. From grant writing and sponsorship to donor engagement and strategic planning, you'll drive our fundraising efforts and champion the incredible work of the hospital at every opportunity.

No Two Days Are the Same

This is a hands-on role in a fast-moving environment, where flexibility and responsiveness are key. On any given day, you might be:

· Meeting with local iwi, government agencies or funders to build partnerships

· Writing a major grant application or pitching a sponsorship proposal

· Supporting the team through a wildlife emergency admission

· Speaking to a school group or community club about our work

· Drafting a donor newsletter or helping craft a compelling social media update

· Working alongside staff to review systems and improve processes

· Attending to board reporting, planning meetings, or policy development

· Helping deliver events and community engagement activities

You’ll be both visionary and practical — leading from the front and willing to pitch in when needed to keep things running smoothly.

Who We're Looking For

We’re seeking a proven leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and a strong background in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership. Experience in the non-profit, conservation, health, or community sectors would be ideal. You'll be someone who can confidently connect with everyone from school students to senior government officials, and who thrives on turning partnerships and passion into action and outcomes.

There is a lot to cover in this role and you will need to be able to prioritise your time to deliver the best outcome to the hospital.

Why Join Us?

· Lead a respected and impactful organisation at the heart of wildlife recovery in Aotearoa

· Use your fundraising and leadership expertise to directly support conservation outcomes

· Work in a collaborative, purpose-led environment with passionate people and partners

· Be based in beautiful Dunedin, surrounded by native wildlife, wild coastlines, and a vibrant community

· Help ensure the future of taonga species and the people who care for them

Apply Now

Ready to lead, connect, and make a difference? Send your CV and cover letter to [insert email or link] by [insert closing date].

For more on the life-saving work we do, visit dunedinwildlifehospital.org.nz