General Manager

JobSpace; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit sector experience

Job summary

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust in Dunedin and the wider region invites an experienced General Manager to lead a committed team and deliver meaningful community impact. You will oversee governance, fundraising, and stakeholder relationships, while guiding operations and strategy.

The role requires strong financial stewardship, collaboration with the Board, and a passion for peer-led, inclusive community support. Applicants must hold valid work entitlements for NZ.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership or general management experience.
• Understanding peer-led systems.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting and funding management.
• Track record 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.
• 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 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.
• Manage organisational budgets, financial performance and reporting.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship and funding initiatives and build relationships with funders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Fundraising

Financial management

Governance

Not-for-profit sector experience

Job description

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 will 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 will 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.

Location: Dunedin and the wider region.

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

Platinum Recruitment is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and believes in equal opportunities for all. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all our recruitment processes.

If you're an experienced leader who combines commercial capability with a passion for creating positive social impact, we encourage you to connect with us for further discussion.