NZ Nature Fund is an enduring independent charitable trust that channels philanthropic and corporate capital into New Zealand’s highest-impact conservation work. Working closely with the Department of Conservation and other delivery partners, it backs bold, science-led projects that restore ecosystems at landscape scale and give our most threatened species a path back from the brink. NZNF is currently leading an $80 million campaign to restore Maukahuka/Auckland Island, in partnership with DOC and Ngāi Tahu.

The role:

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Senior Development Manager identifies, cultivates and stewards relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations and other principal donors. You’ll manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, typically giving $10K+ per annum or making significant campaign or legacy gifts, and play a central role in the Maukahuka/Auckland Island campaign through international principal and major gift donors.

You’ll build and shape NZNF’s major gifts programme, developing tailored proposals, strengthening the case for support, and designing stewardship that includes project site visits and briefings with conservation partners. You’ll work alongside a well-connected Board and a small fundraising team, and contribute to growing the Fund’s new bequest programme.

You will need the following:

• 8+ years’ experience in major gifts fundraising, high-value sales or relationship management, ideally in the not-for-profit or philanthropic sector
• Demonstrated track record of building relationships that result in significant financial commitments
• Confidence engaging credibly with high-net-worth individuals and their advisors
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex conservation work into compelling donor narratives
• Experience using a CRM or donor database to manage a relationship pipeline
• Genuine interest in New Zealand’s natural environment, and willingness to travel regularly, including to remote project sites

For the full position description: shorturl.at/wRO7x (copy this link into your browser)

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who wants to build a programme and help deliver one of the largest conservation projects in New Zealand. You’ll join a small, ambitious team where your work will make a lasting difference to Aotearoa’s native species and ecosystems.

This is a permanent, full-time remote role based in New Zealand with occasional travel required. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applications close: Sunday 15 November 2026
Applications and queries to: Carly Murrell (027 236 4848) or email [email protected]

Suitable or qualified job applicants may be interviewed before the closing date.

Fundraising Talent is a specialist recruiter for the charity sector, a member of The Fundraising Institute of Australasia (FIA), and the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA). For more roles like this please, visit www.fundraisingtalent.co.nz.