Regional Development Manager – Te Waipounamu

Full time Permanent

We are looking for a a special person to lace up and step in to our Regional Development Manager Position.

Passionate about running, addiction recovery and community read on!

The successful applicant to be based in Ōtautahi Christchurch with regular travel required to our Te Tai Pounamu West Coast team and new development areas.

Applications by email only. CV, Covering letter and 1 min film 'Why the Speed Freaks' to: [email protected]

About Us

Speed Freaks Charitable Trust has been “running for recovery” since 2021. We support recovery from addiction and mental distress by building prosocial, life-changing relationships and experiences through the process of running and walking.

From our first group in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), we now have over 30 groups across the motu, with our main hubs in Christchurch and Auckland. We’ve recently launched a a successful pilot in Te Tai Poutini (West Coast) and a further pilot is due to start in Te Whanganui-a-Tara ( Wellington)

With 12 staff, 130 volunteers, and a dynamic Board, we’re ready to respond to growing demand.

Our vision is to deliver impactful programmes that support inclusive communities, growing health and wellbeing across Aotearoa.

Based in Ōtautahi

This is a permanent, full-time role reporting to our CEO/Founder and the Trust Board. You will lead the development, implementation, and growth of Speed Freaks’ programmes and partnerships across the South Island.

Working from our Christchurch base, you’ll oversee the Ōtautahi team, support our West Coast team, and help us expand into new regions.

Securing key partnerships, identifying funding opportunities and ensuring sustainability for new initiatives will be a key focus.

Key Responsibilities

Provide oversight of our South Island Teams. With direct reports of Programme Coordinators.
Develop and execute strategies to strengthen Speed Freaks’ regional presence.
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, government agencies, corporate partners, and community groups.
Identify fundraising opportunities, prepare and support grant applications.
Lead regional events and community engagement activities in collaboration with local and national teams.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on regional programme effectiveness.
Support and manage regional staff, and work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure delivery of initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the mental health sector and/or business development, fundraising, or people leadership.
A registered healthcare qualification or postgraduate degree in a relevant field (preferred).
Strong fundraising, financial reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
A balance of responsiveness, creativity, and strategic thinking.
Proficiency with MS Office and other IT tools.
Ability to jog/run 5–10km at a comfortable pace (essential to connect with our kaupapa).
Clean, current, full NZ driver’s licence.
A strong network in Te Waipounamu advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a growing movement that is transforming lives. You’ll combine leadership, creativity, and community engagement with real, on-the-ground mahi—supporting inclusive communities that grow health and wellbeing.

You will be working together with the North Island Development Manager and CEO to ensure strategic oversight of the Speed Freaks kaupapa and maintain our core values and community impact as we respond to local need.

Application Process

Please submit;

Your CV
A covering letter outlining your suitability
A short 1-minute film sharing your “Why the Speed Freaks”

Closing date: Thursday 12 th November
Interviews: Expected week of 23rd November
Proposed start date: Early 2027

Preference is for applications to be directly emailed to CEO Anna Christophorou. – you may choose to use a file transfer service such as https://wetransfer.com/ to send your application, if it is larger than 15 megabytes.

Questions can be directed to Anna Christophorou - 021 216 3675