Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

You’ll be part of a new function strengthening evidence-based decisions, strategic partnerships and economic outcomes for the region.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a chance to build something new for Council. You’ll lead the establishment of a grants and funding centre of excellence, bringing together grant and funding activity from across many teams into one clear, organisation-wide view. You’ll set consistent grants governance, processes and reporting, and link funding opportunities to Council’s strategic priorities so we go after the right funding for the right reasons. You’ll do this while drawing on the expertise and community relationships within our teams across Council.

Maintain a consolidated view of Council’s grant and funding activities across all teams
Develop and maintain consistent grants governance frameworks, processes and templates
Identify and monitor external funding opportunities and share them with the right teams
Support to align funding opportunities with the Long Term Plan, Annual Plan and strategic priorities
Coordinate funding activity across Council to reduce duplication and improve collaboration
Provide guidance and advice to operational teams on applications, reporting and funder relationships
Report on Council’s funding and grants portfolio
Build and maintain effective relationships with key funders

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re highly organised and can manage competing priorities while keeping oversight across a complex environment. You’re a clear and confident communicator who works well across teams and with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You bring strong analytical skills and know how to build consistent processes without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

You will bring:

Experience in a grants, funding or similar coordination role, ideally in local government, the community sector or a public-facing organisation
A track record of managing or coordinating funding processes across multiple workstreams or teams
Experience working with a range of funders, including central government agencies, trusts and foundations
The ability to assess funding opportunities, monitor portfolio performance and produce credible reporting
A tertiary qualification in public policy, business, community development or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
Knowledge of the New Zealand funding and grants landscape, including central government and philanthropic sources, is desirable

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Supportive, empowering leadership that backs you to do your best work
Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
Fully subsidised health insurance
Generous leave provisions
Learning and professional development opportunities
A range of employee benefits and discounts
Meaningful work that shapes our community’s future
Mountains, beaches and national parks on your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm Monday 16 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our People & Capability team by email at [email protected].