Development Manager - Fundraising

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

We are seeking a Development Manager to fundraise and partner with our Faculties of Law and Science, connecting world‑leading research and teaching with individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organisations.

The Faculty of Law is consistently ranked among the world’s leading law schools and has a strong tradition of philanthropic support for scholarships, public interest law, and initiatives that advance access to justice and social impact. The Faculty benefits from an engaged alumni and donor community committed to shaping a fairer and more equitable society.

The Faculty of Science is a major focus of philanthropic investment at the University and will be a shared portfolio within the Development team. It spans a broad range of disciplines, including environmental and biological sciences, data science, and innovation, and attracts donor support for impactful research, student opportunities, and long‑term scientific advancement.

You will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, using the University’s moves‑management framework to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant contributions. Working closely with Deans, senior leaders, researchers, and the wider Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team, you will shape compelling opportunities for supporters to invest in research, teaching, and student success across both faculties.

Key responsibilities include:

• Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of major prospects and corporate partners, developing tailored cultivation and solicitation plans to secure significant gifts.
• Internal Partnership: Work closely with the Deans, faculty leaders, and the ARD team to align donor strategies, provide guidance, and support coordinated engagement.
• Donor Engagement: Deliver high-quality stewardship, ensuring major donors and partners receive timely recognition, reporting, and meaningful engagement.
• Strategy & Planning: Contribute to faculty and ARD development plans, helping shape annual priorities and long-term philanthropic strategy.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is $118,000 to $128,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

A full description of your duties and the role is provided in the position description linked HERE.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be an experienced fundraiser with a strong track record of securing gifts and building long-term, trusted relationships. This role moves quickly and covers a wide range of responsibilities, so we are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates clearly, and brings a respectful, collaborative approach.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking:

• Proven experience in fundraising or in building high‑value relationships with corporate partners and high‑net‑worth individuals.
• A background in marketing, sales, or customer engagement, with a strong track record of meeting targets and delivering financial results.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the confidence to host events and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Curiosity and adaptability, with the ability to connect widely, understand donor motivations, and tailor approaches accordingly.
• Strong organisational discipline, including high‑quality record keeping, clear written communication, with the ability to draft and finesse reports and solicitations, and timely responses to emails and queries.
• An understanding of the tertiary environment, supported by a Bachelors degree or relevant tertiary qualification/work experience.

If you are strategic, driven, and passionate about creating meaningful impact with a connection to Law and/or Science, we would love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions
• Career development opportunities and discounted on-site amenities

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Neil Gardner (Senior Recruitment Consultant) at [email protected]   

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz