Philanthropy Manager

Role Overview

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington is looking for a seasoned Philanthropy Manager to lead a refreshed fundraising effort and help build a lasting culture of giving across the school community.

This is a specialist, donor-facing role centred on relationships and results. The successful candidate will work closely with donors and senior stakeholders, create persuasive giving opportunities, support high-level conversations, and help secure philanthropic support that advances the school’s strategic goals.

Core Focus Areas

• major gift fundraising
• legacy giving through gifts in wills
• annual giving programmes
• trust, foundation, and grant funding
• business partnerships and sponsorships
• donor stewardship, care, and recognition
• pipeline development and CRM upkeep
• preparation for capital campaigns
• fundraising reporting and support for senior volunteers

A large part of the position involves direct contact with donors, prospective supporters, senior volunteers, and other important stakeholders to strengthen relationships, assess philanthropic interest, and secure contributions.

What You Need to Bring

The school is seeking an experienced relationship fundraiser who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

• proven achievement in securing major donations or philanthropic funding
• experience building, managing, and nurturing donor or stakeholder relationships
• confidence in identifying, cultivating, asking for, and stewarding donor support
• strong capability in donor care and relationship management
• ability to prepare tailored donor cases, proposals, impact updates, and reports
• excellent communication skills, both written and spoken
• good judgement, discretion, and a professional approach
• strong planning skills with the ability to juggle several prospects, projects, and deadlines
• familiarity with CRM or fundraising database tools
• ability to work effectively with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, colleagues, and community partners

Preferred Background

Experience in an independent school, tertiary education, the wider education sector, not-for-profit organisations, or advancement work would be beneficial. Additional exposure to gifts in wills, annual giving, capital campaign preparation, trusts and grants, sponsorship, or business partnerships would also be an advantage.

Application Details

A full position description can be found on the school website. To apply, submit a cover letter, your CV, and the names of two professional referees by email.

Applications close at 12:00 pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, and will be reviewed as they arrive.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered.