Development Manager - Fundraising

About the Role

We are looking for a Development Manager to join the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. This role focuses on building and nurturing partnerships with individual donors, corporate entities, and philanthropic organizations to support globally impactful health research, education, and innovation initiatives.

You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and collaboratively working with senior academics, researchers, and university leadership to identify funding opportunities that encourage significant philanthropic contributions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of major donors including trusts, foundations, and corporate partners, creating strategic plans to generate substantial funding.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, faculty leaders, and university stakeholders to identify development initiatives.
• Design tailored engagement plans, proposals, and stewardship activities to sustain long-term support.
• Collaborate with the Dean and senior faculty to prioritize prospects in alignment with faculty goals.
• Support the execution of fundraising strategies, plans, and performance measurements for the faculty.
• Coordinate with the Alumni Relations and Development team to execute unified fundraising campaigns and donor engagement programs.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has proven experience in fundraising or relationship management, particularly in securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, or corporate donors. You possess strong interpersonal skills to progress donors from initial contact through solicitation and ongoing stewardship.

You exhibit curiosity about donor interests and motivations, and excel at cultivating trust and aligning donor goals with institutional priorities. The role requires both independent initiative and teamwork in a relationship-driven environment focused on strategic engagement and excellent stakeholder management.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in obtaining major gifts, philanthropic funding, or significant commercial partnerships through relationship-focused approaches.
• Experience managing donor portfolios that include individuals, foundations, trusts, and corporate collaborators.
• Proficient in structured relationship management or moves-management processes for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding supporters.
• Exceptional capability in building and influencing relationships with senior leaders, donors, and external parties.
• Strong commercial competence in developing proposals, delivering presentations, and meeting fundraising or revenue goals.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience coupled with an interest in supporting world-class medical research and education.

Compensation and Work Conditions

This is a permanent full-time position with a workload of 37.5 hours per week, based onsite in Auckland. The salary range is $118,000 to $128,000 annually, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration with five weeks of annual leave.
• Discounted public transportation options for eligible staff.
• KiwiSaver superannuation with employer matching up to 6.75%.
• Flexible work arrangements including options for working from home and adaptable hours.
• Inclusive and leading parental leave policies.
• Opportunities for professional growth, discounted insurance plans, membership benefits, and access to on-site facilities.

Additional Information

The University of Auckland is committed to equity, inclusion, and honoring the Treaty of Waitangi. Support services are available for diverse groups including Māori, Pacific peoples, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, and parents. The workplace promotes a safe and supportive environment for all staff and students.

Application Process

Applications are accepted online by Sunday, 11 October 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their interest and relevant skills, along with an updated CV. Email applications are not accepted. For confidential inquiries, contact the Senior Recruitment Consultant directly.