Head of Fundraising

This is a rare opportunity to lead fundraising for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most trusted charities. Whānau Āwhina Plunket is New Zealand’s largest support service for tamariki under five and their whānau, visiting more than 80% of newborns and supporting families through those crucial early years.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Reporting to the GM of Finance, Technology and Commercial, as Head of Fundraising, you’ll shape and deliver our fundraising strategy and performance - growing sustainable income that enables whānau to access the support they need, when they need it.

This role is based in Wellington or Auckland, with flexible/hybrid options considered for the right person given the national scope of the portfolio.

This role leads a team of 12, together with external partners, and works closely with the Communications Team to develop our campaigns and the corresponding messaging around these. Key priorities include acquiring new donors, grants and partnerships and nurturing existing relationships to increase funding to support our whānau.

In this role you will:

• Lead a multi-year fundraising strategy and annual plan to materially grow net income.
• Lead and coach a high-performing team across direct marketing, regular giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, philanthropy, grants, partnerships and legacy giving.
• Continue the strong performance rhythm: forecasting, pipeline and activity management, ROI discipline, and data-led decision making.
• Strengthen donor care, stewardship, and retention - ensuring supporters feel valued and connected to impact.
• Represent Plunket externally with senior stakeholders (major donors, partners, foundations, etc).
  

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking a highly capable and creative senior fundraising leader, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience working directly in fundraising, managing staff and leading strategic change. You’ll be an outstanding communicator with strong experience in managing multiple deadlines and priorities alongside a good understanding of the health/social service not for profit sector.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading multi-channel fundraising (or equivalent revenue-growth leadership) with measurable growth outcomes.
• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic and diverse fundraising programmes.
• Working knowledge of the fundraising environment and of a range of techniques which will support the cost-effective generation of income.
• Strong relationship-based fundraising capability (major donors/partners) and confident stakeholder management at senior levels.
• The ability to identify and develop new business opportunities across corporate and NGO/NFP sectors.
• Commercial and analytical strength (budgets, targets, performance metrics, CRM/data).
• A modern, people-first leadership style that lifts capability and creates clarity and accountability.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

If you’re seeking to work for an organisation that values improving society, join us at Whānau Āwhina Plunket. In line with our values, we believe in caring for our people, to support your wellbeing and ongoing professional growth.

• The ability to schedule your mahi in a way that will support work and life balance
• Various wellbeing schemes such as two Wellbeing Days
• Retail discounts
  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To view the position description or to apply for this role please refer to www.plunket.org.nz/careers. For further information please contact Matt Kenny (GM of Finance, Technology and Commercial on Matthew.Kenny@plunket.org.nz.

Applications close 19th March 2026. Please note, we will process applications as they are received and may close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate.

Kotahi mano ngā rā hiki te oranga mo ngā whakatipuranga, i roto i ngā  hapori

In the first 2000 days setting the path of wellness in our communities, for generations to come

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and their whānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, nau mai, haere mai.