Team Leader Philanthropy
Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours / week)
Wellington

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

We’re looking for a relationship-driven and purpose-led fundraising leader to join New Zealand Red Cross as our Team Leader Philanthropy.

This is a pivotal role within our philanthropy team, leading the growth of major gifts, planned giving and legacy programmes that directly support people and communities in times of greatest need. Reporting to the Manager Partnerships and Philanthropy, you’ll help shape how we engage with some of our most committed and influential supporters.

You’ll combine hands-on donor relationship management with team leadership, ensuring our high-value supporters experience meaningful, well-stewarded and long-term engagement with our mission. Your work will directly contribute to sustainable income growth that enables Red Cross to be there before, during, and after emergencies. 

In this role you will: 

• Lead the development and growth of major gifts, planned giving and legacy fundraising programmes.
• Build and steward trusted, long-term relationships with high-value donors and legacy supporters.
• Shape and deliver strategies that grow lifetime value and deepen donor commitment to our mission.
• Lead, coach and support a small but high performing team to deliver exceptional donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
• Use insights and data to strengthen pipeline development, forecasting, and fundraising performance.
• Work closely with colleagues and partners to create a seamless and compelling supporter experience.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

We’re looking for an experienced fundraising professional who is motivated by impact and energised by building deep, long-term relationships with donors who want to make a difference. 

To be successful you will have: 

• Experience in major gifts, planned giving or legacy fundraising, with a strong track record managing high-value donor relationships and delivering income growth targets
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing a small team.
• Confidence engaging with high-net-worth individuals, advisers and philanthropic partners and influencing outcomes.
• The ability to translate strategy into meaningful donor engagement and income growth.
• Significant knowledge of fundraising databases, including confidence using the database as a tool for donor relationship management, team activity tracking and revenue reporting
• Strong analytical capability and comfort using data to guide decisions and performance and optimise results.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with a natural ability to build trust.
• An empathy with humanitarian causes and alignment with the fundamental principles of New Zealand Red Cross.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 10/06/2026

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Rowan Worner at rowan.worner@redcross.org.nz   

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications. And as part of a broader investment in philanthropy and fundraising growth, we are expanding our team, view our other opportunities currently available.

Click here for the Job Description