Associate Director - Donor Relations & Stewardship

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University of Auckland invites an experienced Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship to lead a high performing ARD team, manage a portfolio of 25 to 35 major gift prospects, and personally secure 10 to 15 gifts above $100,000 annually. The role combines strategic leadership with hands on donor engagement, demanding top tier stakeholder skills with Deans, donors, and academics, plus oversight of stewardship and bequest programs. You will coach six direct reports and travel for events. In your application, highlight proven major gifts success in higher education, quantify outcomes, and show CRM and reporting proficiency. Apply online by 22 March 2026 with CV and cover letter; no email applications; confidential discussion with Neil Gardner.

Company Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Join the University of Auckland’s award-winning Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team as our Associate Director - Donor Relations & Stewardship. You will be based in the heart of Auckland on Symonds Street in our beautifully restored heritage building, Old Choral Hall.

ARD is our central hub for philanthropy and engagement, where we build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with alumni, friends, and foundations. In this role, you’ll drive fundraising activities that empower people and advance knowledge for the benefit of New Zealand and the world.

As one of the institution’s most senior fundraisers, you will lead a high-performing team of engagement professionals. Partnering with the ARD Executive team and Director, you will develop, plan, and implement our strategic programmes, and act as a key connector between our faculties, senior leaders, donors, and alumni.

This role puts you centre stage, with direct involvement in hosting prestigious international and local fundraising events; as such, travel and evening work are regular components of the position.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead as a Senior Fundraiser: Personally manage a portfolio of 25–35 major/principal gift prospects. You will lead a minimum of 10–15 major gift solicitations (>$100,000) to completion annually, and act as a credible advocate for the University instilling the vital importance of philanthropy.
• People & Performance Leadership: Lead a high-performing, achievement-oriented team (including six direct reports, some of whom are managers). You will coach, mentor, and implement staff development activities that enhance our culture and lay the foundations for our people to thrive.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Act as a beacon of opportunity for our influential academics and professionals. You will partner with Deans and Development Managers to deliver a coordinated, best-practice approach to fundraising.
• Executive Leadership: Work in partnership with the Director and other Associate Directors to oversee the continued development of a productive giving pipeline, including middle donor development, stewardship, and bequest giving.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is $180,000 to $195,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

Are you an optimistic leader with a "can-do" work ethic and a passion for education and charitable giving?

We are seeking an established fundraiser with a proven track record of securing principal and major donations. You should be genuinely curious about people and their aspirations, possessing the creative flair to match donor desires with the University’s impactful initiatives.

This role is for a leader who thrives on coaching their team to facilitate their best work. You will be experienced in accelerating the velocity of a high-performing team, keeping culture, connection, and international best practice at the heart of everything you do.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• A tertiary degree (Postgraduate preferred) and direct experience within a university environment.
• Extensive high-level fundraising experience, including principal gifts, middle donor development, stewardship, and bequest giving.
• Proven leadership experience in client-centric programmes within higher education, non-profit, or corporate environments.
• Demonstrated success in managing and developing achievement-oriented teams.
• Stakeholder excellence, with experience cultivating networks in large, complex organisations and partnering with senior leaders and technical experts.
• Superior written and oral communication skills for drafting complex proposals.
• Technical proficiency, with the ability to leverage CRM data and financial reporting to track commitments.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5,400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

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 and adaptive hours.
• Leading and inclusive parental leave options.
• Career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 22 March 2026. Your application should include a brief Cover Letter explaining your interest in the role and an updated CV.

Please note: We do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Neil Gardner (Senior Recruitment Consultant) at [email protected]

Additional Information

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