Development Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

University of Auckland is hiring a Development Manager to fundraise for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and corporate partners within the moves-management framework. You’ll collaborate with the Dean and the ARD team to align donor strategies, deliver timely stewardship, and support the Faculty Development Plan. This is a permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours) based in Auckland with a salary of NZD 118,000 to 128,000, negotiable. To excel, show a proven track record in major gifts or high-value relationships, strong events and relationship-building skills, and excellent organization. Apply online by 15 February 2026 with a cover letter and CV; no email applications; for a confidential chat, contact Neil Gardner.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

We are seeking a Development Manager to fundraise and partner with our Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS), connecting its world-leading research and teaching to individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organisations. FMHS plays a major role in advancing medical research and improving health outcomes in New Zealand, making this an inspiring environment for an ambitious fundraiser to make a real impact.

You will join a group of fundraisers whose purpose is to grow philanthropic investment in FMHS by helping deliver a coordinated and integrated Faculty Development Plan.

You will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, using the University’s moves-management framework to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant contributions. Working closely with the Dean, senior leaders, researchers, the Senior Development Manager, and the wider Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team, you will shape compelling opportunities for supporters to contribute to impactful health research and education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of major prospects and corporate partners, developing tailored cultivation and solicitation plans to secure significant gifts.
• Internal Partnership: Work closely with the Dean, faculty leaders, and the ARD team to align donor strategies, provide guidance, and support coordinated engagement.
• Donor Engagement: Deliver high-quality stewardship, ensuring major donors and partners receive timely recognition, reporting, and meaningful engagement.
• Strategy & Planning: Contribute to faculty and ARD development plans, helping shape annual priorities and long-term philanthropic strategy.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is $118,000 to $128,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be an experienced fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major support and building trusted relationships. This role moves quickly and covers a wide range of responsibilities, so we are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates clearly, and brings a respectful, collaborative approach.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking:

• Proven experience in fundraising or in building high‑value relationships with corporate partners and high‑net‑worth individuals.
• A background in marketing, sales, or customer engagement, with a strong track record of meeting targets and delivering financial results.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the confidence to host events and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Curiosity and adaptability, with the ability to connect widely, understand donor motivations, and tailor approaches accordingly.
• Strong organisational discipline, including high‑quality record keeping, clear written communication, and timely responses.
• An understanding of the tertiary environment, supported by a Bachelor’s degree or relevant tertiary qualification/work experience.

If you are strategic, driven, and passionate about creating meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

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 5400 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, including working from home 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, 15 February 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to 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