Fundraising & Partnerships Manager

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Orana Wildlife Park is hiring a Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to lead a multi stream fundraising programme, building major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners and community support to sustain conservation, animal welfare and education. You will work with the CEO and Board to shape strategy, secure significant gifts, and embed a culture of philanthropy while delivering hands on results across income streams. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in not for profit fundraising, exceptional relationship skills, experience crafting compelling cases for support, and familiarity with CRM data and the New Zealand philanthropic landscape. To apply, attach a CV and a letter answering two prompts: the largest single donation you secured and a time you set strategy and delivered activity; applications close June 30 at 5 pm.

Fundraising & Partnerships Manager

• Permanent, Full-Time position though some flexibility with working hours can be discussed.
• Based at Orana Wildlife Park, McLeans Island, though flexible due to nature of role.

As Orana approaches its 50th year, we are reflective and determined to continue achieving our conservation goals. We are looking for team members with commitment and motivation to help us continue our mission to connect people with nature, and to educate and inspire our community towards creating a bright future for the next 50 years, and beyond.

Mō mātou: About Us

Orana Wildlife Park is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity dedicated to protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s wildlife for future generations. Conservation sits at the heart of everything we do, from habitat restoration and predator control to creating safe havens and wildlife corridors for some of Canterbury’s most at-risk species.

As a not-for-profit, our impact is only possible through the support of our community. Alongside our work in breeding programmes with global and national partners such as the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others, we rely on philanthropic, corporate and community support to sustain and grow these efforts, ensuring we can continue to protect wildlife, inspire visitors, and contribute meaningfully to conservation outcomes into the future.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As Fundraising & Partnerships Manager, you will play a critical role in enabling Orana’s mission by leading the development and delivery of a comprehensive, multi-stream fundraising and partner programme. This includes building and managing relationships across major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners, and the wider community, while ensuring a strong pipeline of sustainable income to support our conservation, animal welfare and education priorities.

You will work closely with the CEO and Board to grow Orana’s fundraising capability, providing both strategic direction and hands-on delivery across all fundraising activity. Your success in this role will be reflected in your ability to build meaningful relationships, secure significant funding, and embed a strong culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

This role will also guide the development of compelling cases for support, partnership opportunities and donor experiences that connect people to Orana’s work. Through your efforts, you will help create the financial foundation that enables Orana to protect wildlife, deliver impactful programmes, and inspire our community to act for the natural world.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will bring at least 8 years’ progressive fundraising experience within the not-for-profit sector, with a demonstrated track record of securing significant gifts from major donors, trusts, foundations and/or corporate partners. You will be highly motivated, outcome-focused, and able to build strong, trusted relationships that support Orana’s long-term growth.

You will also have:

• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence donors, partners, trustees and stakeholders with confidence and authenticity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support, grant applications and donor proposals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering fundraising plans across multiple income streams, with a strong understanding of the New Zealand philanthropic landscape.
• Emotional intelligence and sound judgement to manage high-value relationships, navigate complex conversations and uphold the highest ethical standards.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and balance day-to-day delivery with longer-term strategic objectives.
• Confidence working closely with senior leaders and Boards, including reporting on performance and contributing to strategic discussions.
• Experience using CRM systems and data to inform decision-making, track performance and strengthen donor engagement.
• A genuine passion for conservation, wildlife and environmental outcomes, aligned with Orana’s mission and values.
• Full and current New Zealand driver’s licence and the ability to travel as required.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.

A high level of initiative, resilience and energy is essential, along with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and contribute across a busy, purpose-driven organisation.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll join a passionate, purpose-driven team who care deeply about our animals, our mission, and each other, who are energised by the opportunity to grow and achieve something meaningful together.

This is a full-time, permanent role based at Orana Wildlife Park, with flexibility required to support events, donor engagement and key moments across the year.

As a member of our team, we offer:

• A high-energy, values-led culture grounded in Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage, where people support each other and celebrate wins together.
• The chance to build and shape a growing fundraising function, with real ownership and influence.
• A team that is ambitious, collaborative and hungry to achieve our long-term vision for conservation and impact.
• Genuine connection to purpose. You’ll see firsthand the difference your work makes for wildlife and conservation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including exposure to senior leadership and governance.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing resources.
• Opportunities to contribute to wider organisational initiatives, including staff committees and cross-team projects.
• Practical benefits including free on-site parking and annual flu vaccination.

If you are adaptable and open-minded, with experience in leadership and a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW through our website.

As part of your application, please include your CV and a letter of introduction that will include answers to the following questions:

• What is the largest single donation (NZD) you have personally secured? Please briefly describe the context and the role you played.
• This role is both strategic and hands-on. Can you describe a time where you set fundraising strategy and personally delivered key activity to achieve desired results?

This vacancy will close on Tuesday 30th June, 5pm. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.