Principal Gifts Coordinator - Alumni Relations and Development

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

University of Auckland seeks a Principal Gifts Coordinator to support the Head of Principal Gifts to secure philanthropic investment (typically $5M+) for fundraising priorities. On Symonds Street, this role blends strategy with project management across donor travel and events, proposal leadership, and gift administration. You will oversee stewardship, ensure accurate reporting, and liaise between academic leadership and development. Essentials: philanthropic awareness and experience with high-net-worth donors; degree or equivalent; proven project and budget management; relationship-building; strong Excel/PowerPoint and CRM skills; comfort with data and AI tools. Tip: in your cover letter illustrate measurable outcomes and cross-functional collaboration. Apply online by 8 March 2026 with a cover letter and CV; no email applications. For confidential discussion contact Nina Cohen Bohn.

Company Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a Principal Gifts Coordinator to support the Head of Principal Gifts in securing significant philanthropic investment (typically $5M+) for University fundraising priorities. You will be based in the heart of Auckland on Symonds Street in our beautifully restored heritage building, Old Choral Hall.

You will be at the heart of our high-level fundraising efforts, providing essential project management and coordination to help build and maintain relationships with our most significant donors. This is a fast-paced role that combines long term strategic planning with high level administrative execution.

Your responsibilities will include:

Portfolio Management: Support the Head of Principal Gifts by monitoring the fundraising pipeline and tracking progress against 6, 12, and 18-month performance targets.

Logistics & Planning: Organise complex international travel and high-level events, working proactively with administrators to maximise budgets and donor opportunities.

Proposal Coordination: Lead the development of funding proposals by gathering research, data and financial information from departments across the University.

Gift Administration: Coordinate formal gift agreements once proposals are accepted and manage the initial stewardship process to ensure a seamless donor experience.

Reporting & Compliance: Meticulously track billing milestones and impact reports, ensuring all commitments to donors are met and recorded accurately.

Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a central point of contact between academic leadership, researchers, and the development team to ensure principal gift opportunities are prioritised.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position (37.5 hours per week), expected to continue for 18 Months. The salary range for this role is $95,000 to $105,000, 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

You are a proactive self-starter with a good understanding of the environment for philanthropic gifts. You take initiative while maintaining steady, reliable progress on long-term projects. You enjoy collaborating across a large organisation, ideally a university setting, trust, or foundation, and you use your judgement to identify high-potential opportunities and strengthen the connection between people’s passions and a mission-centric organisation.

With a background in a non-profit, philanthropy, or client centric role, ideally within the higher education, non-profit, or corporate sectors, you are comfortable supporting and maintaining relationships at a senior leadership level. You have a proven track record of managing complex projects from start to finish, are particularly comfortable with the philanthropic journey, and are diligent about delivering on time and within budget through effective process knowledge and practical problem-solving.

Your communication skills are exceptional, and you are a confident writer capable of creating engaging content and high-quality presentations. This is matched by your technical proficiency in data entry and your ability to use modern tools, including AI, to improve efficiency. Ideally, you are an expert in logistics, with extensive experience in diary management, international travel planning, and executing events.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

Philanthropic Awareness: Essential to demonstrate previous experience working with high-net-worth individuals and/or an understanding of the philanthropic sector.

Educational Background: A degree in a relevant field such as Marketing, Communications, Management, or Sociology, or equivalent professional experience.

Project & Budget Management: A proven track record of coordinating complex projects on time and within budget, with strong skills in planning and financial processes.

Relationship Management: Extensive experience in customer-facing roles within large, complex organisations; ideally in the higher education, non-profit, or corporate sectors.

Technical Proficiency: Confidence in using Excel and PowerPoint to a high standard, alongside the ability to manage professional data and CRM systems efficiently.

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, 08 March 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 Nina Cohen Bohn (Head of Principal Gifts) 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