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Senior Philanthropy Executive (Auckland)

Part-time (32 hours per week)
Auckland

Join the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and help shape the future of arts philanthropy in Aotearoa. The NZSO is seeking a highly skilled, relationship-led Senior Philanthropy Executive to lead philanthropic growth in Auckland and across key North Island markets. This is a rare opportunity to become one of the organisation’s key representatives in Tāmaki Makaurau, building major donor relationships and generating vital support for the NZSO’s artistic and community impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Manager: Development, this newly created Auckland-based role will lead fundraising initiatives aligned with the NZSO’s national fundraising strategy. With a strong North Island focus, the role reflects the organisation’s ambition to raise its profile in Auckland, deepen its supporter network, and grow philanthropic income including bequests that strengthens long-term sustainability.

You will:

  • Develop and implement fundraising plans focused on Auckland, Hamilton, and selected regional centres

  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and prospective supporters

  • Build and manage a portfolio of donors, sponsors, and key philanthropic stakeholders

  • Lead donor stewardship and engagement initiatives, including events around NZSO performances

  • Support the rollout of the NZSO Foundation’s Encore bequest programme

  • Create compelling cases for support, proposals, presentations, and donor communications

  • Maintain strong pipeline and relationship data in Tessitura CRM

  • Represent the NZSO confidently as an ambassador in Auckland’s arts, culture, and heritage sector

  • Monitor and report on fundraising activity, targets, budgets, and donor engagement indicators

About you

You are an experienced fundraising professional with a strong understanding of Auckland’s philanthropic landscape and a passion for arts and culture. You know how to build trusted relationships, turn strategy into action, and deliver meaningful income growth.

You will ideally bring:

  • Significant experience in fundraising, particularly major gifts and donor cultivation

  • Strong knowledge of the Auckland philanthropic, arts, culture, or heritage sectors

  • Proven ability to build and maintain high-value stakeholder relationships

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and presentation writing

  • Strong planning, reporting, and organisational skills

  • Confidence working independently while contributing positively to a wider team

  • A calm, decisive, and collaborative leadership style

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications, or equivalent demonstrated experience

Why join us?

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s national orchestra, the NZSO exists to delight, surprise, and excite audiences through memorable musical experiences. This role offers the chance to represent one of the country’s leading arts organisations in Auckland and to help secure the philanthropic support that enables world-class performance, education, and community impact across New Zealand.

You’ll join a passionate Development team and play a direct role in shaping the future of private support for the NZSO.

How to apply

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role. Applications close Friday 29 May. For a confidential discussion, please contact carleen.ebbs@nzso.co.nz.