Grants Specialist

About Coastguard New Zealand
Coastguard New Zealand is a volunteer-based organisation dedicated to saving lives on the water. We support thousands of volunteers across the country by ensuring they have the equipment, resources, and support they need to operate safely and effectively.
 
About the role
Coastguard New Zealand is looking for an experienced Grants Specialist to join our Finance & Funding team on a one-year fixed-term basis, providing parental leave cover for our Grants Manager. Based in Auckland, this established specialist role will keep our grants programme moving by researching funding opportunities, developing high-quality applications, managing reporting obligations and maintaining trusted relationships with funders.
 
You will work across Coastguard New Zealand and with Coastguard Volunteer Units to understand operational, project and capital funding needs and turn them into compelling funding proposals. Working closely with the GM Finance & Funding and stakeholders across the organisation, you will help protect existing grant income, build a strong pipeline of future opportunities and ensure funders receive accurate, timely reporting that clearly demonstrates the impact of their support.
 
What you will do

• Deliver the agreed grants fundraising plan by managing the funding pipeline and progressing applications within agreed timeframes, ensuring activity remains aligned with Coastguard priorities.
• Research trusts, foundations and other funding bodies and build a qualified pipeline of opportunities that are eligible, strategically aligned and likely to deliver value.
• Prepare accurate, compelling grant applications that clearly explain Coastguard's funding needs, intended outcomes and impact, encouraging multi-year support where appropriate.
• Manage day-to-day funder relationships and stewardship through timely, professional and funder-centred communication that builds trust and supports ongoing funding.
• Maintain a complete schedule of reporting obligations and produce accurate, high-quality accountability reports on time, working with internal stakeholders to gather financial information, evidence and impact stories.
• Support Coastguard Volunteer Units with practical grants advice, tools and reporting guidance, while maintaining Coastguard Auckland's grants programme in an organised and consistent way.

What you will bring

• Approximately two years' experience in fundraising, ideally involving grants, with evidence of successful grant applications, accountability reporting or closely related work.
• Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to turn operational, project and financial information into clear, persuasive and funder-focused applications.
• Sound knowledge of grant application processes, funder criteria, accountability reporting and stewardship, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence working with funders, senior leaders, staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a funding pipeline, competing priorities and multiple reporting deadlines without compromising quality.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgement and escalate material risks or decisions appropriately.
• Confidence using CRM or database systems and Microsoft Office tools to maintain accurate records, track activity and provide reports and forecasts.
• Experience in the New Zealand not-for-profit, grants or philanthropic funding environment would be advantageous.

Why Join Coastguard?
You'll be part of a committed, mission-driven organisation where your work directly supports volunteer lifesavers and contributes to safer waterways across Aotearoa New Zealand.
In addition, we offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help you do your best work:

• Leave and flexibility: Birthday leave; flexible working options (role dependent).
• Health and wellbeing: Flu vaccine vouchers; Southern Cross life, income and critical illness insurance discounts; free, confidential support via our external provider (Vitae).
• Coastguard membership: Free membership for you and your whānau.
• Development and recognition: Career and learning support; staff recognition initiatives; free parking at all Coastguard locations.
• Staff discounts: Boost, Marine Deals, Tower, Explorersafe and more.

How to Apply
To apply: If the above sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply via the link below and include your CV and a cover letter telling us why you're a great fit for the role. We review applications as they come in, so don't wait too long.
 
Applications close: 28 August 2026
 
Coastguard New Zealand is committed to an inclusive workplace where all people feel valued, respected, and able to be their full selves. We encourage applications from across our communities