Philanthropy Manager

This role is for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who knows how to open doors, build trusted relationships and secure significant philanthropic investment.

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will play a critical role in growing philanthropic income for UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand, building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing significant gifts that help create a better future for children around the world.

What you will do

• Own and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, managing each relationship to maximise long-term giving and impact.
• Build trusted relationships through personalised, timely engagement, creating opportunities for deeper connection with UNICEF's mission.
• Personally lead donor solicitations, developing and presenting tailored funding proposals that secure significant philanthropic investment.
• Manage prospects through a disciplined moves management process, progressing relationships from identification through to commitment.
• Secure renewed and upgraded support from existing donors while building a pipeline of new philanthropic partnerships that drive revenue growth.
• Work closely with UNICEF leadership, Board members and global colleagues to align donor interests with funding priorities and programme impact.
• Curate meaningful donor experiences, including international programme visits that deepen engagement and strengthen long-term commitment.
• Maintain accurate donor records, relationship intelligence and pipeline reporting through the CRM, tracking progress against revenue targets.

What you will bring

• At least 5 years' experience in a philanthropy, or major giving role.
• A proven track record of securing high-value philanthropic gifts ($25k-$1M) and building long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Experience leading sophisticated donor cultivation and solicitation strategies that result in significant philanthropic investment.
• Strong prospecting and pipeline management skills, with the discipline to move donors from initial engagement through to committed support.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage with philanthropists, business leaders, family foundations and trusted advisers.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including proposal development and donor presentations.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, judgement and integrity.
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel , including international programme visits.
• Willingness to join occasional evening calls to connect with global colleagues.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and UNICEF Aotearoa's bicultural journey.
• A deep belief in children's rights and the power of philanthropy to create meaningful change.

Why UNICEF Aotearoa

At UNICEF Aotearoa, your work will have a direct impact on the lives of children. By building philanthropic support, you will help fund programmes that protect children's rights, respond to emergencies, and create lasting change for children around the world.

You will join a team that values ambition, integrity and collaboration, backed by the reach and credibility of UNICEF's global mission.

Our values are:

• Kotahitanga: We stand together.
• Manaakitanga: We care and uphold the mana of all.
• Rangatiratanga: We take responsibility.
• Te Kākano: We realise every child's potential.

Apply now via Seek.

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 11th September

To request a copy of the Job Description for this role, please email us at [email protected].

If you are an experienced major gifts fundraiser who can build trusted relationships, develop strategic donor partnerships, and secure significant philanthropic investment for children, we would love to hear from you.