Donor Relations Senior Advisor

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and 65th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Employing over 9,000 staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest and most diverse employers. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Donor Relations Senior Advisor to work with us in Alumni Relations & Development. This is a role that suits a seasoned fundraiser with experience working in the education sector.

Supported by your manager, you will be responsible for the University’s donor relations and stewardship strategies. You will implement a framework for thanking, recognising and celebrating our donors and share the positive impact our donors make for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will develop and coordinate a comprehensive stewardship programme for donors that enhances and grows the relationship between the philanthropic community and the University.

This position will provide expert strategic advice to senior members of the Alumni Relations and Development team, Development Managers and other University staff involved in looking after philanthropic donors.

In this role you will:

• Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills through relationship management, advocacy and negotiation internally and with outside organisations or key stakeholders.
• Create and develop a range of creative, comprehensive and measurable strategies for donor stewardship and care, impact reporting, philanthropic prizes and scholarships, new donors, and our Chancellor’s Circle
• Create and implement a strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of stewardship efforts, including the retention of donors and return on investment.
• Analyse and interpret complex relational data and giving patterns in regards to major donor retention. Use this data to inform stewardship strategy.
• Develop resources to assist Development Managers to steward their donors.
• Be responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a portfolio of stewardship donors.
• Lead in horizon-scanning to ensure the implementation of stewardship best practice at the University of Auckland.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.  

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Alumni Relations and Development comprises the Alumni Relations Office and the Development Office. Based in Auckland’s CBD, at University House on Princes Street (once the first Synagogue in Auckland) the team provides events, communications, research, writing, and web management services.

We are small, energised team of three who embrace creativity, and are proud of the positive impact that we make. We all get stuck in when there is a problem to fix, and we work openly and collaboratively to get the reactive stuff done, when we are not planning out better ways of doing things for the future.

We have a truly flexible approach to working with the option to work from home or in the office most days of the week. There are a couple of days a week where you will need to be in the office for meetings but for the most part, we work really well together digitally, so you will be able to flex your hours to meet personal needs as well as work commitments.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Appropriate qualification at degree level (e.g.  marketing, communication, management, or sociology) , or demonstrated relevant experience.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience working as a fundraiser with preferred experience working in a university development office.
• Demonstrated experience using a complex constituent database, preferred Raiser’s Edge experience.
• Strong fundraising copywriting skills.
• Excellent written and oral English as well as accuracy and attention to detail when writing and using systems.
• Demonstrate a proficiency in building relationships.
• An innovative approach and the confidence to bring fresh ideas into the University

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer you more than just a job. We provide you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world-class educational institution whilst being part of a team focused on enhancing the student experience at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

We proudly provide an environment that enables your natural abilities and rewards hard work. We provide benefits and support throughout your career that allow you to develop and grow.

We are committed to providing a supportive working environment through:

• A 37.5-hour work week
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks of annual leave. With the option to buy and sell additional leave
• In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and a number of other discounted products and services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Hear more about making Worlds of Difference in your career at the University, our partnership with Māori, our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff and life in Auckland on our careers website

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Sunday May 4th, to be considered.

Please include a short Cover Letter and your CV highlighting why you are interested in joining us and how you can meet the requirements of our vacancy.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Josh Chapman – [email protected]

We do not accept direct email applications.

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

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz