Head of Principal Gifts

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The University’s award-winning Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) office forms the centralised point of contact for philanthropic partners and for alumni and friends.

To continue driving our ambitious and successful fundraising initiatives, the University’s Alumni Relations and Development Office has created a new role for a Head of Principal Gifts. We are recruiting for this role now with a mind to implement a major campaign over the next couple of years.

We are excited to hear from candidates who are open to relocating to Auckland, New Zealand. 

This is a senior role within Advancement. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Relations and Development, you will play an important leadership role attracting philanthropic revenue streams to the University’s fundraising priorities.

Your key accountabilities will include:

• Developing a highly effective principal gifts strategy for the University.
• Maintaining a high level programme of stewardship and donor relations with principal gift donors.
• Manage your own portfolio of 30-50 prospective donors, with a focus on those capable of gifts of $6,000,000 and above.
• Act as a senior fundraiser for The University of Auckland by partnering with the Director of Alumni Relations and Development in negotiating, implementing, and delivering a university-wide advancement strategy to maximise giving and meaningful engagement for agreed priorities.
• Line manage a small and dedicated team of support staff to ensure that targets are met and strategic plans progressed.

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

This role is open to international as well as local applicants, if you have senior fundraising experience with high-net-worth individuals and gifts in the millions and a deep understanding of how research led universities operate and contribute to society, we highly recommend that you apply or reach out to discuss the position.

With a proven high level principal gifts track record, you will be able to inspire and motivate your team, and other key stakeholders to reach our goals and secure impactful results. This role requires demonstrated experience in client-centric programmes, with additional experience, specifically in fundraising in higher education, non-profit or other appropriate environments.

You will need to demonstrate proven relationship management strengths, with clear evidence of your ability to build successful partnerships and drive strategic direction and effective customer service cultures.

This is a senior level role focused on the operational delivery of set goals, which is connected to but less involved with the usual senior leadership responsibilities associated with positions of this level.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Extensive leadership experience in client centric programmes, with additional experience, specifically in fundraising in higher education, non profit or corporate environments.
• Specific experience of securing principal gifts.
• A proven track record in delivering exceptional results, and of relationship building with the maturity, perspective, and credibility necessary to influence and connect with internal and external stakeholders.
• You will be able to provide examples of budget management and planning processes which result in demonstrable results.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of the 16th of April 2023 to be considered.

Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

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