Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

Lead a growing philanthropy programme and help shape the next generation of Rangi Ruru ākonga.

Rangi Ruru Girls' School is looking for an experienced relationship fundraiser to lead our Development Team and take our philanthropy programme to its next stage of growth. This is a permanent, full-time role and a rare opportunity to help shape a sustainable culture of giving across a proud community of alumnae, families, trusts and business partners. 

If you love building genuine relationships, telling a compelling story, and turning generosity into impact, this role gives you the platform, the community and the strategic backing to do your best fundraising work. 

About the Role

As Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager, you'll lead the development and delivery of the fundraising and business partnerships programme at Rangi Ruru, with a strong focus on growing long-term philanthropic support. You'll identify and steward donors across major gifts, gifts in wills, annual giving, trusts and grants, and business partnerships. 

You'll lead the Development Team, an important part of the Community Relations Team, and work closely with the Head of Marketing and Communications, senior leadership and the Board of Governors to translate the school's strategic priorities into compelling donor propositions. 

What You'll Be Doing

• Developing and delivering a balanced fundraising strategy across major gifts, annual giving, gifts in wills, trusts and grants, and business partnerships


• Building the donor pipeline, relationships and systems that will underpin a future capital campaign


• Growing a structured Gifts in Wills programme, including a legacy society and meaningful donor stewardship


• Securing and nurturing business sponsorships and partnerships that reflect Rangi Ruru's values


• Identifying and winning support from trusts, foundations and institutional funders, including scholarships and bursaries


• Using CRM data and donor insights to sharpen strategy, segmentation and reporting


• Leading the Development Team, including the Archives Manager and Alumnae Coordinator


• Championing a donor-centred, ethical and values-aligned culture of philanthropy across the wider school community 

What You'll Bring

• A track record of securing major gifts and growing philanthropic income


• Experience building, growing or significantly contributing to fundraising programmes


• People leadership experience, with a genuine interest in developing others


• Confidence developing strategy, managing budgets, and planning and hosting donor events


• Strong relationship management skills, with the judgement and discretion to handle sensitive conversations


• The ability to craft compelling propositions, proposals and impact communications


• Sound prospect research, segmentation and pipeline management skills, and confidence working in a CRM or fundraising database


• A collaborative, can-do approach and the flexibility to work some evenings and weekends around events and donor commitments


• Existing networks in Christchurch or the wider philanthropic community are a bonus, though not essential 

Why Rangi Ruru

Rangi Ruru Girls' School has a proud history and a strong community of alumnae, families and supporters. In this role, you'll help build a culture of giving that will shape the school's future for generations to come. You'll be backed by engaged leadership, a passionate alumnae association, and a school community that believes deeply in what Rangi Ruru stands for.