Grants Specialist

Part-time – up to 20 hours per week

Own end-to-end grants—build funder relationships, write winning applications and grow philanthropic income that supports vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for an experienced Grants Specialist to lead and grow philanthropic grant funding across three charitable trusts: Methodist Mission Northern, Lifewise Trust and Airedale Property Trust.

In this role you will manage the full grants lifecycle — from identifying opportunities and writing compelling applications to building strong relationships with funders and delivering high-quality reporting.

Why Join Us

• Own the full grants lifecycle – strategy, applications, relationships and reporting


• Work across three trusts driving funding that supports real community impact


• Flexible part-time role (up to 20 hours) ideal for experienced professionals seeking balance

About Us

Methodist Mission Northern works alongside Lifewise Trust and Airedale Property Trust to challenge injustice and support people experiencing homelessness, disability and hardship.

Guided by our values of Compassion, Courage, Respect and Integrity, we are committed to strengthening communities and creating lasting social impact across Aotearoa.

About the Role

As Grants Specialist, you will lead the organisation’s philanthropic grants programme, managing relationships with trusts and foundations while growing funding opportunities year on year.

You will also work closely with internal teams to ensure grants are delivered in line with funder expectations and support the organisation’s growing focus on social impact reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations


• Write compelling grant applications and funding proposals


• Build strong relationships with funders and key stakeholders


• Maintain a pipeline of grant opportunities to meet income targets


• Manage the grants calendar including application and reporting deadlines


• Ensure grant funds are used appropriately and accountability reports are delivered


• Work with internal teams to identify funding opportunities and track outcomes


• Contribute to annual and multi-year grants strategy

About You

You will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in grants fundraising or a similar role


• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand grants funding landscape


• Exceptional writing and proposal development skills


• Experience managing the full grants lifecycle


• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management ability


• Strong organisation and deadline management skills


• A passion for supporting communities and working alongside people with lived experience

Applications close: 31 March 2026

If you’re an experienced grants professional who wants to use your skills to create real social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help grow funding that changes lives.