Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Tui tui hono tangata, whenua me te moana.
Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas
Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections, developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.
Job Description
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Working closely with the Head of Development, the Donor Development Executive is a high impact end-to-end fundraising role, responsible for the day-to-day management and growth of Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum’s donor and bequest programmes with a key focus on securing major gifts for capital campaigns.
The Donor Development Executive will work collaboratively with the Development, Marketing and Public Relations teams to design and deliver a programme of donor and bequest appeals and communications to raise public awareness and encourage philanthropic giving. The role will use best practice strategies and build trusted relationships to develop and deliver new income sources for the Museum.
Success in this role is achieved through the ability to confidently lead donor relationships and secure major gifts and bequests. The Donor Development Executive will proactively identify, cultivate, and convert prospects into long-term supporters, driving growth in the Museum’s donor and bequest programmes.
We are looking for someone who will bring a strong mix of relationship-building, tactical thinking, and persuasive communication skills - along with the confidence to take the lead in donor conversations and make the ask.
Desired Skills and Experience
Ō pūmanawa | What you will bring
A minimum of 5 years recent experience in the development, successful delivery and management of donor and bequest programmes
Demonstratable experience of success in relationship management, particularly with high level donors, family trusts and other organisations
Strong communication and project management skills; an understanding of individual giving fundraising and donor relationships and stewardship
Skilled in collaborating with colleagues and various departments across the Museum to enhance relationships and maximize donor giving and support engagement.
Experience producing and writing accurate reports, budgets, and donor communications with the ability to reach financial goals
Proven experience in managing end-to-end fundraising campaigns and appeals
from strategic planning through to execution and post-campaign reporting
An understanding of how to engage different donor segments, craft compelling messaging, and drive results across multiple communication channels
Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of leading donor conversations, building trust and turning interest into commitment; the confidence and tact to close major gifts and secure lasting partnerships.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
Flexible work arrangements to enhance your work and home life.
Availability to purchase additional annual leave
An award-winning wellbeing programme including free membership with Boost app and Myeveryday wellbeing.
An active social club which is part of the fabric of Museum life
Life insurance from your first day and discounted Health Insurance
Free museum membership and other staff discounts
Discounted onsite parking
Accredited by Rainbow tick
Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.
Bring your fundraising experience and be part of a dynamic, collaborative and innovative Development team. You will get variety, experience, and have an impact on decision-making and development opportunities.
If you are a passionate fundraiser, have high energy with experience in donor giving, this is the role for you.
Please view the position description here or select the apply button to view if on the seek platform.
Tono mai i tēnei rā! | Apply today!
Closing Date: Monday 10 November 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this advert may close earlier than stated.
You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be part of a fabulous New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.
He Oranga Tangata ka ao
Enriching lives. Inspiring discoveries
