Description
The Opportunity
The University of Auckland is seeking a high-caliber fundraising professional to take on a contract role of Executive Director - USA Friends of the University of Auckland. This role will lead and coordinate the University’s philanthropic fundraising activities across the United States, working closely with expatriate alumni, donors, and the USA Friends Board.
This contract position is results-focused and there is no defined time commitment. However, to achieve University fundraising targets, the incumbent could anticipate a need to dedicate around 3 days per week to providing the services.
We are seeking applicants based in either New York or San Francisco.
The full-time equivalent contract value is USD $130,000 to $140,000 per annum. This role is expected to require part-time commitment up to three days per week, with a pro-rata contract value of approximately USD $75,000 to $85,000 per annum.
A full description of the role and responsibilities is available in the Role Description linked HERE.
Your responsibilities will include
- Identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects among alumni and friends of the University of Auckland in the US
- Building strong, trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals through effective prospect management and stewardship
- Working closely with university leaders, including the Vice Chancellor, Deans, Faculty Development Managers, and Alumni Relations & Development (ARD) staff
- Acting as the key liaison with the Chair and Board of USA Friends of the University of Auckland
- Managing donor engagement from initial contact through to gift completion, ensuring donor intent and recognition requirements are met
- Ensuring accurate recording and reporting of donor activity in the University’s fundraising database
- Providing regular activity and progress reports to the USA Friends Board
- Supporting alumni engagement initiatives, events, and communications across the US market
About the Team/Service/Location
The University of Auckland’s Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team operates at a scale and level of sophistication unmatched in New Zealand, supporting an institution consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities.
As New Zealand’s top-ranked university, The University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau attracts significant philanthropic investment across major gifts, endowments, scholarships, research, and capital priorities. We manage complex major-gift portfolios across multiple jurisdictions, with Executive Directors based across the world, offering fundraisers the opportunity to work within a mature, high-performing advancement environment.
We offer a flexible, trust-based working environment and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful philanthropic outcomes that support world-class education and research. You’ll have the support of a well-established Alumni Relations and Development team based in Auckland, New Zealand, alongside an engaged and committed USA Friends Board.
About you
You are a relationship-focused fundraising or advancement professional with the credibility and confidence to engage senior stakeholders and major donors. You are self-directed, outcomes-focused, and comfortable working remotely while remaining closely connected to a broader institutional team.
We are seeking
- Demonstrated experience in donor engagement or advancement, with a preference for major gifts and relationship-driven development
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders and donors
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in using CRM systems or fundraising databases
- Highly organised with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver outcomes independently while contributing to a global team
- Sound judgement and total discretion when handling confidential information, ensuring alignment with University values
- A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience within a complex, high-performance environment
How to apply
Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 7 June 2026.
Your application should include:
- A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience
- Your CV
Please note that we do not accept email applications.
For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Neil Gardner, Senior Recruitment Consultant, at neil.gardner@auckland.ac.nz.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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 Mori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances, go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.
