Lead the funding function:
● Take ownership of the Trust’s grant and sponsorship pipeline — from identifying opportunities through to submission, acquittal, and relationship stewardship.
● Lead the preparation of funding applications, including multi-year and project-specific grants from philanthropic trusts and foundations, local and central government, and sector funders.
● Develop and maintain a funding calendar, tracking opening/closing dates, reporting milestones, and renewal cycles, and reporting progress to the board.
Sponsorship and partnerships:
● Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective corporate and community sponsors (for example, sustaining and growing partnerships like the Marlborough Lines schools programme).
● Create tailored sponsorship propositions and recognition packages that align sponsor objectives with the Trust’s mission.
● Work with the Manager and Education & Administration Coordinator to ensure sponsors receive meaningful reporting, recognition, and engagement.
Strategy and governance:
● Contribute to the Trust’s strategic plan, with particular input into revenue strategy and diversification of funding sources.
● Help shape an annual fundraising plan and budget in partnership with the Treasurer and Manager.
● Fulfil the legal and fiduciary duties of a trustee under the Trusts Act 2019 and the Trust’s trust deed, acting in the best interests of the Trust at all times.
Stewardship and storytelling:
● Translate the Trust’s conservation outcomes into compelling funding narratives, drawing on our breed-for-release results, rehabilitation work, and education reach.
● Ensure accurate record-keeping of applications, outcomes, and funder relationships for the board and for audit purposes.
● Proven track record in securing grants and/or sponsorships — you can point to successful applications you have led or written.
● Strong writing and storytelling ability to craft clear, persuasive proposals and reports, and to tailor messaging to different funders and sponsors.
● Relationship-builder comfortable approaching and cultivating corporate sponsors, philanthropic funders, and community partners with professionalism and warmth.
● Organised and self-directed able to manage a funding pipeline, meet deadlines, and keep the board informed without needing to be chased.
● Connected existing networks in Marlborough and across business, philanthropy, wine/viticulture, or conservation sectors are a strong advantage but not essential.
● Governance-minded an understanding of (or willingness to learn) charitable trust governance, fiduciary duties, and funding compliance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
● Passion for the mission a genuine connection to the kaupapa of protecting kārearea and Aotearoa’s native biodiversity.
5 - 8 hours per month
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Conservation