Mentoring Manager - Tauranga

At Big Buddy, we believe in the power of everyday good guys showing up for boys who don’t have a father or consistent and positive male role model in their lives. Across Aotearoa, our One‑to‑One and Group mentoring programmes give boys aged 7–17 the steady support, encouragement and belief every young man deserves. Our approach is simple — consistent, caring, long‑term relationships — and it works.

With more than 28 years of impact and over 1,250 matches made, our kaupapa continues to change lives: boys grow in confidence and resilience, caregivers feel supported, and mentors discover the deep fulfilment that comes from being there for a young person who needs them.

About the role

We’re looking for someone grounded, reliable and genuinely motivated to help young people thrive — someone who brings a calm presence and a natural ability to build trust with men, boys and whānau alike.

Working 24 hours per week across 3-4 days, you’ll lead the delivery of Big Buddy’s mentoring programmes in the Tauranga region, supported by our experienced programme and partnerships teams. In this varied, meaningful role, you will:

• Recruit, interview and assess volunteers who are ready to step up as positive male role models.

• Support, coach and walk alongside mentors so they can build steady, long‑term relationships with their Little Buddies.

• Meet with boys and their caregivers, introducing the One‑to‑One or Group Programme and helping them feel confident and supported in the process.

• Coordinate and participate in inspiring community events that strengthen connections and raise awareness.

• Represent Big Buddy to local groups, funders and partners — your mana and professionalism will help grow our impact locally.

Your mahi directly supports boys as they develop self‑worth, resilience and a sense of being truly seen — outcomes consistently reported across both our individual and group programmes.

About you

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re someone who brings steadiness, humility and good judgement wherever you go. We’re looking for someone who naturally relates well to boys and men and feels at ease supporting them through challenges, growth and self‑discovery.

You will bring:

• Exceptional relationship and communication skills.

• Ideally, experience or training in youth work, counselling, community development, teaching, mentoring or social services.

• Cultural confidence and experience working with Māori and Pasifika youth and whānau.

• The maturity and self‑awareness needed to explore sensitive personal matters with male volunteers.

• Strong administration, CRM and Microsoft Office skills.

• Skill and confidence in group facilitation (desirable).

• A full driver licence and your own vehicle.

• Flexibility for some weekend and evening work.

• Most importantly — values deeply aligned with Big Buddy’s belief that a consistent, caring male presence can shape a boy’s life for the better.

What you’ll receive

• A positive team environment that values authenticity, heart and professionalism.

• Ongoing support for your personal and professional development — your growth matters to us.

• Flexibility and genuine respect for work/life balance.

• The chance to make the role your own and be part of an organisation known as a leading light for boys and their caregivers across Aotearoa.

Big Buddy is committed to safeguarding tamariki and rangatahi. Appointment to this role requires full safety checks under the Children’s Act (2014).

We will hire as soon as we find the right person, so check us out online - www.bigbuddy.org.nz - and if you feel like we are the next step on your journey, please send a cover letter and your CV to jobs@bigbuddy.org.nz.