Senior Communications and Grants Specialist

About Us 

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) is a not‑for‑profit organisation working towards a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. 

We value ōritetanga (fairness and equity) and encourage whanaungatanga, building relationships grounded in tika, pono and aroha (respect, truthfulness, compassion). Our work is toitū (sustainable), and we embrace diversity and te pae tawhiti (innovation) in all that we do. 

Join our Fundraising team! 

If you’re someone who loves crafting compelling content for fundraising focussed communications, this role might be a great fit for you. This is an exciting opportunity to join our collaborative, engaged, creative and purpose‑driven Fundraising team. 

As our Senior Communications and Grants Specialist, you’ll lead the development and delivery of fundraising‑focused communications that inspire action, deepen supporter relationships and maximise fundraising potential. 

You’ll also lead our strategic grant applications by collaborating with key stakeholders and crafting compelling proposals. 

You’ll work closely with fundraisers, storytellers, programme leads and external creatives to bring donor journeys and fundraising stories to life, all while contributing to mahi that truly matters. 

This role sits within the wider Public Engagement team and reports to the Fundraising Manager. 

You will: 

• Lead and continually refine our fundraising key messages 

• Create, write and review high‑quality copy for fundraising materials 

• Develop compelling fundraising collateral  

• Work closely with internal teams and external creatives to produce engaging and effective content 

• Develop an annual fundraising communications plan  

• Collaborate, prepare and submit strategic grant applications 

A full job description is available here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SOVrGtJp91GcWXVv8Yj86diXxcRbQimt/view?usp=sharing  

We know great candidates bring a mix of experience, skills and passion even if they don’t meet every single requirement. If this role sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. 

You’ll bring: 

• 3+ years’ experience in a communications or grants role 

• Strong writing, editing, interviewing and proofreading skills 

• Project management skills, with experience juggling multiple deadlines 

• Experience managing funder, contractor and stakeholder relationships 

•  Strong copywriting skills and creative thinking 

• Analytical skills and confidence interpreting data 

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills 

• Existing knowledge of, or willingness to grow understanding of, Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori 

What we offer 

• Vibrant office in the heart of Maungawhau, Mt Eden 

• Flexible working: Mondays and Fridays from home 

• Half‑day Fridays 

• Day off on your birthday 

• 20 days’ sick leave 

• An equitable salary reviewed annually 

• Opportunities to build strong professional networks 

Salary band: $85,000 - $95,000 and will be commensurate with the successful candidate's skills and experience. 

We are reviewing applications as they come in and will close the role when we find the right person - so don’t wait! 

At the MHF we often encounter stories about mental health, distress and suicide. Please consider your own wellbeing and ability to engage with this content before applying. 

Rainbow and takatāpui candidates are warmly encouraged to apply. The MHF actively upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi.