Fundraising Specialist

• Help reduce student hardship across Aotearoa
• Bring powerful stories of impact to life
• Full-time or reduced hours considered

About the role

Student Job Search is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading student employment service. Since 1982, they have connected more than one million students with employment opportunities that reduce hardship, strengthen confidence, and create pathways into long-term careers.

Today, they connect students with tens of thousands of employment opportunities each year while supporting employers nationwide to access capable people.

For many students, employment is what makes study possible.  Work helps students cover the costs of study and everyday life while building confidence, skills, experience and connections for whatever comes next.

SJS is a charity, supported by the Ministry of Social Development, members, donors, and partners, their purpose is to connect students with jobs, helping reduce financial pressure, support success in study, and create pathways to brighter futures.

This is an exciting opportunity to help grow the support that makes this work possible.

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you'll play a key role in growing awareness, engagement and financial support for SJS. Working across grants and trusts, donor stewardship, supporter engagement and fundraising campaigns, you'll help grow sustainable funding and support for SJS's mission.

The foundations are in place, including a clear fundraising roadmap and established systems. Your role will be to build momentum, strengthen relationships and bring fundraising initiatives to life.

What you’ll do

No two days will look quite the same. You'll help bring the SJS story to life, developing compelling stories of impact, strengthening supporter engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for people and organisations to support the mission.

You'll develop funding applications and donor communications, build strong relationships with funders and supporters, and create stewardship experiences that encourage ongoing engagement and long-term support. You'll also play an important role in helping SJS better understand and grow its fundraising performance through strong CRM management, reporting and fundraising insights.

Ultimately, your work will help ensure more students can access employment opportunities to help them succeed in study and build a positive future. 

What we’re looking for

We're looking for an engaging communicator and relationship builder who can combine strong fundraising capability with a passion for storytelling and impact.

You’ll bring:

• 4+ years’ experience in fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, partnerships or a related field
• Success in developing and delivering fundraising initiatives and campaigns across multiple revenue streams
• Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to craft compelling funding applications and reports
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering results
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Experience using CRM systems and maintaining accurate records and reporting

Experience within the employment, education, youth or social impact sectors would be advantageous.

Above all, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to help create positive outcomes for students and contribute to reducing student hardship across Aotearoa.

Why join SJS?

You'll be part of a small, committed team working nationally to help students stay in study today and build their future tomorrow.

You’ll have:

• The opportunity to make a visible impact on student outcomes
• A collaborative and values-led culture
• The chance to help grow and shape fundraising at SJS
• A role that combines purpose, storytelling and relationship building

This is a permanent position based in Wellington CBD. While ideally envisaged as a full-time role, SJS is open to discussing reduced hours and flexible start and finish times.

To find out more about SJS visit their website at https://www.sjs.co.nz/

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Wednesday 15 July 2026.

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/SJS-PD-Fundraising-Specialist-26.6.26.pdf