Kaiwhakahaere Matua/General Manager

Kaiwhakahaere Matua/General Manager – The Valley Project (North East Valley Community Development Programme)

The North East Valley Community Development Programme (The Valley Project) is seeking a passionate and motivated leader to guide our small but vibrant team, manage our community facilities, and strengthen relationships across the North East Valley, Opoho, Pine Hill, and Dalmore communities.

The Valley Project is built on a vision of a strongly connected, healthy, and sustainable community. We bring this vision to life through our physical presence in the valley, our local newsletter The Valley Voice, and community events and initiatives such as Creek Fest, Spring Clean, Kai Share, and a wide range of programmes for all ages and backgrounds.

About the role

The Kaiwhakahaere Matua/General Manager oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the organisation, including:

• Leading staff and volunteers across our varying community, environmental, and media programmes

• Managing the production and distribution of The Valley Voice

• Supporting the work of our environmental arm, Open VUE

• Providing oversight and coordination of community events and activities

• Building strong relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders

• Responding to community enquiries and providing support where needed

• Ensuring the smooth running of the Valley Project community rooms

• Leading funding efforts, including grant writing, reporting, and identifying new opportunities

The Kaiwhakahaere Matua/General Manager reports directly to the Executive, the governing body of the organisation.

About you

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing staff or working within a similar community‑focused organisation

• Strong strategic leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Executive

• Proven ability to manage staff and volunteers effectively in a mana-affirming way 

• Demonstrated experience and competence in fundraising (including corporate, community, grant and sponsorship streams), grant writing, and reporting

• Confidence overseeing community events and programmes

• A hands‑on, practical approach, where you’re willing to pitch in as and where needed

• Excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for people of all ages and backgrounds

Why join us

If you’re looking for a meaningful role that makes a real difference in your community, and a lifestyle change that brings you closer to people, place, and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply:

Send your CV and a cover letter introducing yourself and what you’d bring to this role by emailing the Valley Project Executive co-chair, Dr Kate McAnelly. 

All enquiries are also welcome to be sent to this address. 

Applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with interviews commencing the week starting 14th September 2026

Nau mai, haere mai!