Partnership Manager

PARTNERSHIP MANAGER - WAIPUNA HOSPICE

Are you…

• energised about building meaningful relationships and making a real difference?
• a commercially minded professional who thrives on identifying and growing opportunities?
• a confident leader and communicator who can influence, engage, and inspire others?
• a natural networker who enjoys being out in the community and creating partnerships?

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join our team in Tauranga and play a vital role in growing sustainable income to support hospice care in our community.

INTRODUCTION

At Waipuna Hospice, we’re all about delivering compassionate end-of-life care across the Western Bay of Plenty. Our goal is to provide responsive, person-centred care to people living with life-limiting illnesses - often in the comfort of their own homes, as well as in our welcoming inpatient unit in Te Puna for those who need extra support.

We’re a charity powered by passion, courage, teamwork, and community spirit. Our funding is made possible by the generosity of our donors, our fundraising heroes, and our busy charity shops with partial support from the government.

We believe that great care starts with great people, and that’s where YOU come in!

We’re looking for an energetic and driven Partnership Manager to grow and steward high-value relationships that support the sustainability of hospice services. If you’re ready to combine your relationship skills, commercial mindset, and passion for community impact—let’s talk!

About The Job

The Partnership Manager plays a key role in generating sustainable income through the development and management of strategic partnerships and high-value relationships.

You’ll manage our Donor Care and Conversions Lead, but mostly you’ll be out in the community taking a proactive, relationship-led approach across businesses, community organisations, charitable trusts, and major donors - driving income growth and strengthening Waipuna Hospice’s impact. In this role, you’ll create meaningful connections and partnerships that make a real difference.

You’ll:

• Spot opportunities others might miss - identifying and developing new partnerships
• Grow a portfolio of high-value relationships, getting to know what matters to your partners and how they want to make an impact
• Turn conversations into committed partnerships that deliver long-term value
• Spend time face-to-face with supporters, building trust through authentic and tailored engagement
• Lead impactful conversations - whether that’s pitching an idea, presenting a proposal, or having a meaningful funding discussion
• Work closely with fundraising, marketing, and events teams to bring partnerships to life through campaigns and initiatives
• Create a positive and memorable supporter experience by demonstrating impact and recognising contributions
• Keep on top of your pipeline, tracking opportunities, celebrating wins, and using insights to continuously grow and strengthen your portfolio.
• Manage a direct report

This is a unique opportunity to combine relationship management, business development, and community engagement to support meaningful outcomes for patients and families.

About You

You’re a proactive and results-driven professional who thrives in a relationship-focused, externally facing role. You enjoy identifying opportunities and balance commercial thinking, initiative, with strong people skills to deliver tangible results.

You will bring:

• Experience in partnership management, business development, fundraising, or account management
• Leadership skills which encourage and inspire
• A track record of achieving growth targets and building long-term relationships
• Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging a wide range of people
• The ability to spot opportunities and progress them through to outcomes
• A well-organised approach, with the ability to manage priorities and maintain momentum across multiple opportunities
• Initiative, resilience, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset

Ideally, you’ll also have experience in the not-for-profit, healthcare, or community sector, along with knowledge of fundraising or donor engagement.

Most importantly, you’ll bring a genuine passion for connecting with people and making a difference in your community.

What We Offer

• A fun, friendly and supportive team environment
• Excellent working conditions
• Staff wellness programmes because we care about our people
• Ongoing professional development opportunity (we want you to grow)
• A competitive remuneration package
• Discounts to local dentists, pharmacies, and health insurance
• Free onsite parking

Our Purpose: To champion equitable end-of-life care for our communities.

Our Vision: A world where there is compassionate end-of-life care for all.

Our Values

We are inclusive IKotahitanga

Everyone matters

We are courageous IKia Mānawanui

Be brave

We make it simple IKia Ngāwari

Make it easier

We are guardians IKaitiakitanga

Caring about today and tomorrow

COME AND JOIN US

We are committed to working with local Iwi and promoting equity and inclusivity across the organisation in support of our values. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Many skills and experiences have shaped you into the unique person you are. Not all skills and experiences are gained in classrooms or formal employment. If you gained your experience through whanau life, community or volunteering (mahi aroha) then we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

Waipuna Hospice acknowledges and respects individual diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. In your application we want to see the real you, share your story and become part of ours.

TO APPLY

If you're ready to join a dynamic team and make a real difference, apply now!

Our application process might include interviews, job testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening (we want to make sure you're as awesome as we think you are!).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will remain open until the role is filled