Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager

About CESA

Conservation Engineering Society of Aotearoa (CESA) is a charitable NGO dedicated to protecting and restoring Aotearoa's natural heritage by making technology more accessible for conservation organisations and communities. We need your help to make that happen! We work alongside landowners, NGOs, community groups, and local authorities to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes across New Zealand.

The Opportunity

This is a volunteer role. As our Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager, you'll be the engine behind CESA's funding success. Working closely with our committee officers and project leads, you'll translate conservation engineering initiatives into clear, compelling, fundable proposals. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Researching and identifying philanthropic, trust, grant, and corporate funding opportunities aligned with CESA's mission
• Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications, proposals, and expressions of interest
• Negotiating funding terms, co-funding arrangements, and reporting expectations with funders
• Building and maintaining long-term relationships with trusts, donors, and corporate partners
• Maintaining a structured register of funding opportunities, deadlines, and outcomes
• Contributing to strategies that diversify income and strengthen CESA's long-term sustainability
• Representing CESA at meetings and agreed engagements with funders and partners

The Impact

Every funding application you write and every funder relationship you build directly enables conservation projects on the ground - from developing new pest control tools to drone-aided habitat restoration. Without strong funding, these projects don't happen. With you in this role, they do.

Who We're Looking For

We'd love to hear from you if you have a background in fundraising, sales, business development, or partnerships, and a genuine passion for conservation. Specifically, we're looking for someone with:

• Experience in grant writing, proposal development, or stakeholder engagement (highly desirable)
• A tertiary qualification in Business, Engineering, Biological Science, Design, or a related field (preferred)
• Strong written communication and relationship-building skills
• Skilled in negotiation (preferable)
• A collaborative, self-motivated, and solutions-focused approach
• Respect for Māori knowledge and community-led conservation

What to Expect

This is a fully remote, unpaid volunteer role - you supply your own computer and internet connection. A minimum of 6 hours per month is required to attend monthly meetings/workshops, with additional time worked independently to complete agreed tasks. Hours are open to discussion and designed to fit around your schedule.

Why You'll Love It

• Work with industry-leading tools including Salesforce CRM
• Flexible arrangements that fit your life
• Be part of a purpose-driven, collaborative team making a real difference for Aotearoa's environment