Job Description

Te Papa stands proud as an iconic national building housing the treasures of the nation and is a vibrant destination for both national and international visitors. Biculturalism is a founding philosophy and practice of Te Papa designed to explore the contribution of Māori language and culture to the life, culture and activities of the museum in small and large ways. Te Papa fosters and nurtures cross-cultural capability, the ability of people of different cultural backgrounds to interact with one another in positive and uplifting ways.

Are you a go-getter that sees opportunity and chases the win? Are you a strategic thinker who is natural at building relationships, networking, and business development?   

A unique opportunity has arisen for a skilled business development professional to join the Te Papa whānau from 26 January 2026.  This is a full-time fixed term position for secondment cover up until 29 September 2026. This role sits within the Partnerships and Development Directorate and is responsible for proactively identifying and securing new partners and contributing to building Te Papa's family of funding partners across commercial entities, central and local government, philanthropic organisations and donors, and non-government organisations. 

In addition to this, you will support the directorate by developing strategic business cases, writing compelling proposal and pitch documents and managing projects across the directorate as they arise. 

We are looking for a hands-on, self-starter who enjoys working collaboratively with others, is adaptable and enthusiastic, thinks outside of the box and has the ability to positively influence outcomes! 

 Skills and experience required: 

• At least 5 years' experience in sales, sponsorship or fundraising, ideally within a corporate or not for profit environment 

• Highly motivated, target-driven and commercially astute individual with a demonstrable record in achieving revenue targets 

• Proven ability to develop compelling proposals and pitch documents aimed at securing funding partners and experience negotiating and completing business deals which have achieved organisational gains 

• Proven written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write papers, strategies, and business cases 

• Proven project management skills of large,  complex projects. 

• Ability to exercise tikanga Māori, including a basic understanding of te reo Māori, and awareness of the historical significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how Te Tiriti contributes to the day to day working and practices of an organisation 

• Tertiary level degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent work experience 

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) based onsite at our offices at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Cable Street, Wellington. 

If this role sounds like just what you're looking for, complete the application form online and attach your CV and cover letter today!

Applications close: Sunday 7 September 2025 but may close earlier depending on responses, as applications will be considered and progressed as they are received.

All applications should be submitted through the Te Papa job board - jobs.tepapa.govt.nz, with a cover letter and CV.

If you are viewing this advertising from a website that is not the Te Papa job board, please ensure you head to jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and submit an application.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Kath Gunn kath.gunn@tepapa.govt.nz

The starting salary for this position will be between $90,000 to $117,000pa.  Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role, and internal relativities with other employees. Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.