Senior Partnerships Development Manager

Partnerships & Philanthropy

We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Development expert who will uplift the maturity, ambition, and effectiveness of the corporate and strategic partnerships funding channel at Te Papa.

Purpose of the position

This role is focused on driving sustainable pipeline growth, increasing partnership conversion opportunities, and developing high-value partnership products and initiatives. Working across the full partnership lifecycle, the position combines strategic business development, commercial negotiation, and relationship management to secure and maintain impactful, long-term partnerships that deliver long-term organisational impact.

You'll work in a way that reflects manaakitanga (care and respect), builds whanaungatanga (strong relationships), and encourages auahatanga (continuous improvement).

What success looks like

People will describe you as a strategic, commercially minded and relationship-driven partnerships leader who has significantly strengthened the organisation's corporate and strategic partnerships portfolio. You will be recognised for growing the value of the partnerships pipeline, securing high-value funding opportunities, and building trusted, long-term relationships. You will also be seen as someone who has improved team systems and processes for greater efficiency, and who has the ability to shift key external relationships into strategic partnerships that actively champion the organisation's mission and deliver sustained impact.

Key responsibilities

You will lead the full lifecycle of high-value partnerships, from market analysis and due diligence through to contract negotiation and execution, including developing tailored proposals and securing new partners. The role is a relationship owner for key partners, ensuring strong engagement, clear communication, and effective delivery of commitments. It also champions Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Mana Taonga Principle, embedding these values into partnership development and relationship management to ensure culturally informed and respectful practice.

Skills, experience and behaviours

We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Development Manager with extensive experience in business development, sales, and account management, including a proven track record of securing high-value partnerships. You will bring strong commercial acumen, excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement skills, and demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, influence, and execution. You are highly results-driven, with the ability to problem-solve in complex environments and develop compelling business cases for new partnership opportunities. You will have a well-established network of industry contacts and strong business relationships.

You will be adaptable and engaging, able to build trust and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal teams, CEOs, commercial organisations, and government agencies. You will demonstrate resilience, a proactive mindset, and the ability to navigate challenges and negotiations while maintaining momentum. You will also role-model Te Tiriti o Waitangi-aligned behaviours, embedding these principles into decision-making and ensuring cultural heritage and community connections are respected and upheld.

What we offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• A workplace committed to Te Tiriti
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, cafe and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions

Other Information

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

For more details, please refer to the Position Description.

If you are viewing this advertisement on a website other than the Te Papa job board, the Position Description may not be accessible. In this case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

The starting salary will be between $111,510 - 139,000 based on skills, experience and internal relativities.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via jobs.tepapa.govt.nz

Applications close: 17 July 2026

If you have questions, please ask

For a confidential discussion, contact Kath Gunn via Kath.Gunn@tepapa.govt.nz